Clearer Library Results: Adjusting 'In Library Use Only' Display
Introduction
Hey guys! In this article, we're diving deep into a crucial update aimed at enhancing the user experience when searching for library resources. Specifically, we're addressing an issue where the location names for In Library Use Only items on the results page can be misleading. This can cause frustration for patrons who expect to find materials readily available, only to discover they need to request them from ReCAP. Let's break down the problem, the proposed solution, and the steps we're taking to ensure a smooth and accessible experience for everyone. Ensuring clear library search results is paramount for user satisfaction. Location accuracy is a key component of this clarity, especially for items designated In Library Use Only. The current display sometimes leads patrons to believe that items are immediately accessible within the branch, when in reality, they require a request and a waiting period due to their location in ReCAP. This discrepancy between expectation and reality can create a negative user experience and increase the workload for library staff who have to address these confusions. Our goal is to rectify this issue by adjusting the location names displayed on the results page, thereby providing users with a more accurate understanding of an item's availability right from the outset. This update is particularly timely as we anticipate a surge in campus users following the summer break, underscoring the urgency of implementing this improvement to avoid widespread confusion and ensure efficient access to library resources. This initiative directly supports the library's mission to provide seamless access to information, and it aligns with our commitment to user-centered design principles. By prioritizing clarity and accuracy in our search results, we empower patrons to make informed decisions about their research process and minimize potential roadblocks in their pursuit of knowledge. Ultimately, this enhancement will contribute to a more positive and productive library experience for all users.
The Problem: Misleading Location Information
The current display of location information for In Library Use Only items presents a challenge. Users at branch libraries have reported that when they see a location like "Mendel" with a call number, they naturally assume the item is available in the Mendel stacks. However, this isn't always the case. The crucial detail – that the item is actually in ReCAP and requires a request – is only revealed when the user clicks through to the full record page. This disconnect creates unnecessary confusion and inconvenience, especially for those unfamiliar with the library's internal processes. This location information issue is not just a minor inconvenience; it has a tangible impact on user workflows. Patrons may waste time searching physical stacks for items that are not there, leading to frustration and a potential delay in their research. Moreover, it increases the burden on library staff who have to address inquiries and redirect users to the appropriate request channels. This inefficiency not only affects individual users but also the overall productivity of the library system. The problem is further compounded by the fact that many users may not realize the distinction between on-site availability and items stored in ReCAP. This lack of awareness can lead to a systematic misunderstanding of the search results and a perception that the library's resources are less accessible than they actually are. Addressing this issue proactively is essential to maintain user trust and confidence in the library's search system. By providing clear and accurate location information upfront, we can prevent confusion, streamline the research process, and empower users to effectively utilize the library's vast collection. The long-term benefits of this improvement extend beyond immediate user satisfaction; it strengthens the library's reputation as a reliable and user-friendly resource hub.
The Solution: Adjusting Location Names for Clarity
The proposed solution is straightforward yet effective: we're adjusting the location names for In Library Use Only items directly on the search results page. This targeted change aims to provide immediate clarity, ensuring users understand the item's availability without needing to navigate to the full record. By implementing these location name adjustments, we can proactively prevent user confusion and streamline the research process. The core of the solution involves modifying the display to accurately reflect the item's actual location, particularly highlighting when an item is stored in ReCAP. This might involve appending a qualifier to the location name, such as "ReCAP (In Library Use Only)" or a similar designation that clearly communicates the item's status. The specific changes are detailed in a Google sheet, providing a comprehensive mapping of current locations to the desired display names. This level of detail ensures consistency and accuracy across the search results, minimizing the potential for misinterpretation. Furthermore, the adjusted location names will be designed to be easily understood by all users, regardless of their familiarity with library terminology or processes. We aim to use clear and concise language that leaves no room for ambiguity. This user-centric approach is crucial for ensuring the effectiveness of the solution and maximizing its positive impact on the overall user experience. The adjustments are not intended to be a permanent alteration of the underlying location data, but rather a contextual modification applied specifically to the search results display. This approach allows us to maintain the integrity of the library's cataloging system while providing users with the most relevant information in the search context. By focusing on the user interface, we can address the immediate problem of misleading location information without disrupting other library workflows or systems.
Desired Display: A Wireframe View
To visualize the proposed changes, Beth German has created a helpful wireframe. This wireframe provides a clear picture of how the adjusted location names will appear on the search results page, offering a tangible representation of the improved user experience. The desired display wireframe showcases the intended visual presentation of the location information, making it easier to understand the impact of the changes. The wireframe highlights the placement and formatting of the adjusted location names, demonstrating how they will integrate into the existing search results layout. This visual representation is invaluable for stakeholders to understand the proposed solution and provide feedback. It also serves as a guide for the development team, ensuring accurate implementation of the desired display. The wireframe emphasizes the use of clear and concise language, ensuring that the location information is easily understood at a glance. It also takes into consideration visual hierarchy, ensuring that the most important information, such as the item's availability and location, is prominently displayed. Furthermore, the wireframe provides an opportunity to evaluate the overall aesthetics of the search results page, ensuring that the changes blend seamlessly with the existing design. This attention to detail is crucial for maintaining a consistent and professional user experience. The wireframe is not just a static image; it's a tool for communication and collaboration. It facilitates discussions among stakeholders, allowing them to identify potential issues and refine the solution before implementation. By providing a visual representation of the desired outcome, the wireframe ensures that everyone is on the same page and working towards a common goal.
