Author(s):

Jones, Michael L. W.; Rieger, Robert, H.; Treadwell, Paul; Gay, Geri, K.

Title:

Live from the Stacks: User Feedback on Mobile Computers and Wireless Tools from Library Patrons

Publication:

Proceedings of the Fifth ACM Conference on Digital Libraries

Keywords:

adoption; appeal; conceptual models; enjoyment; ethnographic study; handheld computing; impact and side effects; interaction; interviews; iterative design process; mobile computing; qualitative research methods; quantitative research methods; self-reporting; social acceptance; social sciences; usability; usability testing; user evaluation; user questionnaire; user satisfaction; user-centered design; utility; value

Paper Summary:

This paper presents challenges for designing ubiquitous applications in digital libraries and offers preliminary results from an ethnographic study and subsequent user evaluation.

The project team began by drafting a user survey about digital library systems for a university library and disseminating the survey among students of two undergraduate classes at Cornell. Over a two-week period, 50 students responded to the survey and provided feedback on existing and potential computing technologies in a library setting. Respondents were asked to rank existing features as well as respond to a set of scenarios in a hypothetical setting. Users were asked to rate the usefulness of the new technologies described in the hypothetical settings as well as their willingness to purchase/leases these applications.

Based on the findings from the survey, the design team merged two of the four scenarios to develop a working prototype. The prototype was then evaluated by 14 students in a small, specialty library. Participants were asked to complete of series of tasks, complete a satisfaction survey and provide feedback in individual interviews. The authors term the study as "quasi-naturalistic" in that users were free to roam the library and experiment with the devise beyond the scope of the tasks provided.

After using the devices, the student were enthusiastic about the systems and provided feedback regarding the size, weight and functionality of the device; all of which will be used in future iterations to design a useful and effective digital library.

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