Jane Holt Freese

Nevada Library Association

Information Architecture Analysis and Redesign Recommendations

Architecture Team – Group 3:

Margarethe Eirenschmalz

Jane Holt Freese

Kathryn Poulter

Stacy Vincent

Instructor: Dr. Miguel Ruiz

Additional documents in attached files: available in hard copy.

Categories_x_Items.xlsx

Blueprint_ of_ existing_ site.pdf

Blueprint_ of_ proposed_ site.pdf

Content Inventory.xls

Homepage_wireframe.pdf

 

Executive Summary

NLA Redesign team conducted benchmarking, user interviews, a survey, and card sorting to arrive at a set of recommended changes to the Nevada Library Association website.

The Nevada Library Association’s primary stakeholders consist of the approximately 230 dues paying members.  The members use the website to stay informed about conferences, activities and news about libraries in the state.  Most of the members we interviewed said that they log into the site when they are alerted via email through the NLA subscription service. Those members who hold offices or committee positions report that they use the site as a resource for information about rules, legislation, meetings and publications.

Based on our study of the existing website and the needs and desires of users and stakeholders our team recommends the following:

Dynamic

• Present news and upcoming events prominently on the opening page, include images, and update the articles at least once per week.
• Subscribe to a news aggregator so that members can link to news articles about libraries from the NLA site.
• Implement a user log such as Google Analytics to keep track of activity on the site.  Delete features that get little attention and expand features users view frequently.

Participatory

• Since many members log into the site through email alerts, we recommend that the site create a news blog and topic forums for members to comment, chat and share ideas.
• Officers and committee chairs are encouraged to contribute to blogs and establish discussions in the forums.
• Include an image gallery where members can share photos.

Attractive

• Improve the graphic presentation of the site with consistent typography and layout.
• Create an attractive color scheme, logo and images.

Easy to Navigate

• Reorganize the content of the site; include more categories for easier navigation.
• Feature a search field in the upper right hand of each page.

The newsletter subscription service the NLA offers is a valuable feature. It brings members to the website.  Generating more articles more frequently and pinging each update, will alert search engines that the site is active and will drive more traffic to it.  The website could not only be a service to librarians in Nevada, but a strong marketing tool for the association itself.

Research Deliverables:

1. Context definition and background research

a. What is the organization for which you will be developing the site?

The Nevada Library Association (NLA) is a non-profit organization.  According to Article I. Section 2 of the association bylaws:

The purpose of NLA shall be to promote library service of the highest quality for all present and potential users of libraries in Nevada. NLA is organized and operated for educational and literary purposes, no part of the net earnings of which may be used to benefit any private individual or member.

The organization was started in 1946 with only six members.  Now, the membership numbers about 235. The NLA informs members about new and pending legislation impacting libraries in Nevada. The organization holds an annual conference, usually in the summer, and sends delegates to the American Library Association, Mountain Plains Library Association, and REFORMA (national association to promote Spanish speaking) conferences.

The NLA also publishes a newsletter and offers a listserv to members.

The website needs to be updated and redesigned in order to attract new members and the better serve existing members of the organization.

1. Stakeholders for the website include the NLA’s Board of Trustees:

• President
• President Elect
• Past-president
• Executive Secretary
• Finance Chairperson
• Treasurer
• NCRL (Nevada College and Research Libraries) Chairperson
• NSCLS (Nevada School and Children’s Librarians) Chairperson
• PLATO (Public Library and Trustee Organization) Chairperson
• Northeast District Chairperson
• Northwest District Chairperson
• Southern District Chairperson

The members of the NLA and prospective members of the organization are also stakeholders. The website is designed for them to access information about membership, events, and legislation affecting the library profession in Nevada. Since the purpose of the organization is to “promote library service” for “all present and potential users of libraries,” the website is also designed for librarians who may never become members but who might benefit from the information offered through NLA. Library users and vendors also visit the site for information.

1. Technology assessment

Currently the NLA is using a website design program, Dreamweaver, rather than a content management system.  The site is hosted by bluehost.com. There are currently no login records or analytics for this site. Drupal is one of the applications that can be run on bluehost.com.

2. Understanding the contents

a. Benchmarking Study

According to StateMaster.com, Nevada spends about $3.02 per 10 people on public libraries. This means Nevada ranks 49^th in the amount spent on public libraries. Only Hawaii spends less. States ranking close at positions #46, #47, and #48 are New Mexico, North Carolina and South Dakota. In total library circulation per capita, Nevada ranks #32. Other states with comparable circulation are Montana, California (that’s right), Michigan, Alaska, and Oklahoma.

Statistics for library visits per capita: Nevada ranks 29th.  Other states with close rankings are Massachusetts, Virginia, New Hampshire, Arizona and Florida.

We chose to benchmark the New Mexico Library association website and Arizona Library Association website because they are similar to Nevada along the aforementioned criteria.  Conversely, we chose to benchmark the Ohio Library Council website and the New York Library association website because they are two of the top rated library association websites in the nation.

