End-User Reactions to a Graphical MEDLINE Interface in a Scientific Setting

Abstract

Library user satisfaction studies with graphical user interfaces are infrequent, despite the proliferation of software moving in this direction. A large pharmaceutical research facility completed a study comparing end-user reactions to a new, graphical interface of the MEDLINE database (SilverPlatter's WinSPIRS and MacSPIRS) after years of using a DOSbased version. This study replicated a previous one in which reaction to the library catalog's migration to a graphical interface was recorded. The study included a survey assessing user satisfaction and a review of overall usage. As with the previous library catalog study, the graphical version was preferred over the DOSbased version. This conclusion is shown by survey findings and supported by increased usage.