Search

The University of Houston Libraries implemented Primo as the primary search option on the library website in May 2014. In May 2015, the Libraries released a redesigned interface to improve user experience with the tool. The Libraries took a user-centered approach to redesigning the Primo interface, conducting a "think-aloud" usability test to gather user feedback and identify needed improvements. This article describes the method and findings from the usability study, the changes that were made to the Primo interface as a result, and implications for discovery-system vendor relations and library instruction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This case study focuses on a usability test conducted by four librarians at Texas Tech University (TTU). Eight students were asked to complete a series of tasks using OneSearch, the TTU Libraries' implementation of the Primo discovery tool. Based on the test, the team identified three major usability problems, as well as potential solutions. These problems typify the difficulties patrons face while using library search tools, but they have a variety of simple solutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents a study that explored user perceptions of the reliability of Texas A&M University library services with emphasis on access services and the online catalog. Information on how to assess the reliability of the performance of library services by using the SERVQUAL instrument; Methodology; Five themes that emerged that were related to service reliability; Recommendations.

Web-scale discovery services are powerful tools for facilitating access to an institution’s online holdings at the article level. However, the functionality of any given results link in a web-scale discovery search is dependent on multiple factors that are not always apparent to end users. The complexity involved in the troubleshooting process led the University of North Texas Libraries to embed a broken link report button in its search results and build a new troubleshooting workflow around this feature. This article summarizes the steps taken, the troubleshooting methodology developed, and the trends discovered in types of errors reported. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The presenter describes the process of successfully implementing a full-scaleResource Description and Access(RDA) conversion and authority control project in the midst of migrating to a new integrated library system at the University of Houston Libraries. This presentation focuses on the impact on electronic resources, although the project was a full-scale conversion. The project allowed the library to create more granularity with the material type codes, which had an impact on both the Online Public Access Catalog and the discovery layer. The goal for the project, while time consuming, resulted in the conversion of RDA records to be done in a large batch project rather than record by record over the course of several years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This session presented a case study of one library's move to a discovery layer in the catalog in order to help users discover and access electronic resources. The presenters described the entire process of evaluating the Online Public Access Catalog (OPAC) and deciding which provider to choose for the discovery layer. Both presenters shared strategies and decision-making methods with the audience. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Many libraries with federal depository collections have relied on loading large files of MARC records to add catalog records into their online systems. The addition of tens of thousands of MARC records created a catalog maintenance problem for the Sterling C. Evans Library of Texas A&M University. This paper discusses the use of student workers to clean the catalog of these problem records, describing lessons learned and procedures developed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The incorporation of technology into library processes has tremendously impacted staff and users alike. The University of North Texas (UNT) Libraries is no exception. Sixteen years of reference statistics are analyzed to examine the relationships between the implementation of CD-ROMs and web-based resources and the number of reference questions. Gate counts and circulation statistics for recent years are also evaluated. Overall, reference statistics have been declining over the years under review. The introduction of CD-ROMs caused a rise in reference statistics for several years before the statistics decreased again. Moving the resources to a web-based format minimally affected the number of reference question numbers, although the rate of decline slowed. Gate counts are increasing in one of the libraries examined and circulation statistics are rising. Changes in gate and circulation numbers are due to factors such as increased student enrollment and increased library instruction rather than technology changes within the Libraries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article reports on several posters which were presented at the 2011 annual conference of the North American Serials Interest Group, including one on electronic resources from Kat McGrath of the University of British Columbia, one on electronic book readers by Lisa Kurt and Erin Silva Fisher of the University of Nevada, Reno and one on the processing of print periodicals by Jennifer Sippel of Minneapolis Community & Technical College.