Usability Testing and Needs Assessment ( UCLA Library )

The Usability Assessment Committee (UAC) is 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 or 310. 206-4066

Usability Lab

The UCLA Library conducts some usability studies in a Usability Lab located on the 2nd floor of Young Research Library in room 22484 in staff only space. The lab is currently only for library staff use, but it is possible to contact Sharon Shafer (sshafer@library.ucla.edu) to examine the lab and inquire about using it on a case by case basis for non library staff use.

Software

Morae usability testing and market research software version 3.3.2 (TechSmith)
http://www.techsmith.com/tutorial-morae-current.html

JingPro Version 2.3 Express Scribe (free digital transcription software)
http://docs.library.ucla.edu/

Transcription Software currently under investigation:

http://waxy.org/2008/09/audio_transcription_with_mechanical_turk/
http://www.uiaccess.com/transcripts/transcript_services.html

Hardware
HP TouchSmart 9300 Elite with Morae usability 3.3.2
Transcription Foot Pedal
digital audio recorder (my personal little Sony thing)
Sony HandyCam

Physical Space

The usability lab consists of one pc station with Morae usability software, a smartboard with overhead projector and a small conference table that can seat 10. Click the link below for a visual tour.

https://www.thesphere.com/direct_embed/331624

Directions to LIT Usabililty and Assessment Lab
The Usability and Assessment Lab is located on the 2nd floor of Young Research Library in room 22484. It is located in a library staff only area behind a key access door or a code access door. Contact sshafer@library.ucla.edu to schedule access to the lab.