Usability Evaluation of Newspaper-on- DVD (NP-DVD) of the Rizal Library, Ateneo de Manila University

Engracia Santos

doi:10.29173/iasl7520

Authors

Engracia S. Santos Ateneo de Manila University

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.29173/iasl7520

Keywords:

Usability, User testing, Library search tools

Abstract

The primary objective of this study is to determine the usability of the Newspaper-on- DVD project of the Rizal Library, Ateneo de Manila University and to make recommendations that will help improve the system and expand its usage. In 2000, Library started transforming the preserved newspaper from microfilm to digital images. The library then provided an easier mode of access by providing a search tool that will link the index to the images and to the printers. A descriptive evaluative research method through usability testing was used in this study. Ten representative students were asked to complete a series of tasks using NP-DVD. Based on the test, the researcher was able to identify usability problems and recommended futures actions to enhance the system. These problems characterize the difficulties users face while using library search tools available not only in the libraries but also in the internet.

Author Biography

Engracia S. Santos, Ateneo de Manila University

Engracia Señga SANTOS finished her Bachelor of Science, major in Computer Engineering, at the Polytechnic University of the Philippines. She received her Masters of Library and Information Science at the University of the Philippines. For fifteen years, she was the head of the Information Communication Technology Unit of the Institute of Philippine Culture, a social science research organization of the Ateneo de Manila University. During this time, she co-managed the special library collection of the Institute. In 2007, she transferred to Rizal Library to help build the digital collection. She is now the Head Librarian at the American Historical Collection of Rizal Library. Her projects focused on digital curation and preservation of historical and rare materials in the collection. She is also member of the website and communications committee of the library.