 

Nevada Library Association
http://www.nevadalibraries.org/
Observations	Conclusions
Appearance
The background is plain white.  Text size, style, weight, and color are inconsistent from page to page.  Page alignment is also inconsistent from page to page.  The NLA logo in the top left corner looks good.  In general the page needs more color and graphics.  The “About the NLA” page is very long and solid text with no “back to top” or contextual links.	This site looks amateurish and disjointed.  It needs a consistent layout and positioning, as well as more color and a background color.  The “About the NLA” page needs to be broken up or otherwise shortened, and it needs contextual links.
Content
The site does not appear to use a CMS.  Content does not appear to be regularly or consistently updated.	The site could benefit from using a CMS and being updated regularly.
Labeling
Labels for the global navigation links along the left side of each page and across the top are consistent. Position changes from page to page.  Page headings are the same as global navigation labels. Labels throughout the site are consistent with labels in the sitemap.  The color, font, and positioning of subheadings and links are inconsistent.	The consistency of the labels themselves is quite good, but the visual presentation is not.  Labels and headings need to be presented in a consistent color, font, size and position.
Navigation System
Global navigation consists of 7 links on the left hand side of every page.  Local and contextual navigation blur together because many pages are cluttered with numerous links and little text.  There is a link to a sitemap in the footer of every page.	The global navigation is solid, but the local and contextual navigation need to be revised and streamlined.
Organization Structure
Organization structure is based on hypertext links.	The organization structure would benefit from visually consistent labeling and improved local and contextual navigation links.
Organization Scheme
Organization is ambiguous by topic.	This type of organization is appropriate for the site.
Search Systems
On the first page below the fold there is a button that says “Search NLA WEB”.  It is not located on any other page.  Clicking the button opens a new page.  There is a box with the words “Search for:” to the left.  Below and to the left are the buttons that say “Search!” and “Clear.”  Brief instructions for Boolean searching are given below the search box.	The “Search NLA Web” button is difficult to find.  The search feature would be much easier to use if it adhered to the standard of convention of a search box in the upper right corner of the page with a “Search” button immediately to the right or left.
Special Features
None	The site might benefit from social navigation.

 

New Mexico Library Association
http://nmla.org/
Observations	Conclusions
Appearance
The pages are centered on the screen.  The color scheme is well coordinated, but it consists mostly of finely differentiated shades of gray.  Some buttons are red.  The red really makes them pop against the white and grey.  The font is clear and easy to read.  Graphics and logos are simple yet striking. The layout is balanced and uncluttered.	The site has a very professional look.  The use of boxes and make the site easy to navigate visually, though the light grays seem to run together a bit.
Content
The site appears to use a CMS.  It is updated regularly.	The CMS and regular updates enhance the site.
Labeling
The labels are clear and consistent throughout all pages.  Font color and style are also consistent.  Contextual links are displayed in light blue.	The labeling is user friendly.
Navigation System
Global navigation labels are prominently displayed in a horizontal line across the top of every page.  Contextual links are displayed in blue.  Most pages do not have local navigation links.  Instead, contextual navigation is used heavily.  A list of all pages is shown on every page and functions similar to a site map or index.  Breadcrumbs are displayed in the body of every page.	There are ample navigation options and they are user friendly.
Organization Structure
Organization structure is based on hypertext.	Hypertext works well for this site.
Organization Scheme
Organization is ambiguous by topic.	Ambiguous topical organization works well for this site.
Search Systems
Search box is displayed in the upper right-hand corner of every page.  The word “search” is displayed inside the box to the left, and a green arrow is displayed inside the box on the right.  Results are displayed on a new page.	The box is well placed, but it blends in too much with the various shades of gray.
Special Features
Social navigation links are displayed prominently in bright colors on every page.	Social navigation links are easy to find and therefore probably used frequently.

 

Arizona Library Association
http://www.azla.org/
Observations	Conclusions
Appearance
Color and layout are consistent and professional-looking.  Font style is easy to read.  Clickable links are barely a different color of regular text.  The rotating picture banner across the top of the page looks good.	The appearance is very professional and enhances navigability.  However, clickable links need to stand out more from regular text.
Content
The site appears to use a CMS.  Based on the Calendar page, it seems to be updated regularly.	Content is well managed and recent.
Labeling
Global navigation labels are consistent and displayed across the top of most pages.  On mouseover, many of the global navigation tabs display a drop down menu.  This menu is partially obscured by mouseover text displayed below the pointing hand.  Some page headings are the same as global navigation labels, but not all.  Contextual links are displayed in a color barely different from regular text, but they are underlined.	Labeling is generally sound.  The mouseover effect should be changed so that it does not obstruct the drop down menus.  Page headings should match global navigation labels.
Navigation System
Global navigation is displayed horizontally across the top of every screen.  Drop down menus appear upon mouseover of a global navigation tab.  There is little local navigation, but numerous contextual links.  Headings and clickable looks sometimes look identical.	Headings should look different from clickable links.  Some contextual links could be reorganized as local navigation for a cleaner look.
Organization Structure
Organization is based on hypertext links.	This type of organization structure works well for the site.
Organization Scheme
Organization is ambiguous by topic.	This type of organization works well for the site.
Search Systems
None.	The site could benefit from a search system.
Special Features
Some pages, such as the events calendar, have a printer friendly option button on the page.	This is a convenient feature.

