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A library is more than just 'stuff.' We provide services, data, tools, and perhaps most importantly, expertise. The current multi-tabbed search box is disjointed, and even with its multitude of options, still doesn't fully expose everything OSU Libraries offers. Further, website analytics indicate that users are often confused about how to find resources. For example, the WorldCat Local search box has been used to search for library hours; the website search box has been used to search for a database. We are making our library community work too hard and as a result they are finding too little. We must provide them with a better tool to discover those rich resources, databases, research guides, and people with expertise in their subject areas.
Read more abou about OSUL's Working Principles for Discovery.
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- Discovery Layer - the Discovery Working Group will focus on prioritizIng prioritizing and selecting of initial resources, and alpha test the initial bento-box proof of concept design [draft mockup (pdf)]
- Library Platform API - the Libraries Information Technology department will investigate technology options/available APIs, create endpoints for various content sources and develop API data models
- Resource Selection - focusing on serving our primary user audience, evaluate data availability of key resources
- Information Propogation Propagation - Complete Library Platform API, and work with Web redesign effort to embed rich data (schema.org) into content
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- Consultations with libary staff who have expertise in various areas to better inform the redesign projects [blog post | full notes summary (docx)]
UX Cohorts
- User Experience Cohorts will assist with ongoing usability testing, such as card sorting, focus groups, survey and data analysis.
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Testing
- As the proof of concept is iteratively developed, advancing from prototype to pilot to live production, the platform will be continually tested. It will be initially shared with a few targeted focus groups, then released to wider audiences througout throughout the year.
Wouldn't it be easier to just switch discovery to EBSCO EDS or other vended service?
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The most effective way to measure success is through user-centered design. We will track improvement by making ongoing comparisons of usability data that we began analyzing in Spring 2016 for the Discovery Inquiry Proposal. User Experience Leads Robyn Ness and Meris Mandernach began performing usability testing in April 2017, providing even more data to guide us during this process. These presentations summarizing summarize their findings:
OSU Web/Discovery Usability Testing (pptx)
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