Evaluation University of Western Sydney Online Library Website - Case Study Example

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Report Title: Evaluation University of Western Sydney on-line library website Aims: The Main objective of this evaluation was to find out how the online library system operates, evaluate its features and make recommendations on how to make it better. Methodology: The method of evaluation applied was a simple model designed to guide the process. This included tasks to be accomplished and questions to be answered. Evaluation: in the actual evaluation, the website was visited and notes made about all the aspects that had been shortlisted. Another site of the same kind was evaluated using the same methodology and the results compared. Findings: The findings of this evaluation exercise indicated that the site performs well and serves better. However, there was need to make some changes to the site for it to serve students more efficiently. Recommendations: Having evaluated the information system, recommendations on how to improve the working of the system have been made in this report. TABLE OF CONTENTS Introduction..............................................................................................................3 Methodology Constraints Outcomes.................................................................................................................5 Results Analysis...................................................................................................................8 Findings Features Results Recommendations.................................................................................................13 Conclusion.............................................................................................................14 References.............................................................................................................15 INTRODUCTION An information system can be defined as a set of interrelated components that are responsible in collecting, manipulating, storing and disseminating of data and information (Stair & Reynolds, 2006). The system also provides a mechanism of getting feedback so as to help meet certain objectives. It is important to ensure that a system satisfies all the needs of its users so as to ensure smooth running of the larger system in an institution. A close evaluation of an information system is important since it serves best to keep track of its operations. In so doing, assessment of the system against security related functional and assurance criteria is carried out by combining testing and analytic techniques (Stair & Reynolds, 2006). In this report, an online library system at UWS is selected for the purpose of critical evaluation. In this report, the performance of the library is evaluated with the aim of establishing various factors. The extensive evaluation included how easy the page could be found, its layout and general performance of the system. Information was collected, recorded for later analysis and the findings presented in this report. RESEARCH FINDINGS AND ANALYSIS 1. Methodology The approach that was applied for the purpose of studying the on-line library system at the University of western Sydney was a goal oriented one. The methodology kept in mind that there were four tasks that were to be accomplished in this evaluation. This included checking the accessibility of the site, the layout and organization of book records at the site. The site was found to contain various components as shortlisted below. Access to your record Search for books Sites databases General style guides Basing on the above components, there were six basic questions that were formulated to guide the whole evaluation of the online library. 1. How easy is it to find the page? 2. How efficient is the Performance of system? 3. What is the general layout of page? 4. Acknowledgement of task that have been completed 5. Cancel activity 6. Return to task Notes were written down about the generic appearance and the functionality of the site. On completion, a small table was drawn to help display the findings of the evaluation. A whole hour was spent on the evaluation and after that; another library site was analyzed using the same method with the aim being to compare the results. However, during the evaluation process, there were various challenges that were met. Constraints One of the challenges was the internet connection speed at the University. This affected the speed at which the results were being obtained. It was particularly very slow when a dial up network was applied but the speed improved when a broadband connection was used and the results were instantaneous. In addition, the general structure of the site was found to be a bit complicated and therefore new users could take long before they became familiar with the layout. However, the system itself was found to be easy to understand and comprehend. The outcomes of this evaluation were presented in various forms as shown below. OUTCOMES The outcomes of this evaluation are presented here. As earlier on indicated, the methodology used in this research involved answering questions that had previously formulated. The results are as indicated below. Results The following tasks were completed as part of the evaluation for the online library at the University. 