Develops a probabilistic model of the usage of an awareness-maintaining mechanism in a collaborative hypertext database system. Studies longitudinal time series data of user-database interaction. Finds that the recurring patterns in the occurrences of the awareness-seeking event were related to several contextual aspects of the Computer Supported…

Extends connections between retrospective citation age studies and reliability theory by considering the failure rate function from reliability, re-interpreted as the age-specific citation rate (ASCR). This is linked to earlier studies of retrospective citation distributions by Egghe and Ravichandra Rao who introduced a function claimed to…

Describes the usability study that was designed at Hampshire College (Massachusetts) to see whether students were successfully using the library's Web site, particularly for reference services. Emphasizes the need for retesting and discusses results of the usability testing, including an increase in Web site hits and database searches. (LRW)

Discusses the concept of information scent in a Web site, which is based on mental associations between concepts. Describes research in the field of human-computer interaction, including how humans locate information and semantic networks; and discusses navigation success, user testing, good links, and facet-based browsing. (LRW)

Reports results from the Association of Research Libraries (ARL) E-Metrics study to investigate issues associated with the usage statistics provided by database vendors. Considers standardization of key usage statistics and reporting format and validation of reported statistics; and offers recommendations for libraries and calls for continuous…

Considers appropriate use of the Internet versus unacceptable use by employees and library patrons. Topics include appropriate use of resources, creating an acceptable computer use policy, possible outcomes of inappropriate use, free speech versus institutional rights, monitoring and filtering products, and related Web sites. (LRW)

Describes a study that examined whether increased usage of computer based information systems (CBIS) results in improved end-user satisfaction. The results indicate that both the frequency of CBIS use and the proportion of total time spent using CBIS are positively correlated with end-user satisfaction. The implications for designing measures of…

Examines environmental information source reliance among American and Japanese citizens. Finds that the Japanese are inclined to rely on non-mass media sources, whereas Americans exhibit greater differentiation among sources. (RS)

An approach toward integrating evaluation into a program at its inception is presented as a way to increase utility and cost-effectiveness. Examples illustrate that such integration, combining internal and external evaluation, is preferable to independent and separate evaluation in terms of the cost to stakeholders. (SLD)

Discusses a dimensional scale for the evaluation of the multimedia user interface. Reports on a study of the use of the scale by novice graduate students at the University of Houston Clear Lake. Discusses hypermedia as a subset of multimedia, and investigates dependent measures including navigation. (LRW)

Suggests that it would be a great aid to making technical information usable if technical writers could acquire superpowers on the spot by uttering an acronym formed from the characteristics of USABILITY: User-centered, Sufficient, Accurate, Brief, Instructional, Logical, Informative, Task-oriented, and You, the technical communicator. (RS)

Directors of Alabama's 180 public libraries and 21 library systems were surveyed to determine their use and opinions of the "1988 Standards for Public Library Service in Alabama." Replies included feedback on standards directors considered most or least helpful and suggestions for additional standards. Analysis of the responses is…

Questionnaires were sent to professional authors to determine the impact of technological tools on their writing and on publishing. Although authors have embraced technology more enthusiastically than publishers, analyses of their responses indicate they are not advanced users. The changing nature of publication and pertinent legal and financial…

Finds that a majority of communication scholars surveyed would use an electronic journal to publish research reports and that most viewed publishing as a way to communicate about their work rather than as a means for advancement. (SR)

Review of research methodologies used in studies of online public access catalog (OPAC) users finds that a variety of research methodologies--e.g., surveys, transaction log analysis, interviews--have been used with varying degrees of expertise. It is concluded that poor research methodology resulting from limited training and resources limits the…