 

 

Ohio Library Association
http://www.olc.org/
Observations	Conclusions
Appearance
The layout is consistent, centered, and well balanced.  The color scheme is very simple but coordinated and appropriate to the site.  Graphics are used sparingly, but look good.	The appearance is professional and enhances navigability.
Content
The site appears to use a CMS and be updated regularly.	Content looks good.
Labeling
Labels are clear and descriptive.  On mouseover, global navigation tabs display a drop down menu.  Global navigation labels match page headings exactly.	The labeling on this site is excellent.
Navigation System
Global navigation tabs are displayed horizontally across the top of all pages.  Local navigation links are displayed on the upper left side of all pages.   Links to OLC chapters are shown in a clickable map of Ohio.  Breadcrumbs are displayed across the top of each screen.  Contextual links are displayed in gray underlined text.  The site also offers a Quick Links drop down menu for most popular destinations.	The navigation system provides many easy to use options to get around the site.
Organization Structure
Structure is based on hypertext links.	This structure works well for the site.
Organization Scheme
The scheme is ambiguous by topic.	This organization scheme works well for the site.
Search Systems
A search box with a “Search” button to the right is displayed below the local navigation links (on the right hand side) on each page.  Ten results are displayed per page.  Radio buttons options allow the searcher to search the entire web or just within olc.org.  It is possible to search within results.	The search system is easy to find and use.
Special Features
Social navigation links are prominently displayed on the homepage.  A box containing the OLC’s latest twitter posts and a link to twitter is displayed on the right side of the home page.	Due their prominent location on the homepage, the social navigation links are easy to find and likely to get used.

 

 

New York Library Association
http://nmla.org/
Observations	Conclusions
Appearance
The pages are mostly white with a blue and yellow along the sides.  Print is small and much of it is white letters on a dark blue background. The letters are presented in varying shades of blue, orange and brown.  Hyperlinks are underscored. Although the site is simple it its design, there a great deal of content. Because there is so much content, the photos resemble advertisements rather than illustrations.	The site has an academic, almost commercial look. All the tabs have drop down menus, so even though there is a great deal to read, it is clearly presented. I wonder, however if it would be difficult for a visually impaired person to navigate.
Content
The site is powered by ES11 and web development service. The Home page features Headlines with “New!” and “Updated!” articles including the dates they that they were last modified.	The site is kept up to date.
Labeling
The labels are clear and consistent throughout all pages.  Font style is consistent though the color of the text changes to differentiate type of content.  Contextual links are underscored.	The labeling is user friendly.
Navigation System
Global navigation labels are prominently displayed in a horizontal line across the top of every page along with an additional Home and Contact link above.  The labels are also repeated on the bottom of the page as well as Terms of Use, Site Map and Contact Information. Local navigation is displayed on the left hand side. Contextual links are underscored. Breadcrumbs are displayed in the body of every page.	There are ample navigation options and they are user friendly and consistent.
Organization Structure
Organization structure is based on hypertext.	Hypertext works well for this site.
Organization Scheme
Organization is ambiguous by topic.	Ambiguous topical organization works well for this site.
Search Systems
Search box is displayed in the upper right-hand corner of every page.  The word “search” is displayed inside the box to the left, and a yellow arrow is displayed outside of the box on the right.  Results are displayed on a new page.	The box can’t be missed.
Special Features
Social navigation links are displayed prominently with bright logos on the Home page only.   The search feature is heavily hyper-texted and offered a percentage ranking by relevance.	The search feature is probably used a great deal given the amount of content of this site.

 

Conclusions and Lessons Learned – Benchmarking Study

The layout and positioning of the current site needs to be adjusted so that every page is consistent.  Aesthetically, the site is the weakest of comparable state association websites.   The only navigation at the top of the page is Home, Links and Divisions. There should be more categories so that users can find the major content from the Home page.  Also, the search field is located at the bottom of the Home page in a box.  The location of the search field should follow convention – displayed at the upper right of each page and labeled “Search.”

There needs to be an easy way for members to login to find out who else is a member of the organization. This information is only available to association members. In order to access the roster, members must go to the Membership page and click onto the “Online Membership Form (credit card only)” link that opens a member login function. This is not an easy or obvious route to the information.  One of the NLA members who participated in our survey mentioned having difficulty logging in as a member.

Our user research (explained in the next section), indicates that NLA association members join and login to the website for news and information about conferences, etc.  Making the news prominent and updated would make the site relevant to members.  The Ohio Library Association site is a good example for putting the news first.   New Mexico Library Association also displays news on the opening page in a WordPress blog format with installments dated; most current entries displayed descending order with the most recent at the top.

