Outcome 3c

Evaluate tools that facilitate access to information.

Artifact--Usability Study Handout from LIS 753-Internet Fundamentals and Design class (please see attached file):

Explanation Paragraph:

I started this assignment by examining the website of a public library to assess its strengths and weaknesses in accomplishing its mission of facilitating access to information, bearing in mind the various aspects of website usability that we learned in class, including design and navigation. From my own observations, I devised a test with questions that I gave to several people, which involved finding specific pieces of information on the website. I used the results of the test to gain further insights into the site’s strengths and weaknesses, as well as general observations from those who completed the test. I then took my observations, those of my test’s participants, and their results to create talking points for my presentation in which I addressed the strengths of the website, and which aspects needed improvement. The artifact is a succinct summary of my findings that I handed out to the class for my presentation, which was a simulation of my being a consultant before the library board of trustees.