Usability analysis based on exploratory research: the case of the Zila Mamede Central Library’s search terminal

Abstract

This article aims to propose recomendations that may better the service of the Zila Mamede Central Library’s search terminal by means of an exploratory case study. From the results obtained through the ‘Fly on the wall’ technique, usability tests and cooperative evaluation realized with a group of volunteers, problems were found regarding the usability on the search terminal services, e.g. confusing interface, font size, button naming, lack of system feedback, unnecessary buttons, unconfortable keyboard/trackball panel, lack of volume holding compartment and lacking connection between phyisical and virtual collections. Based on the aforementioned identified problems, some recomendations were generated, so that they may contribute to the services betterment.