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Enhancing User Experience: An Observational Study of OPAC Users at Cardiff University

This study analyzes the user experience of the Online Public Access Catalog (OPAC) at Cardiff University. Conducted by Martin Wolf and supported by SCONUL trainees, the research aims to understand why users find OPAC non-intuitive and how electronic information resources can be improved. Using ethnographic observation, it reveals key insights, such as inefficient search behaviors and a lack of information literacy. Results indicate a need for targeted training and new strategies to enhance OPAC functionality and user satisfaction, highlighting broader implications for library services.

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Enhancing User Experience: An Observational Study of OPAC Users at Cardiff University

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Presentation Transcript

  1. Observational Study of OPAC users Martin Wolf Cardiff University

  2. Overview • Why and how the study was done • Results of the project • Further action and wider implications

  3. Why the study was done • Importance of electronic information resources • Anecdotal evidence suggests OPAC not intuitive to use • Development of information literacy policy • Desire to experiment with new feedback methods

  4. How the study was done • Consulted with researchers • Ethnographic observation technique • Project undertaken by SCONUL trainee • Pilot study to test feasibility and establish criteria • Project undertaken and report written

  5. Good points: A lot of data Detailed picture Engage users (hard to say no) Bad Points: A lot of data Time consuming Sacrifice breadth for depth Effectiveness of method

  6. Main findings • Most not efficient OPAC users • Searches too specific or too broad • Specific options most popular, but hard to use • Keyword searches too broad • No use of operators or limits

  7. Further action • Voyager training chosen as key first item for VLE content • New approaches to help pages being considered • Use of “automatic limiters” to be implemented • Developing new ways of training

  8. Professional Issues • The importance of evaluating services • Information literacy – opportunities for libraries • Feedback – consideration of different evaluation methods

  9. Summary • Why and how study undertaken • Results of project • Further action and wider implications • Worthwhile exercise

  10. Observational study of OPAC users Martin Wolf Cardiff University

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