Psychology of virtual architecture

Abstract

Purpose -The purpose of this paper is to provide some ideas concerning the design and implementation of the library virtual architecture and its relation to the psychology of information-seeking behavior. Design/methodology/approach -This paper is purely theoretical and speculative. No systematic design was involved. Findings -The renovation of a library's "virtual space" can be as important as the renewal of the physical space. Many libraries are taking advantage of user-centric design principles as they renew the physical layout and service orientation of their libraries from an architectural standpoint. These same principles can be applied to virtual architecture in order to provide a positive and successful user experience on web sites. Practical implications -This paper may assist librarians in being more comprehensive in the planning of virtual architecture on web sites and in the creation of electronic finding aids. Originalityvalue -Should be interesting to those librarians who focus in their daily work on issues of information architecture and web site usability. It may also be useful to those who work in some reference capacity or regularly assist patrons in finding information.

A theoretical perspective of public library physical spaces in a digital environment

“…This model should not only be considered for the physical library, but also to the virtuality of it, as Fox (2005) states that "the web can also be considered 'virtual reality' in the sense that it offers us an environment in which we navigate, communicate, acquire information and a variety of other activities. All web pages require the author to plan out the structure of a 'site' in which the user will 'navigate'.…”

“We want it now and we want it easy”: Usability testing of an online health library for healthcare practitioners

“…It is not possible to create a website that will suit all tastes [1,2], but generally speaking, simple and "moderately complex" sites are preferred to complex websites [2]. While simplicity is ideal, functionality remains key.…”

“…Fox argues that library websites are often designed as a substitute for library staff, providing much of the same information without the reference interview [1]. This argument is particularly relevant in situations such as the one encountered by SHIRP, where patrons cannot opt to get help in person when they need it.…”

“…Library instruction sessions on how to navigate the website cannot be relied upon to make up for poor site design, because it is not possible to train all SHIRP users, and a large number of our patrons are occasional users who may forget what they have learned at a training session before they have the chance to cement that knowledge. The absence of personal interaction when patrons are using a site makes site design key to patrons immediately getting a sense of where they are and where they need to go on the site to make use of the library resources [1].…”

“…While some people are naturally curious and willing to explore a website to find what they need [1], others are not prepared to invest time and effort in navigating a website. Participants in Dougan and Fulton's test of a redesigned library website at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, Illinois, would scan the site for particular terms on the page; known as ''trigger words'' [16], and did not consider their options before choosing where to go to complete their task.…”