Research shows that academic libraries can be difficult to navigate and that students are often frustrated with not being able to find the right materials. This current study attempts to identify access barriers in FSU's Strozier Library by assessing the effectiveness of signs and directories, as well as wayfinding patterns of both undergraduate…

In the past three years, Board of Governors' (BOG) staff, working in cooperation with university representatives, have continued to improve the data collection and reporting capabilities for the State University System. Simultaneously, Board staff have worked to lessen the reporting burden on the universities by reducing the number of data…

Library patrons familiar with Web searching conventions often find library searching to be less familiar and even intimidating. This article describes and evaluates a series of usability research studies employing two different and popular methodologies: user-centered redesign and usability testing. Card sorting and affinity mapping were used to…

Examines how the libraries of Dade, Broward, and Collier counties have responded with user-centered services to meet the diverse needs of South Florida's Hispanic population. The services are tailored to each system's population, provide services integral to ongoing operations, establish outreach efforts, and bring library services to the people.…

The University of Florida Libraries took the opportunity of remodeling its Humanities and Social Sciences library to conceptualize the design of an info commons area for the new building. An Info Commons Concept Team was formed and charged with this task. The team used site visits, surveys, focus groups, and interviews to determine the needs of…

In Florida, as in the rest of the country, there is a paradigm shift within libraries. Increasingly, the information necessary to respond to user needs is available electronically--sometimes only or most conveniently in electronic form. For librarians to be most effective in the electronic revolution, they need to link their libraries into a…

Designed to offer guidelines, ideas and help to those who provide library service to young adults, this manual includes information about the provision of young adult (YA) services in six sections. The first section, which addresses planning and administration, includes a definition of a young adult and a checklist for determining community needs…

Describes the Clearwater (Florida) Public Library Web site which was created as a response to the growing use of the Internet for accessing information. Topics include design considerations; users; text-based navigation links; access speed; ease of use; value-added service; what information and services to include; and future possibilities. (LRW)

Recognizing: (1) that home schooling members have increased dramatically in the last decade, with Florida having the highest home schooled population in the country, (2) that home schoolers are among the heaviest users of the public library, and (3) that home schooling needs have not been fully understood, the University of South Florida School of…