The website needs to be updated. Based on the benchmarking study the NLA other library association websites, the NLA Redesign Group recommends that the NLA website needs to be:

• visually pleasing through consistency in design and scale from page to page
• current and relevant by presenting updated news on the opening page
• easily navigated by offering a breadcrumb trail at the top of the page
• searchable by placing a search field in the upper right of every page
• member friendly by allowing members to login easily

1. Metadata and content analysis

Categories for the metadata were determined by study of other state library association websites.  A list of 55 individual topics was identified and eight main categories were selected. These categories are: Home, About, Membership, Advocacy, Regions/Committees, Publications, Events, and Employment Opportunities.
Home – Overview, News, Award Recipients, Member Login, Find a Library, Presidents Blog, Social Networks List, Calendar

About  NLA– History, Contact, Bylaws, Awards, Administration, Research and Statistics, Statement of Purpose, Articles of Incorporation, Strategic Plan, Grants and Endowments, Parent Resources, Research and Development, Scholarships, Workshops, Student Resources

Conferences/Events – Calendar, Workshops, Continuing Education, REFORMA Assoc.  Mountain Plains Library Assoc., 2010 Annual Conference, 2010 Conference Handouts, 2009 Annual Conference, 2009 Conference Handouts

Membership – New Members, Registration Form, Officer Resources

Advocacy – Legislative Agenda, Legislative Updates, Advocacy Links, Advocacy Articles, Intellectual Freedom, Intellectual Freedom Links, Intellectual Freedom Articles, Public Relations

Publications – Newsletter, Archives, Advocacy Articles, Intellectual Freedom Articles, 2010 Conference Handouts, 2009 Conference Handouts, Brochure, Handbook
Regions/Committees – Northeast District, Northwest District, Southern District, NCRL (Nevada College and Research Libraries), NSCLS (Nevada School and Children’s Librarians), PLATO (Public Library and Trustee Organization)

Employment Opportunities

These labels and categories were tested with a closed cardsort through WebSort.net.  The results of the cardsort are examined in the next section.

3. Users

a. Log analysis (including search logs) if there is an existing web site.
According to Alexa.com, the top queries driving traffic to Nevadalibraries.org are:
25.76%   nyra (New York Racing Association) perhaps this is a typo for National Youth Rights Association?
9.08%     Nevada library association
6.28%     Paseo Verde Library
4.71%     Wi-fo.ppt
3.49%      nla reno
During the month of October 2010, 20% of the website’s traffic came from search engines.

b. Personas and use cases

Primary

Name: Jessica Sanchez
Age: 26
Profession: Children’s Services Librarian

Web Usage: Jessica is a digital native and heavy user of social networking sites, hulu, online catalogs and video games.  “I need to know what is going on in libraries in Nevada and who the important people are so I can have an interesting, rewarding and well-paying career.”

Jessica is a working on her master’s degree in library science part-time and working full time at the public library. She works in the children’s section. Graduating from college with a degree in psychology four years ago, Jessica didn’t know what she could do with her degree. She worked in the library when she was in high school, so her former employer asked her to fill a vacancy.  Shortly afterward the library district implemented a hiring freeze. Jessica loves her job, the kids, and the people she works with. She has been to one NLA conference and looks forward to attending more. She joined the association to meet other librarians and to further her career.

She knows that jobs in libraries are scarce in Nevada and that she must be credentialed, known, and valued in order to compete or even hold onto her job.

Jessica’s Goals:

Big – To become more involved in the NLA by suggesting workshops and other activities.

Smaller – To meet more members through the website. Learn how to advocate for libraries through political participation.

Secondary

Name: Leslie Hartley
Age: 43
Profession: Adult services public librarian; treasurer of the Public Libraries Committee of the NLA.
Web usage: Leslie is constantly on the web to check email, look at the news, and perform job tasks.

“I’m passionate about libraries and believe they are a force for good in our communities.”

lie is a very busy mid-career professional and married mother of 3.  She has worked in libraries for over 20 years and in Nevada public libraries for 13. She works in adult services, and has become passionate about reaching out to older, disabled, and home-bound library patrons.  She also has an interest in young adult library programs since she has three teenage children at home.  She is an active member of the NLA and serves on many committees and roundtables.

Leslie’s Goals: Big

Make the website that encourages librarians to get involved, not just in their individual libraries, but their communities as well.

Smaller: Learn more members’ names and increase membership.

 

Complementary

Name: Peter Wilson
Age: 24
Profession: Information tech
Web usage: Uses the web every day. He is the virtual branch manager for a consortium of 23 libraries.

“Libraries aren’t about books anymore — everything is digital and online.”

Peter graduated from college and immediately got a job with two competing software companies. When each downsized, he was laid off from each one. He was hired a year ago by the library consortium. Peter is not married, but he has been corresponding with a girl in Singapore and plans to bring her over to meet.

Peter’s Goals: Big: To design a website that connects all the state libraries together.

Smaller: To have a steady job working in technology where he can stay current and maybe even have the opportunity to design websites.

