Using UX Testing to Optimize Discoverability of Non-traditional Resources
Objective – The accessibility of non-traditional resources presents ongoing challenges for users and librarians. This study investigates methods for optimizing metadata and the placement of search results to enhance the discoverability of these resources within library systems. Researchers conducte...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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University of Alberta
2024-12-01
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| Series: | Evidence Based Library and Information Practice |
| Online Access: | https://journals.library.ualberta.ca/eblip/index.php/EBLIP/article/view/30594 |
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| _version_ | 1846116371067305984 |
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| author | Lucy Campbell Keven Jeffery |
| author_facet | Lucy Campbell Keven Jeffery |
| author_sort | Lucy Campbell |
| collection | DOAJ |
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Objective – The accessibility of non-traditional resources presents ongoing challenges for users and librarians. This study investigates methods for optimizing metadata and the placement of search results to enhance the discoverability of these resources within library systems. Researchers conducted A/B testing to compare two features of Ex Libris Primo: the Resource Recommender and Discovery Import Profiles. The objective was to enhance user access to a broader range of informational assets beyond conventional collections. This study posed the research question: Is inclusion in the results list (Discovery Import Profiles) or are visually appealing advertisement-style cards above results (Resource Recommender) a more effective method for discovery of non-traditional library resources?
Methods – Researchers identified four key resource types for testing: librarians, frequently asked questions (FAQs), databases, and research guides. An A/B test was conducted with each resource presented in the Discovery Import Profiles and Resource Recommender formats. Following the A/B test, a combined C test was conducted to validate findings.
Results – The ad-style cards achieved higher engagement rates, particularly for databases and FAQs, while research guides performed better when embedded directly in search results. This study highlights the strengths and limitations of each method. Databases and FAQs benefited from the visual prominence of the ad-style cards, while research guides were more discoverable within search results. However, minimal engagement with librarians as a resource type across both methods suggests the need for improved tagging and metadata strategies.
Conclusion – Findings underscore the importance of institution-specific research and localized assessments to ensure effective implementation of discovery strategies. This study provides a useful method for libraries aiming to enhance the discoverability of their non-traditional resources, ultimately improving user access and satisfaction.
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| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-1416b61e5e5647cd82006df363bfc88d |
| institution | Kabale University |
| issn | 1715-720X |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2024-12-01 |
| publisher | University of Alberta |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Evidence Based Library and Information Practice |
| spelling | doaj-art-1416b61e5e5647cd82006df363bfc88d2024-12-18T22:46:04ZengUniversity of AlbertaEvidence Based Library and Information Practice1715-720X2024-12-0119410.18438/eblip30594Using UX Testing to Optimize Discoverability of Non-traditional Resources Lucy Campbell0https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5527-973XKeven Jeffery1https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3893-6627San Diego State University, San Diego, California, United States of America San Diego State University, San Diego, California, United States of America Objective – The accessibility of non-traditional resources presents ongoing challenges for users and librarians. This study investigates methods for optimizing metadata and the placement of search results to enhance the discoverability of these resources within library systems. Researchers conducted A/B testing to compare two features of Ex Libris Primo: the Resource Recommender and Discovery Import Profiles. The objective was to enhance user access to a broader range of informational assets beyond conventional collections. This study posed the research question: Is inclusion in the results list (Discovery Import Profiles) or are visually appealing advertisement-style cards above results (Resource Recommender) a more effective method for discovery of non-traditional library resources? Methods – Researchers identified four key resource types for testing: librarians, frequently asked questions (FAQs), databases, and research guides. An A/B test was conducted with each resource presented in the Discovery Import Profiles and Resource Recommender formats. Following the A/B test, a combined C test was conducted to validate findings. Results – The ad-style cards achieved higher engagement rates, particularly for databases and FAQs, while research guides performed better when embedded directly in search results. This study highlights the strengths and limitations of each method. Databases and FAQs benefited from the visual prominence of the ad-style cards, while research guides were more discoverable within search results. However, minimal engagement with librarians as a resource type across both methods suggests the need for improved tagging and metadata strategies. Conclusion – Findings underscore the importance of institution-specific research and localized assessments to ensure effective implementation of discovery strategies. This study provides a useful method for libraries aiming to enhance the discoverability of their non-traditional resources, ultimately improving user access and satisfaction. https://journals.library.ualberta.ca/eblip/index.php/EBLIP/article/view/30594 |
| spellingShingle | Lucy Campbell Keven Jeffery Using UX Testing to Optimize Discoverability of Non-traditional Resources Evidence Based Library and Information Practice |
| title | Using UX Testing to Optimize Discoverability of Non-traditional Resources |
| title_full | Using UX Testing to Optimize Discoverability of Non-traditional Resources |
| title_fullStr | Using UX Testing to Optimize Discoverability of Non-traditional Resources |
| title_full_unstemmed | Using UX Testing to Optimize Discoverability of Non-traditional Resources |
| title_short | Using UX Testing to Optimize Discoverability of Non-traditional Resources |
| title_sort | using ux testing to optimize discoverability of non traditional resources |
| url | https://journals.library.ualberta.ca/eblip/index.php/EBLIP/article/view/30594 |
| work_keys_str_mv | AT lucycampbell usinguxtestingtooptimizediscoverabilityofnontraditionalresources AT kevenjeffery usinguxtestingtooptimizediscoverabilityofnontraditionalresources |