1. Access to your Library Record 2. Search for books on Information Systems Quality Evaluation 3. Seek library’s databases for census information 4. How many General style guides were available The table below shows the outcome throughout the research as the evaluation was undertaken. Below is a key used for the purpose of rating the outcome of each task. TASK FIND PAGE Easy/Hard PERFORMANCE of facility Fast/Slow LAYOUT assistance 1, 2, 3 ACKNOWLEDGE of task Yes/No CANCEL anytime Yes/No RETURN to page Yes/No 1 Easy Fast 3 Yes Yes No 2 Hard Fast 2 Yes Yes No 3 Hard Fast 3 Yes Yes No 4 Easy Fast 3 Yes Yes No Table 1: Performance Analysis Key: 3 – Excellent 2 – Average 1 – Needs improvement Generic appearance and functionality of the UWS library Site: Uniformity of layout The evaluation of UWS library site found out that it has a clear layout. The site has many headings incorporated in it. The headings are of two categories i.e. big and bold ones as well as small ones. The links on this site are also clearly visible to the users while at the same time it has a help function that helps one if he or she is unable to locate something. The site is also written in plain English that is easy for the users to understand. Colour scheme The site has blue and white colours which give it a unique appearance and thus making it easily recognizable as the website of the University. Writings on this site are mainly black but with a white backdrop so as to allow the information to be read easily. Pictures on this site are also few and mainly those of the University campus. Items not directly related to site All the aspects found on this site have a direct relationship with the library and the university at large. There are no links that are advertising or leading to non university based activities. Overall ease of use The layout of this site is clear and precise. This ensures that first time users of the site do not find it difficult to access the materials that they want. In case of any problem, the site also has a help link that is very easy to follow and provides sufficient information concerning the library. In general terms, this site is simple and straightforward for all its users. In addition, the site is very first despite the minimal delays that are as a result of internet connection. Missing alternatives It was notices that there was no link that led to the catalogue and book searching areas of this site. The expectation was that the main function of the library website was to provide a linkage to the wide record of books and other academic materials. However, this site did not provide a quick access point to the material. ANALYSIS Findings Library Record A link that was located on the main page of the library section provided an easier way of viewing of library records. The link had also a clear layout which was found to be easily understood by those who visit the site. The site also provided users with positive acknowledgement which was in clear headings of what was in their records, outstanding books and outstanding fees. Lastly, there was a link to exit the section and then move back to the homepage. Books on Information Systems The evaluation found out that the database had no books that had been published after the year 2000. In addition to that, there is no link that provides direct access to the catalogue and reaching a desired page; one has to go through several pages before reaching it. On the catalogue page, there is a search function that is coloured in order to attract the user’s attention. In addition, this library site was found to be offering a saved search function that gives a list of previously searched books. The page also has an exit link that takes the user back to the homepage. Library Databases Access to many important databases is very important for users of a university library. A closer look at this site revealed that finding data of the last census that was conducted, the user has to go to the ABS site. Finding this database was however a difficult process since it is not easy to locate the correct link. The linked page is however set up clearly and precisely making it easier for the users to understand. The page also opens in a new and thus does not affect the UWS webpage but it does not provide the saved searches option for users. General style guides The site consist a total of seven guides. This ensures that after reading the tasks, finding the general style guidelines is easier. It consists of clear and simple links that were found to be extremely fast when it comes to accessing them. In the evaluation process, this task was found to be the easiest to accomplish. This can be attributed to the layout of the website and its simplicity. Features It can be indicated here that many features on the UWS library website are easy to understand. The system was found to have clear links to other important features that stand out from other normal writings on the site. In some cases, they were in capital letters and coloured boxes to ensure that they emerged out clearly. The reaction time of the site was also very first despite the inconveniences that were resulting from the internet connection. The functions on the site also provide the user with an acknowledgement of the task they performed and the findings. The page is easily understood and excellent for first timers. Help options are available assist the users in case a problem or confusion arises. The organization of the site provides easy cancellation of all activities which makes it easier to return to the main home page once exited. As earlier on stated, in order to properly evaluate the UWS website, a direct comparison to another Library’s