Usability Testing and Needs Assessment in the UCLA Library
The Usability Assessment Committee (UAC) has been charged by the UCLA Library Cabinet with establishing and managing a sustainable usability process and environment within the UCLA Library. The committee will implement or facilitate various usability processes, including IRB certification, data archiving, and compliance with university policies, usability testing protocols and technologies and the development of usability skills among the university community. The UAC will also evaluate and recommend software tools and other technologies for usability testing. UAC will strive to raise awareness of the many benefits of usability testing through presentations and workshops to the library staff and as appropriate to various campus organizations. —Sharon Shafer, Chair UAC
Interested in Serving on UAC or want to collaborate on usability resources for UCLA?
Please contact Sharon Shafer at sshafer@library.ucla.edu
Currently, UAC is putting together a Usability Website. We are conducting an environmental scan of Usability Centers & Labs.
Usability Lab
The UCLA Library conducts some usability studies in a Usability Lab located within the Library Information Technology department staff area. The lab is is the process of being developed and is currently only for library staff use, but it is possible to contact Sharon Shafer to examine the lab and inquire about using it on a case by case basis.
The UCLA Library is considering the possiblity of including a usability lab within the Young Research Library Renovation.
Software
Morae usability testing and market research software version 3.2.0 (TechSmith)
JingPro Version 2.3
Express Scribe (free digital transcription software)
Hardware
Six PCs.
One of the PCs has Morae software installed and has a Logitech Camera / with Audio pickup.
Transcription Foot Pedal
Physical Space
Cubicle with large windows and room for six workstations
Cubicle is adjacent to a glassed off conference room which is equipted with Morae Observer.
Directions to LIT Usabililty and Assessment Lab
On the East side of Powell Library (across from the Humanities Bldg) – Take the large steps to first floor entrance door. Upon entering the door, you will be on the first floor and the elevator is on the right. Take the elevator to the third floor and you will enter directly in to 390 Powell. Take the elevator because the stairway leads to a locked door.