Acceptance Criteria: Ensuring Quality and Accessibility
Before we roll out this update, we've established clear acceptance criteria to ensure it meets our standards for quality and accessibility. These criteria serve as a checklist, guaranteeing the solution is not only effective but also usable by everyone, including users with disabilities. Meeting the acceptance criteria is paramount for a successful implementation. One key criterion is accessibility. We're committed to making our resources accessible to all users, and this includes those who rely on assistive technologies like screen readers. Therefore, we'll be testing the feature extensively with Voice Over in Safari to ensure it functions seamlessly for users with visual impairments. This hands-on testing will identify any potential accessibility barriers and allow us to address them proactively. Another crucial aspect of our acceptance criteria involves browser extension testing. We'll be utilizing tools like axe dev tools, Lighthouse, and Wave to automatically scan the feature for accessibility issues. These tools help us identify common accessibility problems, such as insufficient color contrast or missing alternative text for images. By running these checks, we can ensure that the feature meets Level A and Level AA accessibility standards, which are widely recognized as benchmarks for web accessibility. The acceptance criteria also encompass functional testing. We'll be verifying that the location names are displayed correctly, that the changes are consistent across different browsers and devices, and that the overall search experience remains smooth and intuitive. This thorough testing process helps us identify and resolve any potential bugs or inconsistencies before the feature is released to the public. By adhering to these acceptance criteria, we can confidently deploy a solution that is not only effective in addressing the problem but also accessible, user-friendly, and of the highest quality. This commitment to quality and accessibility is fundamental to our mission of providing equitable access to information for all.
The Urgency: Preparing for Returning Students
This isn't just any update; it's a sudden priority! With students returning to campus after the summer break, we're anticipating a significant increase in library usage. It's crucial that we address this misleading location information issue now to avoid widespread confusion and ensure a smooth start to the academic year. The urgency of this update is driven by the impending influx of students. As students return to campus and resume their research activities, the library will experience a surge in traffic, both physically and online. This heightened activity increases the likelihood of users encountering the misleading location information, potentially leading to widespread frustration and a strain on library resources. Addressing this issue proactively before the influx of students is essential for mitigating these potential problems. It demonstrates our commitment to providing a positive and efficient library experience for all users, especially during peak periods. Furthermore, resolving this issue now will free up library staff to focus on other important tasks, such as assisting students with research and providing instructional support. By preventing confusion and streamlining the search process, we can optimize the use of library resources and staff time. The timing of this update also aligns with the library's overall goal of continuously improving user services. We are committed to providing the best possible experience for our patrons, and this includes proactively addressing potential pain points and implementing solutions that enhance clarity and efficiency. By prioritizing this update, we are demonstrating our responsiveness to user feedback and our dedication to creating a user-centered library environment. The urgency of this situation underscores the importance of collaboration and timely action. We are working diligently to implement this solution as quickly and effectively as possible, ensuring that the library is well-prepared to welcome students back to campus.
Conclusion
Adjusting the location names for In Library Use Only items is a vital step toward improving the clarity and user-friendliness of our library search results. By addressing this issue proactively, we're minimizing potential confusion, streamlining the research process, and ensuring a positive experience for all our users. This update reflects our commitment to providing accessible, accurate, and user-centered library services. The adjustments to location names in search results represent a significant enhancement to the library's search functionality. By providing clearer and more accurate location information, we empower users to make informed decisions about their research process and access the resources they need efficiently. This improvement is not just about fixing a technical issue; it's about creating a more user-friendly and intuitive library experience. We believe that this change will have a tangible impact on user satisfaction, reducing frustration and saving valuable time. Furthermore, this update demonstrates our commitment to continuous improvement. We are constantly evaluating our services and seeking ways to enhance the user experience. This proactive approach ensures that the library remains a vital resource for our community, adapting to the evolving needs of our patrons. The success of this initiative relies on collaboration and communication. We encourage users to provide feedback on the changes, helping us to further refine our services and ensure they meet the needs of our community. We are committed to listening to our users and incorporating their input into our ongoing efforts to improve the library experience. Ultimately, this update is about empowering our users to effectively utilize the library's vast resources. By providing clear and accurate information, we are facilitating access to knowledge and supporting the research endeavors of our community. We are confident that these adjustments will contribute to a more positive and productive library experience for all.