site was thought to further help in finding the weakest aspects of the UWS library page and highlight the improvements required. Results These are the results of the evaluation of the Baulkham Hills Shire council library website. To come to these outcomes, 3 similar tasks used for original evaluation were applied and the same six standard questions were answered to make sure a proper comparison was done. The tasks which were completed were to: 1. Access to the Library Records 2. Search for books on Information Systems Quality Evaluation 3. Seek library’s databases for census information TASK FIND PAGE Easy/Hard PERFORMANCE of facility Fast/Slow LAYOUT assistance 1, 2, 3 ACKNOWLEDGE of task Yes/No CANCEL anytime Yes/No RETURN to page Yes/No 1 Hard Fast 2 Yes Yes No 2 Easy Slow 3 Yes Yes No 3 Easy Fast 3 Yes Yes No Key: 3 – Excellent 2 – Average 1 – Needs improvement Generic appearance and functionality of the Baulkham Hills shire council library site: Uniformity of layout This website was found to have a clear layout. It has a very welcoming feel once the page is opened. On its main page, the site contains pictures of people in the library and many links to different parts of the site and has a very modern setup. Colour scheme The evaluation of this site found that its development incorporated the local council’s colours of light and dark green, as well as some dark yellow and white. When it comes to highlighting important parts, the site uses shading behind the information and this is done in red. Items not directly related to site All aspects on this website are directly related to the website or the council’s main page. Overall ease of use First timer might find the Baulkham hills shire council library website a little difficult to follow. Understanding its aspects requires a little time so as to explore the links contained on the site although the site is simple and easy to grasp. In addition, everything you need is available on request. Expected to find but did not In the evaluation process, it was expected that more links to more important aspects of the website would present at the site. This was found to be lacking thus added to the confusion of the site Findings Library Records It was discovered that the site lacks a direct link to the records but one must go through via the catalogue after which a clear view of the records is provided. The site has a log in function that one must use and therefore no one sees personal records and thus enhancing security and privacy of this system. Navigation of this site is very easy since the main menu link is present on almost all the pages. Finding books on the site Finding a book on this site requires one to be on the catalogue page. This page contains a search function which is easier to use and the steps to be followed on what kind of search one wants to undertake is indicated below it. The system is a bit slower as indicated in the slight delay that characterizes every search. On completion of the search, acknowledgements of the books are provided. Library databases There are a total of fifteen databases with links on the homepage of the library website which stand out in the middle in a shaded box. The general layout of the site is therefore clear and precise. RECOMENDATIONS On evaluating the UWS online library website and then comparing it to Baulkham Hills Shire Council website, a few recommendations have been put forward with the purpose of helping to improve the system. There implementation would ensure that the library serves the whole university population much better than it is doing now. 1. Since there is no straight forward link to the search function, there is need for creating a standard link for searching purposes on this site. This would help eliminate confusion on the part of the users. 2. Highlighting important points using shading around important points is another improvement that can be done on this site. This is because white backdrops that have been used create a kind of perceptual constancy. 3. There is need to add a link similar to a searches link that would make access time to this function much quicker and easier. 4. Although not so bad, the speed of the internet connection also needs some improvement. This would ensure a quick access to the site by the users and thus making the overall use of the online library more efficient. CONCLUSION In conclusion, the overall assessment the UWS website has found it to be a competent site. The current information system is found to be characterized with an overall ease of finding links, high speed of uploads; page layouts and ease of use. However, with an ever-changing world, it is important to continually evaluate and further develop the components of the website. It is important to acknowledge all recommendations and consider what alternate views are. The website will continue will continue to serve the UWS community and for students, who are the primary users of this website, will benefit from further upgrades REFERENCES Baulkham Hills Shire Library website. Baulkham Hills Shire library (online). Available from www.baulkhamhills.nsw.gov.au/library (Accessed on 1/3/2011). John, L. 2001, February 28. Telecom Glossary 2K. ATIS Committee T1A1(online). Available from www.atis.org (Accessed on 1/3/2011). Stair, R., & Reynolds, G. 2006. Fundamentals of information Systems, third edition. California: Thomson Course Technology. UWS Library website. 2011. Welcome to UWS library (online). Available from www.uws.edu.au (Accessed on 1/3/2011). Read More