Search TRLN Focus Groups- Phase 1 (October 2007) | User Studies

Background

Triangle Research Libraries Network (TRLN) is a collaborative organization of Duke University, North Carolina Central University, North Carolina State University, and The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

• Triangle Research Libraries Network (TRLN)
• The TRLN Endeca Project

Overview

In 2007-2008, the libraries of the Triangle Research Libraries Network (TRLN) implemented Search TRLN, formerly at https://search.trln.org. Powered by Endeca, Search TRLN provided a discovery and delivery environment for users of the TRLN collections.

In October and November of 2007, the TRLN Usability Task Group held eight focus group interviews with faculty, staff, and students on each TRLN campus to understand expectations for a consortium-wide discovery and delivery environment and to gather reactions to wireframe mockups of the Search TRLN interface. These focus groups were held in meeting spaces at campus libraries. Overall, 29 faculty members, 15 graduate students, and 12 undergraduate students participated in the interviews. Interviews were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed for themes.

Results from the eight focus groups were used to guide design and development decisions for the implementation of Search TRLN. Therefore, the audience for this report was the TRLN Endeca Steering Committee and the TRLN Endeca implementation team.

Team and Partners

• Angie Ballard, NC State University Libraries, Task Group member, focus group interview planning and administration
• Debra Kurtz, Duke University Libraries, Task Group member, focus group interview planning and administration
• Hafsa Murad, NCCU, Task Group member, focus group interview planning and administration
• Lisa Norberg, UNC Libraries, Task Group Chair, focus group interview planning and administration
• Rick Peterson, Duke Medical Center Libraries, Task Group member, focus group interview planning and administration
• Derek Rodriguez, TRLN, Task Group member, liaison to implementation team, focus group administration

Results

While there were some predictable differences between faculty, graduates, and undergraduates, on the whole there was significant consensus across status and institution. Some of the general trends and observations, as well as areas the task group recommends for further evaluation through usability testing, can be found in the report for Search TRLN Focus Groups- Phase 1.

Reports and Presentations

• Search TRLN Focus Groups Report (Phase 1)

Last updated: December 2009