Library and Information Science Commons^™

Decoding Virtual Reference: Using Chat Transcripts To Guide Usability Testing And Improve Web Design, Kate E. Wimer

Library and Information Science: Capstone Projects

This paper seeks to support user-centered library website design by exploring a low-effort strategy for identifying patron needs and the natural language used to describe them. The literature review cross-references library literature on chat reference with broader studies on website navigation and cognitive modeling, and briefly reviews other studies that have used chat transcript analysis as a usability tool. Word count analysis of two terms of chat reference transcripts showed several trends in patron language, particularly highlighting the benefits of usage-based navigational design. Recommendations for further usability testing are offered, as is an analysis of the method as a starting …

Library And Information Science Education And Escience: The Current State Of Ala Accredited Mls/Mlis Programs In Preparing Librarians And Information Professionals For Escience Needs, Hanna Schmillen

Library and Information Science: Capstone Projects

The purpose of this study is multifaceted: 1) to describe eScience research in acomprehensive way; 2) to help library and information specialists understand the realm of eScience research and the information needs of the community and demonstrate the importance of LIS professionals within the eScience domain; 3) and to explore the current state of curricular content of ALA accredited MLS/MLIS programs to understand the extent to which they prepare new professionals within eScience librarianship. The literature review focuses heavily on eScientists and other data-driven researchers’ information service needs in addition to demonstrating how and why librarians and information specialists can …

Image Seeking Behaviors In A Local History Collection, Jenelys Cox

Library and Information Science: Capstone Projects

This study built upon previous, but limited research on image seeking behaviors. The focus of the study was on student image seeking behaviors within a digital collection and explored the following two questions:

1. How do students at the University of Denver seek images within Digital DU?
2. Are students at the University of Denver aware of Digital DU?