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Qualitative usability evaluation of databases: a case study

Memoona Iqbal (Govt. Fatima Jinnah College for Women, Chuna Mandi, Lahore, Pakistan.)
Ahsan Ullah (Govt. Degree College, Pindi Bhattian, Pakistan.)

Library Hi Tech News

ISSN: 0741-9058

Article publication date: 3 May 2016

779

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to particularly define the usability regarding interface of digital library Web site. It discusses the multi-dimensional constructs of usability and methods applied in the evaluation of the usability of digital library Web site interface. The Usability of HEC National Digital Library Web site interface is measured in terms of effectiveness, efficiency and satisfaction.

Design/methodology/approach

For this purpose, a qualitative approach, that is, focus group technique, is used. This study includes eight members in the focus group. These members were MA students from the Department of Information Management, University of the Punjab Lahore.

Findings

Usability evaluation was made by using effectiveness, efficiency, learnability and satisfaction constructs. It also discovers the opinion of focus group members on the “ease of use”, “organization of information”, “terminology and labeling”, “visual attractiveness” and “mistake recovery”. “Click cost” is particularly examined.

Originality/value

No usability study has been conducted in Pakistan about the National Digital Library of HEC. This library is a very important source of electronic content for academic community. This study will explore the usability evaluation, problems faced by users and solutions to solve these problems.

Keywords

Citation

Iqbal, M. and Ullah, A. (2016), "Qualitative usability evaluation of databases: a case study", Library Hi Tech News, Vol. 33 No. 3, pp. 8-10. https://doi.org/10.1108/LHTN-09-2015-0064

Publisher

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Emerald Group Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2016, Emerald Group Publishing Limited

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