The usability of academic library website indexes: an investigation

Author: Kingsley, Ilana

Source: The Indexer, Volume 26, Number 2, June 2008 , pp. 71-78(8)

Publisher: Society of Indexers

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Abstract:

There have been many research studies on the usability of websites, but few on the usability of website indexes. This paper discusses the methodology and findings of a usability study of academic library website indexes. The findings described in this paper are supportive of the utility of website indexes, but also demonstrate that website indexes are infrequently used. This paper also discusses exploratory research on how to get users to utilize a site index as their first choice when navigating web pages.

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Document Type: Research article

Publication date: 2008-06-01

More about this publication?

The Indexer is published by the Society of Indexers on behalf of all the indexing societies, seeks to cover the full range of subjects, from articles at the cutting edge of new techniques to contributions discussing in a practical way the new tools available to indexers at all points in the technical spectrum or exploring the history of indexing. Its extensive reviews section covers both printed and electronic material, including websites and hardware and software of interest to the indexer, while 'Indexes Reviewed' highlights some of the best (and worst) examples of indexing in action. And, in 'Around the World', it keeps readers up to date with what is going on across the international indexing community. First published in 1958 on a twice-yearly basis, it moved in 2008 to a quarterly publication.
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