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Discussion Group 3
What do users want?
The discussion highlighted two main requirements for the user
- To be comfortable using the resource
- To have expectations met or exceeded in terms of search results
Overall the experience for the user must be a good one - and this is relevant to all users whatever their level of expertise
In order to meet expectations
- Quality of the underlying data is important as divorced from the actual user interface
- Fine line between using developers experience to produce a complex interface and losing sight of the users objectives and search strategy
- Use of simple assisted searches - not complicated strategies and search screens
- Important to use "faceted vocabularies" behind the interface so that different types of users can retrieve results using their own search terms
- Results form must be appropriate for each particular user
- Need to be able to re-use and re-purpose content if CLDs are to be sustainable
How do we know what users want?
- Important to include feedback. Ask users if they have found what they wanted, was their search successful?
- Know your audience
Do users understand CLDs?
- Users need to understand what searching a CLD service means in order to manage their expectations
- Users need to know what to do next? E.g. find a collection that is relevant and then details of how to access the collection, contact details - no dead ends
- Vast majority of information is NOT available in digital form and users need to be aware of the scope of what they are searching
- Mediation role of Information Professionals in managing expectations
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