Purpose: This study is a user evaluation on the usability of the Mogao Cave Panorama Digital Library (DL), aiming to measure its effectiveness from the users' perspective and to propose suggestions for improvement.Design/methodology/approach: Usability tests were conducted based on a framework of evaluation criteria and a set of information seeking tasks designed for the Dunhuang cultural heritage, and interviews were conducted for soliciting in-depth opinions from participants. Findings:The results of the usability tests indicate that the DL was more efficient in supporting simple information seeking tasks than those of higher-complexity levels. Statistical tests reveal that there were correlations among dimensions of usability criteria and user effectiveness measures. Moreover, interview discourses exposed specific usability issues of the DL. Research limitations:This research is based on a relatively small sample size, resulting in a limited representativeness of user diversity. A larger sample size is needed for a systematic cross group comparison. Practical implications:This study evaluated the usability of the Mogao Cave Panorama DL and proposed suggestions for its improvement for better experience. The results also provide a reference to other cultural heritage DLs with panorama functions. Originality/value:This study is one of the first evaluating cultural heritage DLs from the perspective of user experience. It provides methodological references for relevant studies: the evaluation framework, the designed information seeking tasks, and the interview questions can be adopted or adapted in evaluating other visually centric DLs of cultural heritage.

This case study explores the information seeking behaviour of digital camera consumers based on Assael's consumer information acquisition and processing model. 135 responses were received from potential target group who had purchased or was planning to purchase digital cameras. Findings show that respondents who had not purchased digital camera before tended to seek for related information and generally spent more time on the search. Motivation of information seeking triggered by risk and uncertainty is also supported by resulting data .Significant difference was found in information seeking and time spent on the search based on different education attainment and income level of consumers. These results give hints to promoters to outline strategies for capturing potential customers based on their information seeking behaviour, as well as highlight informational supports that could be provided by relevant information agencies such as consumer councils and public libraries.