about the Web Usability Task Force
Membership/Terms:
The group consists of members from across the University Libraries. Members are appointed for two-year terms, with the exception of the first year, when members will be appointed for one-year terms and then asked if they wish to continue for a second year.
Charge:
The Web Usability Task Force is charged with designing and implementing a systematic, ongoing plan to measure and assess the effectiveness of the Web site of the University Libraries (http://library.buffalo.edu/) in delivering information to library users. Working directly with library users, the Task Force will test the Web site structure, content, and design, and recommend modifications to increase user satisfaction and transparency in delivering information.
Tasks:
Specific tasks include, but are not limited to:
- Plan, design, and implement an ongoing series of usability tests.
- Identify and recommend the purchase of software or other resources to assist with usability testing and analysis of testing results.
- Implement usability tests geared toward the major campus constituents: faculty, staff, undergraduate students, and graduate students. Such usability tests should take into account the visual design, structure, and content of the Libraries' Web site. The visual hierarchy should assist users in locating information and navigating the site, and should not deter users from their intended task, and should be understandable to users.
- Design a system for continuous Web site assessment and corresponding, ongoing changes to the University Libraries’ Web site.
- Determine the methods people use to gain access to the Libraries’ Web site (i.e., MyUB, UBlearns, bookmarks, course sites, etc.) and incorporate that information into Web site design. When appropriate, provide recommendations for outreach to faculty and students and/or marketing library resources and services based on those findings.
- Identify sources of and analyze statistics related to the use of the Libraries’ Web site, and incorporate the results into recommendations for modifications.
- Incorporate usability principles into website documentation.
- Use the results of usability testing and statistical analyses to recommend changes to Web site design, vocabulary, and organization.
- Consult with other groups in the Libraries and on campus as needed to inform recommendations.
conducting business
Reporting:
- The Task Force consults with the Office of Web Development and Services, and reports to the Public Services Committee of the University Libraries. Reports should be periodic and include a description of progress toward goals as well as any recommendations for website changes.
Support:
- The Task Force should communicate with the Public Services Committee as necessary to request budgetary or personnel support.
- The Web Manager will chair the Task Force and coordinate the work of the Office of Web Development and Services in implementing Task Force recommendations.
Related Groups:
Resources:
- Alertbox: Current Issues in Web Usability:
http://www.useit.com/alertbox/ - Contemporary User Studies (ARL):
http://www.arl.org/rtl/plan/userstudies2009.shtml - Strategies to Enhance the User Experience (Nielsen Norman Group):
http://www.nngroup.com/ - Usability.gov:
http://www.usability.gov/
members
- View current membership roster here.
Content provider: Scott Hollander
Comments: lib-staffweb@buffalo.edu
Last update:
27 August, 2009