 

Interviews:

Informal interviews were conducted with librarians at the Gibson Library in Henderson by Jane Holt. The NLA members consisted of four young women (one works in reference, one in circulation and the other two work in children’s services).  All agree that the website is out of date.  One said that she belonged to the organization to meet other members, but that it was not clear on the website how to access the members’ roster.  The other women said they belonged to the NLA for the newsletters and to participate in conferences. They all said that they participate in the listserv so they can have access to news and alerts from the organization.  Otherwise they do not log into the site on a regular basis, but rather use it when they are alerted through email.

Survey:

An online survey of 5 questions was conducted though SurveyMonkey.com.  It resulted in nine responses.

For a list of the survey questions and their answers see Appendix A.

The most revealing results came from the responses to Question #4:

“What information are you searching for when you use [the NLA] website?”

and Question #5:

“What features do you think would improve the website?”

Six out of nine mentioned “conference” in response to Question #4:  “What information are you searching for when you use [the NLA] website?

Words mentioned by frequency:

• Conference – 6
• Membership – 3
• Employment information or job openings – 2
• Newsletters or news – 3
• Events – 1
• Registration information -1
• Communication with officers -1
• Resources -1
• Bylaws information -1
• Contact information for other Nevada librarians -1
• How to contact the president -1

In response to Question #5 “What features do you think would improve the website?”

One respondent reiterated what an interview subject said about only checking the website with prompted by an email. Improvement suggestions by frequency:

• Better (“easier”) navigation (“want to easily find the things I’m looking for”) – 4
• The need for updated design – 3
• Include a counter noting when the pages were last updated -1
• The need for more current posts -1
• Calendar of events -1
• Trouble logging into personal account -1
• Finding employment suggestions -1
• The ability to search the site -1

 

Contextual Inquiry:

According the NLA President, Joan Vaughn, the current website has needed updating for some time.  “We are a small association,” she said.  “We only have about 235 members.  Most of our members work in public libraries and want to be in touch with other librarians in the state. News and conferences are an important part of belonging to the NLA.”

Redesign of the NLA website is almost complete. Vaughn and Joy Gunn, the webmaster for the current website, agreed to assist our group in our redesign research by keeping the old website online until our redesign group finishes the course assignment. Mrs. Vaughn and Mrs. Gunn are interested in seeing the results of our research and design suggestions once completed.  Their assistance, allowing us to redesign what has already been done and keeping the old site running for our use, is greatly appreciated.

Cardsorting:

A closed cardsort was conducted through WebSort.net.  Fifteen people completed the sort. The eight categories included:

• About
• Advocacy
• Employment Opportunities
• Events
• Main Page
• Membership
• Publications
• Regions/Committees

The 54 items to be sorted were as follows:

News

Award Recipients

Member Login

Find a Library

Presidents Blog

Social Networks List

Calendar
History

Contact

Bylaws

Awards

Administration

Research and Statistics

Statement of Purpose

Articles of Incorporation

Strategic Plan

Grants and Endowments

Parent Resources

Research and Development

Scholarships

Workshops

Student Resources
New Members

Registration Form

Officer Resources
Legislative Agenda

Legislative Updates

Advocacy Links

Advocacy Articles

Intellectual Freedom

Intellectual Freedom Links

Intellectual Freedom Articles

Public Relations
Northeast District

Northwest District

Southern District

NCRL (Nevada College and Research Libraries)

NSCLS (Nevada School and Children’s Librarians)

PLATO (Public Library and Trustee Organization)
Newsletter

Archives

Advocacy Articles

Intellectual Freedom Articles

Brochure

Handbook
Continuing Education

REFORMA Assoc.

Mountain Plains Library Association

2010 Annual Conference

2010 Conference Handouts

2009 Annual Conference

2009 Conference Handouts
Employment Opportunities

One person responded: “There should be a separate category for Scholarships, Grants and Endowments and Research and Statistics. There should be another separate category for Parent Resources and Student Resources.”

Another respondent wrote: “I was not able to create new categories or rename any of the categories.  If I could, I would put continuing education, scholarships, awards, & grants and endowments under its own category.”

According to the Categories x Items analysis, the confusion seemed to be most pronounced with items:

• Parent Resources
• Student Resources
• Officer Resources
• Continuing Education
• Scholarships
• Bylaws
• Research and Development
• Social Networks List
• Home Link

For Categories x Items analysis, see attached file Categories_x_Items.xls

The Social Networks List and Member Login should be displayed on the Main Page and the Home Link should exist on every page as a return to the Main Page.

The most heavily loaded category is About.  It seemed to work as a catch-all for other items that didn’t have a clear place.

