User testing - Intralibrary 3 beta

Having gained access to the new Beta of Version 3 of the repository we embarked on an early set of user testing. In the first instance The system of uploading workflows and tying them to groups and metadata subsets was tested, and this appears to be as straightforward as was the case with the previous version. Unfortunately workflows still have to be editted in XML and then uploaded to the repository, rather than being editable within the administration area.

A new generic workflow and metadata subset were created in order to enable the ease of use for contributors while relieving the work burden for administrators. Once these ahd been loaded into the repository it was ready to be tested by a contributor. The health library had already been using the repository to store some induction materials which were made available to users through the VLE. We invited a member of the health library team to try out the upload process in Version 3. Here follows the conclusions.

The upload process has become much easier as the contributor is taken through the steps such as choosing a group and a collection. The systematic approach makes the process more intuitive. However, once the resource has been uploaded it is not entirely obvious where the resources have gone, there is an 'upload successful' message sitting in an otherwise blank screen.

The 'Edit resource' button is also a little difficult to spot, and the replacement of text by icons has also rendered other facets of the reserved 'objects screen' somewhat mystical. If the clean look of the icons is to be beneficial, then the rollover desriptions have to be working properly, otherwise an unfamiliarity with the icons ensures progress is slow.

The general look of the reopsitory was thought to be better and cleaner, and the added feautures of tagging and likeness searching within the resource screens along with the basket options make it easier to find personal resources or groups of resources.

Coming soon..... deletion issues.

Keywords: contributor, upload, workflows

Posted by Michael @ Keele Pathfinder Team