usage statistics analysis of specialized academic libraries
DESCRIPTION
The usage statistics and the perception of users about library websites are commonly usedas an evaluation tool. This case study explores the website usage of the Natural ScienceLibrary (NSL) and Agricultural & Experimental Station and Library (AESL) of theUniversity of Puerto Rico. This study reveals the importance and usefulness of these websitesin the academic environment. The methodology used in the investigation serves as anindicator of use, contact with the users and their perception of services. The data wereobtained from Google Analytics reports, interviews and focus groups about visits towebsite pages. The results show how much current use of resources and services are usedto make improvements in the design and content.IFLA 77 meeting session 111 The challenges and changing roles of the Science and Technology Libraries SectionTRANSCRIPT
USAGE STATISTICS ANALYSIS OF SPECIALIZED LIBRARIES
WEBSITES
Julia VélezCenter for Information and Technology of Natural Sciences,
University of Puerto Rico, San Juan, Puerto Rico
Liz PagánAgricultural Experiment Station, University of Puerto Rico,
San Juan, Puerto Rico
August 15, 2011
IFLA 77 Meeting: 111 — The challenges and changing roles of the Science and
Technology Libraries — Science and Technology Libraries Section
INTRODUCTION
Natural Science Library (NSL) http://bcn.uprrp.edu
AgriculturalExperiment Station Library (AESL) http://biblioteca.eea.uprm.edu
INTRODUCTION
The use of Web portals have a significant impact on the way libraries are organized, offer and facilitate the access to information resources and services.
Web portals are one of the working tools of librarians and a key mechanism for the users.
RESEARCH OBJECTIVES
Learn about the usage
of the library’s webpage
Identify the advantages
and disadvantages of library
webpage
Improve access to resources
and information
services through the
web
Explore the changes that have
occurred in the
librarians role
RESEARCH QUESTIONS
1. What is the use of the library's website according to its organization, design and content?2. How easy is the use the library website?3. Is it necessary to reorganize and redesign the library website to enhance services available to users and the needs of users?4. What have been the changes in the role of librarians driven by the development and improvement of websites?
GOOGLE ANALYTICS
METHODOLOGY
Qualitative
research
Focus
groups
Documents
Interviews
RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONSMonthly visits per users
February March April
RESULTS
AESL – BlueNSL - Red
RESULTS
NSL WEBSITE RECOMMENDATIONS
Add an English version choice
Provide instructions onhow to use databases
Change the website colors
Provide content in attractive way
AESL WEBSITE RECOMMENDATIONS
Add an English version choice
Provide increase digitized resources
Relocate links and an overview of available services
Describe the access policy for the community so that private users can have access to all online resources
CONCLUSIONS
The roles of librarians have changed significantly. The participants in the study validate the issues raised about the role of librarians; they should reinvent their roles and responsibilities to meet the demands of users.
GA reports show usage of both websites, but is not substantially higher compared to the amount of content.
CONCLUSIONS
It is necessary to reorganize, redesign and relocate the contents of the websites to make it more appealing and accessible to the user.
Also, we need to perform ongoing
assessment of website usage and development.
NSL AND AESL WEBSITE
FUTURE WORKSDevelop the websites in a
coordinated way to have patterns in common and unify resources
Perform similar research beyond the limitations raised in this
study
Address the research
limitations
Contact information:
Julia Vélez [email protected]
Liz Pagán [email protected]
Full Text Article Available
http://conference.ifla.org/sites/default/files/files/papers/ifla7
7/111-velez-en.pdf