Usability Studies in the Electronic Resource Lifecycle

ABSTRACT The usability of e-resources and services contributes to library patrons’ use and satisfaction with them, which in turn affects library employees’ acquisition, provision of access, administration, support, and evaluation of e-resources. Librarians can integrate usability into the e-resource lifecycle in a variety of places and using numerous methods. This presentation provides an introduction to usability testing, highlights two usability case studies involving e-resources, and discusses how librarians might fruitfully incorporate usability methods throughout the e-resource lifecycle.