Applying Hierarchical Task Analysis Method to Discovery Layer Evaluation

Abstract

ABSTRACT

A Case for Adaptation to Enhance Usability and Accessibility of Library Resource Discovery Tools

“…For instance, Prommann and Zhang [12] evaluated Ex Libris ® Primo 1 and said that the tool is suitable for groups of users with different goals and helps the users to conduct many tasks with a minimum amount of steps. They added that Primo allows filtering search results in different ways without the need of re-entering the search keywords.…”

“…They added that Primo allows filtering search results in different ways without the need of re-entering the search keywords. Moreover, they noted that Primo enables comparing search results via the details tabs found under each title, and offers "smooth transition" to external websites when needed [12]. A usability test made on EBSCO discovery service (EDS) 2 mentioned the ease of use and the possibility to narrow search results as its benefits [13].…”

“…Other problems include the 'excessive' number of clicks it takes to access electronic resources, irrelevant search results, difficulty in understanding jargons (for instance, mistaking "reviews" for peerreviewed journals), and librarians' limitations in providing an "understandable language" [12], [18]. Moreover, inconsistent metadata, inability to save search results, and RDT's failure to distinguish eBooks from journal articles constitute a list of usability problems [12], [19].…”

“…The possibility of "smooth navigation to other web pages" has been mentioned as an important usability trait of library RDTs [12]. However, this type of navigation could discourage users with a disability from using a library RDT [17].…”

Lessons Learned: A Primo Usability Study

“…Prommann and Zhang found that usability testing has focused almost exclusively on the technical functioning of the software and not adequately revealed the ability of discovery systems like Primo to successfully complete users' desired tasks. 24 They proposed hierarchical task analysis (HTA) as an alternative, to examine users' most frequent desires and the capacity of discovery systems to meet them. Prommann and Zhang acknowledged, however, that as HTA is completed by an expert on the system rather than by an actual user, some of the valuable information derived from usability testing (including terms and functions that users do not understand, however well-designed) is lost in the process; they concluded that a combination of the two systems of testing is ideal to retain the best of both.…”