Testing Two Discovery Systems: A Usability Study Comparing Student Perceptions of EDS and Primo

Abstract

Library discovery systems are a primary tool for research and discovery of local collections in many academic libraries. Usability studies on these systems is an important practice to identify technical issues, determine local customization, and inform continuity in library instruction. Most usability studies, however, are completed on a single discovery system. This study is unique in that it compares EBSCO’s EBSCO Discovery Service (EDS) with Ex Libris’s Primo discovery systems. To date, this is the only published usability study conducted on the two systems. Nineteen undergraduate and graduate participants were led through a series of nine usability tasks in both systems. The quantitative and qualitative results of the study indicate that discovery systems are powerful tools when managed consistently and holistically by addressing the discovery search needs of students and faculty through information literacy instruction and oversight by a discovery working group.

Keywords:

• Discovery
• discovery system
• web-scale discovery
• Primo
• EDS
• usability
• usability testing
• academic library

Data availability statement

Anonymized data that support the findings of this study are available on request from the corresponding author. The full data set is not publicly available due to its inclusion of information that could compromise the privacy of the research participants.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Kerry Walton

Kerry Walton ([email protected]) is Assistant Professor and Electronic Resources Librarian for University Libraries at West Chester University of Pennsylvania. Kerry holds a BA from SUNY New Paltz, MLIS from Drexel University, and MPA from West Chester University of Pennsylvania.

Gary M. Childs

Gary M. Childs, ([email protected]) MS, is the Engineering (STEM-H) Librarian at West Chester University of Pennsylvania. Gary obtained his Master’s degree in library science from Drexel University in 2000 and he is currently enrolled in the nonprofit track of the public administration Master’s program at West Chester University.

Laurie Palumbo

Laurie Palumbo ([email protected]) is an Assistant Professor and the Cataloging and Metadata Librarian for University Libraries at West Chester University of Pennsylvania. Laurie holds a BFA from Temple University, an MFA from the Ohio State University, and a Master’s degree in library and information science from Drexel University.