Search

This paper analyzes usage data from Hunter Library's digital collections using Google Analytics for a period of twenty-seven months from October 2013 through December 2015. The authors consider this data analysis to be important for identifying collections that receive the largest number of visits. We argue this data evaluation is important in terms of better informing decisions for building digital collections that will serve user needs. The authors also study the benefits of harvesting to sites such as the Digital Public Library of America, and they believe this paper will contribute to the literature on Google Analytics and its use by libraries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

North Carolina State University Libraries has built a strong employee orientation program based on the belief that early socialization contributes to the success of new employees. Its orientation model includes a focused orientation session, a checklist, and individual meetings with key library faculty and staff. All aspects of the orientation focus heavily on socialization factors such as understanding the Libraries' mission and values, meeting key people within the organization, and becoming acquainted with other new colleagues. This paper details the Libraries' orientation approach and the research that supports it. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The clash of principles between protecting privacy and protecting security can create an impasse between libraries, campus IT departments, and academic administration over authentication issues with the public area PCs in the library. This research takes an in--‐depth look at the state of authentication practices within a specific region (i.e., all the academic libraries in North Carolina) in an attempt to create a profile of those libraries that choose to authenticate or not. The researchers reviewed an extensive amount of data to identify the factors involved with this decision. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This case study gives the results a usability study for the discovery tool Encore Synergy, an Innovative Interfaces product, launched at Appalachian State University Belk Library & Information Commons in January 2013. Nine of the thirteen participants in the study rated the discovery tool as more user friendly, according to a SUS (Standard Usability Scale) score, than the library's tabbed search layout, which separated the articles and catalog search. All of the study's participants were in favor of switching the interface to the new "one box" search. Several glitches in the implementation were noted and reported to the vendor. The study results have helped develop Belk library training materials and curricula. The study will also serve as a benchmark for further usability testing of Encore and Appalachian State Library's website. This article will be of interest to libraries using Encore Discovery Service, investigating discovery tools, or performing usability studies of other discovery services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]