By setting the Tree Graph to 11 categories (Social Networks List and Members Login will be included on the Main Page).  The categories set up into 10 fairly balanced groups – see Appendix B

Calendar

Overview

News

Find a Library

President’s Blog

Contact Information

About LA:

History

Bylaws

Articles of Incorporation

Statement of Purpose

Strategic Plan

Administration

Public Relations

Research and Development

Research and Statistics

Grants and Endowments

 

Conferences/Events

Continuing Education

Workshops

2010 Annual Conference

2009 Annual Conference

 

Membership:

New Members

Registration Form

Officer Resources

Parent Resources

Student Resources

Scholarships

Advocacy:

Intellectual Freedom Articles

Legislative Agenda

Legislative Updates

Intellectual Freedom Links

Advocacy Links

Advocacy Articles

Intellectual Freedom

 

Publications:

Archives

Newsletter

2010 Conference Handouts

2009 Conference Handouts

Handbook

Brochure

Regions/Committees

Northeast District

Northwest District

Southern District

NCRL (Nevada College and Research Libraries)

NSCLS (Nevada School and Children’s Librarians)

PLATO (Public Library and Trustee Organization)
REFORMA Association

Mountain Plains Library Association

Employment Opportunities:

This section includes a sample usability test plan.  A usability test is a method of determining how a website user interacts with a given website.  The purpose of a usability test is to determine what aspects of the website work well and which need improvement.  A usability test plan is a document that explains the purpose of usability testing, the details of when, where, how, and by whom usability testing will be done, how the results are interpreted, and the script to be used during testing.  A sample plan only is described in this section.

Purpose

The general purpose of a usability test is to determine the strengths and weaknesses of a website as experienced by an actual user.  This is important because an idea that seems great to a website developer or stakeholder my turn out to not work very well in real life.  It is important to perform frequent usability tests throughout the design phase of a new or revamped website because it allows website developers to make changes to the site as they go along.  Without frequent usability testing, website developers may launch a new site only to find that users do not like it or find it difficult to navigate.

The specific purpose of this usability test plan is to establish the goals of the usability tests, a testing schedule, methodology, and sample test script.

The objectives of the usability test are as follow:

1. Determine users’ general impressions of the website.

2. Determine users’ satisfaction after completing or attempting to complete a specific task

Logistics

Usability testing will be conducted weekly throughout the design phase of the website.  Two test volunteers will be tested each week at their convenience.  Volunteers can be anyone who is not directly involved in redesigning the website.  This includes people who have nothing to do with libraries, Nevada, or the Nevada Library Association.  The testing location will be determined by the tester and test volunteer.  Testing can be done anywhere as long as the tester and volunteer are in the same room and all necessary supplies are present.  The supplies needed for each test are a computer with internet access, the test script, and a notebook and pen.

The actual usability test will consist of four parts and should take no more than fifteen minutes.  First, the tester will explain the purpose and method of the test.  Second, the tester will administer a short pre-test survey like the one described earlier in this document.  Third, the tester will ask the volunteer about her general impressions of the website and then observe her as she completes a few simple tasks.  Finally, the tester will administer a short post-test questionnaire.

Test Script

The following is a short sample test script.  The script is meant to be read by the tester to the volunteer.  The tester should stick fairly close to the script, but it is not necessary to be exact.  The tester should, however, refrain from giving the volunteer a lot of help, hints, or long explanations about the website.

Tester: Hello, my name is ____________.  As I explained earlier, I am part of a team that is redesigning the Nevada Library Association website.  My team and I want to make sure this new website is as user-friendly as possible, and in order to do that we need feedback from people like you.  I’m going to keep this test as short as possible because I know you’re busy.  It should take about 15 minutes, and there are no right or wrong answers.  Do you have any questions so far?

Volunteer:

Tester: Ok, here’s what will happen.  First I will give you a short survey to that will help us understand a little about you and how you might use this website.  After that I’ll have you look at the website and ask a few questions about your general impression of the site.  Then, I’ll ask you to try to do a few simple tasks and tell me how satisfied or dissatisfied you were after completing them.  Finally, I’ll ask a few quick follow-up questions.  Remember, that are no right or wrong answers.  Are you ready to begin?

Volunteer:

Tester: Let’s start with the survey.

1. How often do you use the Internet?

2. What types of things do you like to do on the Internet?

3. Have you ever heard of the Nevada Library Association?

4. Have you ever used the Nevada Library Association’s website before?

Tester: Now, I’m going to pull up the Nevada Library Association website on the computer.  Take a few moments to look at it.  What do you think is the purpose of this website?

Volunteer:

Tester: What are the first things that strike you about it?

Volunteer:

Tester: What do you want to click on first?

Volunteer:

Tester: Any other first impressions you’d like to talk about?

Volunteer:

Tester: Next, I’m going to ask you to complete two tasks.  I’m not going to really help you do them, but feel free to think out loud as go through the process.  If you get frustrated or can’t finish, that’s ok.  That kind of information is very useful to us.  Are you ready?

Volunteer:

Tester: Pretend that you are interested in joining the Nevada Library Association.  Using the website, try to find information about becoming a member.  When you feel like you’ve found what you want or don’t want to look any more, tell me that you’re finished.  Ready?

Volunteer:

Tester: On a scale of 1-5 where 1 means very dissatisfied and 5 means very satisfied, how satisfied are you with the information you found?

Volunteer:

Tester: On a scale of 1-5 where 1 means very hard and 5 means very easy, how would you rate the difficulty of finding that information?

Volunteer:

Tester: What changes would make you feel more satisfied?

