VALA2002 Session 11 Clark

User-Centred Evaluation and Design: A Subject Gateway Perspective

VALA2002 CONCURRENT SESSION 11: Portals and Content Delivery
Friday 8 February 2002, 11:55 – 12:30
Persistent URL: http://www.vala.org.au/vala2002-proceedings/vala2002-session-11-clark

Nicole Clark and Denise Frost

University of Queensland

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VALA2002 Session 11 Clark Paper 289.50 KB

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Abstract

Customer expectations of gateway services as well as their information needs are dynamic. The Australasian Virtual Engineering Library (AVEL) has consequently taken an iterative approach to interface design, usability testing and customer needs analysis. User-centred design has ensured that AVEL remains relevant to the way its target audience seeks information to solve “real world” problems. This paper details the methodologies that have been employed by AVEL to discover the needs of customers. It particularly focuses on heuristic evaluation and scenario based testing as useful analysis tools. It looks at the importance of identifying and responding to the unique resource requirements and information seeking behaviours of discipline-specific target audiences and uses engineers and IT professionals as one example. The results of usability investigations and our responses to customer demands are discussed and some conclusions for future development are drawn.

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VALA2002 Session 7 Huggard

Monash Library Database Usage Survey

VALA2002 CONCURRENT SESSION 7: Performance and Useability
Thursday 7 February 2002, 14:35 – 15:05
Persistent URL: http://www.vala.org.au/vala2002-proceedings/vala2002-session-7-huggard

Simon Huggard, Judy Hopley, David Groenewegen, David Horne, Lisa Smith and George Leighfield

Monash University Library

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VALA2002 Session 7 Huggard Paper 574.91 KB

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Abstract

Monash University Library (MUL) subscribes to approximately 200 electronic databases covering the full range of disciplines taught and researched at Monash University. A survey of users of these databases was conducted during March and April, 2001. The aim of the survey was to gain an understanding about the ways that users discover and select databases and the experiences they have when using these resources.

Feedback from users was predominantly focussed on the following issues: the need for quicker and simpler links to the many and varied databases; the difficulty of selecting relevant databases; improved search interfaces; better and more immediate online help; fewer technical problems and a reduction in password checks

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VALA2002 Session 12 Blake

Implementation of the OpenURL and the SFX Architecture in the Production Environment of a Digital Library

VALA2002 CONCURRENT SESSION 12: Standards and Protocols
Friday 8 February 2002, 10:45 – 11:15
Persistent URL: http://www.vala.org.au/vala2002-proceedings/vala2002-session-12-blake

Miriam Blake

Los Alamos National Laboratory Research Library

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VALA2002 Session 12 Blake Paper 118.75 KB

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Abstract

The Los Alamos National Laboratory Research Library was an early adopter of the OpenURL framework, implementing the SFX architecture live across multiple in-house databases and an extensive electronic journal collection housed both internally and at outside publisher/aggregator sites. Basic issues of reference linking such as appropriate copy, context-sensitive linking, and the need for standards in open solutions are mentioned. Use of OpenURL in a general framework and its incorporation into SFX and deployment in the larger scholarly information environment is discussed. The paper focuses on practical considerations in the implementation of SFX and OpenURL in an evolving production environment.

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VALA2002 Session 2 Williams

Optimising Synergy between Metadata, Database Platform and Business Needs: the Case of SIM at RMIT

VALA2002 CONCURRENT SESSION 2: Metadata
Wednesday 6 February 2002, 11:55 – 12:30
Persistent URL: http://www.vala.org.au/vala2002-proceedings/vala2002-session-2-williams

Rhys Williams, Troy Boulton, Phil Anderson and Cherryl Schauder

RMIT University

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VALA2002 Session 2 Williams Paper 325.29 KB

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Abstract

In 2000 RMIT University launched a Web Refurbishment Project using RMIT Multi Media Database Systems’ SIM (Structured Information Manager) software. The vision of the project was to create an enterprise-wide information environment which encompasses functions from communication and learning, to knowledge and information management, and record keeping. To achieve these goals the SIM database platform was configured to make extensive use of a mix of technical and business metadata to underpin the diverse functions required of the system. This paper outlines how metadata operates at different levels of the Web publishing system, from the perspectives of system development and programming, project design and management, and metadata standards development.

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VALA2002 Session 7 Maquignaz

Learning from our clients – Victoria University Library web site evaluation

VALA2002 CONCURRENT SESSION 7: Performance and Useability
Thursday 7 February 2002, 15:10 – 15:40
Persistent URL: http://www.vala.org.au/vala2002-proceedings/vala2002-session-7-maquignaz

Laura Maquignaz and Jane Miller

Victoria University Library

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VALA2002 Session 7 Maquignaz Paper 45.26 KB

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Abstract

A Library’s World Wide Web presence is a significant client interface and virtual service point. As with any service, evaluation is crucial. Usage patterns need to be analyzed and client perceptions sought. The value ascribed by clients to a service need to be balanced against resources committed to providing that service. This paper outlines the action research undertaken during 2001 by Victoria University Library on its web site usage. The research employed a range of methodologies – an online survey, statistical collection and analysis, and focus groups held with web service stakeholders. The major objective of the research was to understand the experience of the Library’s clients in their interactions with the website and to effect change according to their needs.

