Metalib Test November 2005

Four Students Tested

undergraduate junior, poli sci, uses library resources twice a month

undergraduate sophomore, english, uses library resources two to three times a week

undergraduate junior, theatre and poli sci, uses library resources twice a month

graduate student in english, uses library resources once a month

1. Holdings

Results were mixed:

Student one went to Orbis link at bottom of holdings page.

Student two was not sure how to find holdings. I prodded him to try, he first clicked on Yale Links but he didn't seem to like that. Then he found the holdings.

Student three went to Yale Links and then searched Orbis.

Student four voiced questions, but did select the holdings link at the top of the page.

To find holdings, two students went to Yale Links, one went to Orbis at bottom of page, and one went directly to the holdings.

2. Identify a Set of Databases by Subject

Student one uses Find databases and the category display. Once I show her MultiDatabase searching, she is able to find a set of databases in US history. She commented that the display in Find databases was more useful in selecting databases to search.

Student two first does QuickStart and searches for "American History". I ask him to try again using MultiDatabase search, where he types in history. Then he realizes that isn't working and he finds a set of databases using the menu structure.

Student three searches in QuickStart Articles for US history.

Student four searches in Find for US history.

No student automatically used MultiDatabase search. Students preferred to put the term "history" (3 of 4) in a search box. Once prodded to go to MultiDatabase search, students were better able to traverse the menu.

3. Email Citations

Each student (all 4) went to a full record and found the Send option. One student after prompting went back to the full result set and clicked on the Add to My Research and then right away went to the My research option. Another student pointed out the shortcoming that he looked for the box on the left to check, which is standard.