Persistent URL: http://www.vala.org.au/vala2000-proceedings/vala2000-session-14-woodcroft
Establishing guidelines for the effective evaluation of web-based periodical bibliographic and full-text databases search interfaces.VALA 2000 CONCURRENT SESSION 14: Information Delivery Michelle WoodcroftUniversity Liaison Librarian, Southern Cross University, Coffs Harbour Education Campus Janet FletcherNetwork Services Librarian, Southern Cross University |   |
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Abstract
With the web fast becoming the common platform for access to periodical bibliographic and full-text databases, it is vital that librarians recommending the purchase of these databases evaluate not only their content, but also the search interface and search functionality. This paper describes a set of evaluation criteria for librarians to apply when reviewing the web interfaces of periodical databases. Criteria considered include; logon and logoff procedures, search functionality, flexibility and usability, advanced and novice search modes, on-screen help usefulness, error messages, record marking management, print, saving and e-mail capabilities, truncation and boolean operators, SDI facilities, command language capabilities, visual design and icon function recognition, library holdings features, and the availability and versatility of customisable front ends.