Volunteer:

Tester: Ok, now for the second task.  Pretend you are interested in attending an upcoming NLA event.  Try to find information about an event that interests you.

Tester: On a scale of 1-5 where 1 means very dissatisfied and 5 means very satisfied, how satisfied are you with the information you found?

Volunteer:

Tester: On a scale of 1-5 where 1 means very hard and 5 means very easy, how would you rate the difficulty of finding that information?

Volunteer:

Tester: What changes would make you feel more satisfied?

Volunteer:

Tester: Thank you very much.  I have a few follow up questions, and then we’re finished.

1. On a scale of 1-5, how satisfied were you with you experience of using this website?

2. What did you like most about the website?

3. What did you like least about the website?

4. Do you have any suggestions to make the site better?

Thank you for your time.

II. Design Deliverables

1. Conceptual Diagram Activities, Offerings and People all contain a news dimension.  Email alerts and online newsletters prompt members to log in.  All users logging into the site will be greeted with news on the Main Page. See Appendix C.

1. Blueprints of the existing site consist of the Main Page (Home) with a local navigation bar on the left-hand side to seven pages:

About NLA

Organization

Membership

Legislation

Publications

Employment

 

The content of the “About the NLA” page is text only and contains a history of the organization as well as the bylaws.

The content on the Home page provides hyperlinks to content within the site—see Home page screen shot below.

Blueprint Diagrams of the website as it presently exists—see attached file: Blueprint_ of _existing_site.pdf

The diagram for the proposed website—see attached file: Blueprint_of_proposed_site.pdf

The new arrangement presents users with more choices from the Main page including the four additional categories: Overview, Calendar, Find a Library, and FAQs for a total number of 12 local navigation tabs:

About NLA

Conferences/Events

Membership

Advocacy

Publications

Regions/Committees

Find a Library

Employment

FAQ

Topics in the proposed Scholarship and Grants category were divided between Membership and About NLA.  Most of the other state association websites we looked at in our benchmarking study limited the main navigation links to between 7 and 10.  Although we considered creating a Resources tab, we decided it was too vague a term.

Wireframe for the new main page reflects users’ desire to see news and current events. The other elements follow convention with the logo and header on the upper left and search tab and member login on the upper right.  Local navigation tabs are arranged in a column along the left-hand side. News and noteworthy content is given center stage in the center right window.  To make the website attractive, a picture banner spans the page along the top, under the logo and header. Contact, social network and bookmark lists line the bottom of the page.  See attached file Homepage_Wireframe.pdf

1. Content Inventory

Purpose

The purpose of this content inventory is to determine what is currently on the NLA website and whether or not that content needs to be deleted or migrated to the redesigned site.  For example, broken link and outdated content does not need to be migrated to the new site.  Additionally, this content inventory will be used to map the future location of each content item in the revised site.

Method

The current NLA website is surprisingly large despite its deceptively sparse appearance.  An exhaustive content inventory is not possible due to time constraint and the fact that this is a student project.  It this project was intended for a real customer, an exhaustive inventory would be recommended.  However, the scope of this content inventory only encompasses the headings and links contained in each of the 11 main pages of the NLA website.

This content inventory was completed using Microsoft Excel worksheets.  Each worksheet contains five columns: ID, Name, Location, File Type, and Comments.  The ID numbers 1-11 were assigned to each of the 11 main pages, which correspond to the 11 global navigation links.

The ID numbers are as follows:

1. Home
2. Links
3. Divisions
4. About the NLA
5. Organization
6. Membership
7. Events
8. Legislation
9. Publication

10.  Employment

11.  Site Map

For example, the first link on the Home page has the ID number 1.1, the second 1.2, etc.  The Name column contains the name of the link as it appears on the website.  The Location column contains the URL of the link.  The File Type column contains the file extension type of documents only if it is a file type other than HTML.  Finally, the Comments column contains any special information about the link, for example, links that connect to external websites have the word EXTERNAL in the comment column.  In a link is broke, damaged, missing, updated, etc., this is noted in the comments section.  When headings are used on the website, those headings are included in the worksheet as bold text against a gray background.  Links are placed beneath these corresponding heading(s). Email addresses were not inventoried.

Conclusions

Many of the link in the website are broken, damaged, or refer to past, outdated material. These links do not need to be migrated to the new site.  Additionally, some pages make extensive use of headings, while others have none at all.  Content needs to be placed in the context of headings.  Finally, some of the links included in the site map are not found anywhere else on the site.  These links need to be removed from the site entirely, or else placed with one of the other web pages.

See actual spreadsheet Content Inventory in the attached file ContentInventory.xls

1. Controlled Vocabulary

In order to accommodate a search function, the website must establish a controlled vocabulary for variations in search terms. The various search terms will be entered in as keywords for each page. Most of the variation is expected to occur with abbreviations and acronyms for various committees and districts.

The preferred terms are always spelled out with capitals used for the first letter of each main word — similar to book titles.  For example: Articles of Incorporation not Articles Of Incorporation or Articles of Incorp.