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VALA2002 Session 12 Green

Building a shared authentication infrastructure: a matter of trust

VALA2002 CONCURRENT SESSION 12: Standards and Protocols
Friday 8 February 2002, 11:20 – 11:50
Persistent URL: http://www.vala.org.au/vala2002-proceedings/vala2002-session-12-green

Peter Green

Curtin University of Technology

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VALA2002 Session 12 Green Paper 26.26 KB

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Abstract

The Western Australian Group of University Librarians (WAGUL) was successful in obtaining a substantial grant from the Commonwealth Development Pool (CDP) to fund a major authentication project. The resulting WAGUL Authentication Project will deliver a distributed authentication infrastructure for the five Western Australian Universities. This paper describes the motivations for the project, the expected benefits and the journey itself.

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VALA2002 Session 3 Mare

The integration of information services into an on-line environment

VALA2002 CONCURRENT SESSION 3: e-literacy
Wednesday 6 February 2002, 10:45 – 11:15
Persistent URL: http://www.vala.org.au/vala2002-proceedings/vala2002-session-3-mare

Angela Mare and Suzanne Poulter

Holmesglen Institute of TAFE

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VALA2002 Session 3 Mare Paper 85.70 KB

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Abstract

E-learning, now established as a permanent feature in the teaching landscape, has created long term effects for information professionals. As educational institutions grapple with developing new models of support for this new and growing group of students, so too do information professionals. To enable informed decisions, prepare library services and ensure appropriate support for teaching staff and students, information professionals need to have pertinent information in e-learning. To this end, the presenters of this paper visited libraries overseas to investigate the relationship of the new players within the electronic environment, the needs of the students and the role of the information professionals.

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VALA2002 Session 8 Morrow

EASY Does It: A Fresh Approach to Electronic Article Supply

VALA2002 CONCURRENT SESSION 8: e-content
Thursday 7 February 2002, 14:00 – 14:30
Persistent URL: http://www.vala.org.au/vala2002-proceedings/vala2002-session-8-morrow

Terry Morrow

BIDS Academic Services, Ingenta plc, UK

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VALA2002 Session 8 Morrow Paper 67.56 KB

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Abstract

This paper presents a progress report on a project which has been funded by the UK’s Joint Information Systems Committee (JISC). Known as EASY (Electronic Article SupplY), it adds an electronic delivery dimension to an existing traditional library loan system.

Key features of the system are the prices set for the articles and the distribution of income. Both publishers and libraries benefit from the system. Libraries pay essentially the same price for an electronically delivered article as they do for normal ILL delivery. And for the first time publishers who are taking part in the project get revenue from each electronic ILL.

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VALA2002 Session 12 Moreno

When protocol works: the state of the ISO ILL Protocol in the Australian resource sharing environment

VALA2002 CONCURRENT SESSION 12: Standards and Protocols
Friday 8 February 2002, 11:55 – 12:30
Persistent URL: http://www.vala.org.au/vala2002-proceedings/vala2002-session-12-moreno

Margarita Moreno and Rob Walls

National Library of Australia

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VALA2002 Session 12 Moreno Paper 55.72 KB

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Abstract

The ISO Interlibrary Loans Protocol (ISO 10160/10161) is increasingly being adopted by ILMS vendors, who are either developing modules to manage interlibrary loans traffic or incorporating existing systems developed by other vendors to enhance the overall functionality of their product. This paper will provide an overview of the protocol and its importance in supporting peer to peer interlibrary loan/document delivery activities. It will also review the level of protocol compliance of a number of ILL systems implemented, or available, in Australia. When choosing an ILL management system libraries must consider a range of issues, including: volume of transactions, borrowing and lending patterns, the level of automation of ILL partners, internal workflow, and service standards. The paper will consider the importance of these issues in the selection of an ILL system, and the need for, and level of ISO compliance of the system. The role of related standards such as Z39.50, NISO Circulation Interchange Protocol, and ISO2146 the international standard for library directories, will be considered.

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VALA2002 Session 3 Cummings

Virtual Training For Virtual Clients

VALA2002 CONCURRENT SESSION 3: e-literacy
Wednesday 6 February 2002, 11:20 – 11:50
Persistent URL: http://www.vala.org.au/vala2002-proceedings/vala2002-session-3-cummings

Leanne Cummings

Queensland Police Service

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VALA2002 Session 3 Cummings Paper 233.69 KB

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Abstract

The Queensland Police Service (QPS) Library provides information services to over 10,000 personnel stationed throughout Queensland. Eighty five percent of these clients are considered remote, and are unable to physically access one of the three QPS libraries. The Virtual Library (VL) database was implemented in 1997 to enable clients to access, search and retrieve information resources from any QPS computer, regardless of their location or roster commitments. Clients were provided with an equitable and effective library service which was available 24 hours, every day. However, client demographics continued to hinder the delivery of equitable and cost-effective library literacy training. To overcome this challenge, a Computer-Based Training (CBT) program was developed for the VL. The VL CBT is an online tutorial that aims to teach clients in using the VL. Available from any QPS computer, 24 hours a day, the VL CBT has proven to be a highly successful resource. It has provided the best solution in delivering equitable and economic library training to a large client base, consisting mostly of remote clients.

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