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Introduction. This study compares thirty blind and visually impaired users' assessment of accessibility and usability of the two mobile platforms (mobile app and mobile website) of a digital library. Method. Triangulation of data collection was applied, including think-aloud protocols, transaction logs, post-platform questionnaires, post-platform interviews, and post-search interviews. Analysis. Two steps of analysis were used. First, quantitative analysis was applied to compare assessments of participants towards two mobile platforms' accessibility and usability. Second, qualitative data were analysed to identify types of design factors. Results. Mobile app performs significantly better in all accessibility and usability variables except accessing information/objects. Most importantly, nine types of design factors are revealed in relation to blind and visually impaired users' assessment of accessibility and usability for the two mobile platforms. Furthermore, the design problems of the mobile website are associated with a responsive design that adjusts the digital library interface to a mobile device, the complexity of digital library structure and formats, and a sight-centred design that excludes blind and visually impaired users' unique information-seeking behaviours. Conclusion. Mobile platforms of digital libraries, especially mobile websites, need to improve their designs. Design implications for mobile websites are further discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction. This study explores blind users' unique help-seeking situations in interacting with digital libraries. In particular, help-seeking situations were investigated at both the physical and cognitive levels. Method. Fifteen blind participants performed three search tasks, including known-item search, specific information search, and exploratory search, using the selected digital library. Pre-questionnaire, pre-and post-interviews, transaction logs and think-aloud protocols were used to collect data. Analysis. Open coding analysis was used to identify help-seeking situations the physical and cognitive levels. Results. The study identified seventeen help-seeking situations that blind users encountered while using digital libraries, including nine at the physical level and eight at the cognitive level. To be more specific, physical help-seeking situations were categorised into 1) difficulty accessing information, 2) difficulty identifying current status and path, and 3) difficulty evaluating information efficiently. Cognitive help-seeking situations were classified into 1) confusion about multiple programs and structures, 2) difficulty understanding information, 3) difficulty understanding or using digital library features, and 4) avoidance of specific formats or approaches. Conclusion. The identified help-seeking situations reveal a gap between current digital library design practices and special needs of blind users. Practical implications for the design of help features for more blind-friendly digital libraries are suggested based on the findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction. Evaluation plays an important role in users' information searching and retrieving processes. While previous research mainly focuses on applied criteria, less research is on other dimensions of evaluation. This study explores the dimensions of evaluation activities including criteria applied, elements examined, activity engaged in and time spent in evaluating individual documents. Method. Conducting their own tasks, thirty-one participants with different demographic backgrounds, participated in the study. Multiple data collection methods were used: pre-questionnaires, interaction diaries, think-aloud protocols, transaction logs and post-questionnaires. Analysis. Types of evaluation criteria, elements, evaluation activities and their associated pre- and post-activities were analysed by open-coding. Descriptive analysis was applied to analyse the most and least time spent on individual documents with associated factors. Results. The findings of this study reveal that evaluation activities are complicated and dynamic. Eighteen types of evaluation criteria, seven types of evaluation elements, six types of evaluation activities and their associated pre- and post-activities were identified. In addition, factors affecting time spent in evaluating individual documents were analysed. Conclusions. The authors offer suggestions for information retrieval system design to support effective evaluation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]