Preferred Terms                                                     Alternate Terms

All Classifications Teamed In One Network	ACTION
	All Classifications Teamed In 1 Network

 

American Library Association	ALA
	Amer. Library Association
	American Library Assoc.
	American Lib. Association
	Amer. Lib. Assoc.

 

Articles of Incorporation

Articles of Incorp.

 

Award Winners

Award Recipients

 

Collections, Automation, Preservation, Technical Services and Acquisitions in Nevada Interest Group

CAPTAIN

 

Continuing Education	Continuing Ed.
	Continuing Ed

 

Government Documents Interest Group	GODIG
	Government Docs Interest Group
	Government Docs Group
	Gov Docs Group

 

Legislative

Legislature

 

Mountain Plains Library Association	MPLA
	Mt. Plains Library Association
	Mountain Plains Library Assoc.
	Mt. Plains Lib. Association
	Mt. Plains Lib. Assoc.
	Mountain Plains Lib. Association

 

Nevada College and Research Libraries	NCRL
	Nevada College and Research Lib.
	NV College and Research Libraries
	NV College and Research Lib.

 

Nevada Library Association	NLA
	Nevada Library Assoc.
	NV Library Association
	NV Library Assoc.
	NV Lib. Association
	NV Lib. Assoc.

 

Nevada Networking and Automation Group	NNAG
	Nevada Networking Group
	Nevada Automation Group
	NV Networking and Automation Group
	NV Networking Group
	NV Automation Group

 

Nevada Young Readers Award	NYRA
	NV Young Readers Award
	Young Readers Award

 

Nevada School and Children’s Librarians	NSCLS
	NV School and Children’s Librarians
	NV School and Children’s Lib.
	Nevada Children’s Librarians
	NV Children’s Librarians
	Nevada School Librarians
	NV School Librarians

 

Northeast District	NE District
	NE Dist.

 

Northwest District	NW District
	NW Dist.

 

President

Pres.

 

President Elect

Pres. Elect

 

Past President	Past Pres.
	Former President
	Former Pres.

 

Public Library and Trustee Organization	PLATO
	Pub. Library and Trustee Organization
	Pub. Lib. and Trustee Organization
	Pub. Lib. and Trustee Org.
	Public Library Organization
	Public Lib. Organization
	Public Lib. Org.
	Trustee Organization
	Trustee Org.

 

Public Relations

PR

 

Reference and Information Searchers of Nevada	RAISON
	Reference and Info. Searchers of Nevada
	Reference and Information Searchers of NV
	Reference and Information Searchers
	Nevada Reference and Information Searchers
	Reference Workers of Nevada
	Information Searchers of Nevada

 

REFORMA Association	REFORMA
	REFORMA  Assoc.

 

Secretary

Sec.

 

Southern District	Southern Dist.
	S. District
	S. Dist.

 

Treasurer

Treas.

 

Vice President	Vice Pres.
	VP

 

III. Final Deliverable

The functional prototype was located at http://tepuy.lis.unt.edu/nvla/ but is no longer available online.
APPENDIX A – Survey Results

1. What is your current job title or work responsibility?

1. Assistant Branch Manager/Head of Reference

2. Associate Library Director

3. Manager of a library

4. Circulation librarian

5. Virtual Branch Manager

6. Adult Services Specialist/Librarian

7. Children’s Librarian

8. Customer Service Specialist

9. I am a part-time reference librarian and volunteer

 

2. What is your age?

2. 65

3. 38

4. 27

5. 39

6. 27

7. 24

8. 25

9. 52

 

100 % responded, “Yes”

 

4. If yes, what information are you searching for when you use it?

1. Usually conference info

2. Annual registration information, communication with officers, other resources

3. Event information, Bylaws information, membership renewal, employment information, newsletters.

4. When the next conference is, and where it is.

5. membership, conference info, newsletters

6. Conference information, newsletter, contact information for other Nevada librarians.

7. Name of the current president and how to contact her

8. I look for information about membership fees, conference dates, and job openings

9. I look for news about conferences

 

5. What features do you think would improve the website?

1. I really only use the website when prompted (email regarding conf. info., membership renewal, etc.) It is not a website I visit just to browse.

2. Familiarity with the website will help. I want to easily find the things I’m looking for.

3. Updated look! Better navigation. A counter that says when pages were last updated.

4. More colors. Bigger buttons

5. news events in front, better navigation, incorporate calendar of events for southern and northern districts, update the look of the site

6. Easier navigation. Lots of the info is not up to date many times. When looking for my own personal account info I always have a hard time getting logged in.

7. I’d like to be able to search the website.

8. It looks really plain and the layout is a little different on each page. I think a nicer layout and design would look good.

9. I would like to see more information about grants and seminars for continuing education. Suggestions for finding work would be helpful as well.

 

APPENDIX B – Tree Graph with 11 Categories

 

APPENDIX – C    Conceptual Diagram

What users want to know:  Activities, Offerings and People have a News dimension.  Email alerts and online newsletters prompt members to log in.  All users are greeted with news on the Main Page.