Improving Primo Usability and Teachability with Help from the Users

ABSTRACT

In the aftermath of a consortium migration to a shared cloud-based resource management and discovery system, a small college library implemented a Web usability test to uncover the kinds of difficulties students had with the new interface. Lessons learned from this study led to targeted changes, which simplified aspects of searching, but also enhanced the librarians' ability to teach more effectively. The authors discuss the testing methods, results, and teaching opportunities, both realized and potential, which arose from implementing changes.

KEYWORDS:

• information literacy
• instruction
• Primo
• user experience
• Web-scale discovery
• Web usability testing

Acknowledgements

Special thanks to our readers: Kathleen Spring, Collections Management Librarian, and Susan Barnes Whyte, Linfield College Library Director.

About the authors

Barbara Valentine, Teaching and Systems Librarian at Linfield College, teaches course-integrated information literacy classes within the first-year Inquiry Seminars and assorted upper-division courses across a range of disciplines. She also manages the Libraries' cloud-based discovery system, coordinates access to electronic resources, and designs and maintains the library Web pages. Her research interests include student research behaviors, strategies, and navigation preferences.

Beth West, Teaching and Online Learning Librarian, teaches course-integrated information literacy classes within the first-year Inquiry Seminars and assorted upper-division courses across a range of disciplines. She is also the dedicated librarian for teaching in online courses. Her research interests include exploring information literacy for students with learning differences.