Library Websites and Usability

Laura Solomon (webmaster for the Cleveland Heights-University Heights Public Library) conducted a usability survey of Ohio public library websites, using Jakob Nielsen's usability criteria.  Her study, "Sinking or Swimming: The State of Web Sites in Ohio's Public Libraries," shows that many libraries haven't focused enough attention on putting the information their patrons want up on their websites. 

Particular problem areas include a lack of information about patron privacy, contact information, using too many abbreviations, not having a site search, and having really poor page titles.  For any public library webmaster, this is essential reading.  Make sure your library website is doing all of the things you should be doing for your remote users...who are numerous and just as important as those users coming in your front doors.