Usability Evaluation of a Ubiquitous Library Portal in Malaysia
Abstract
The ubiquitous technology had great influence on today’s libraries, enabling the provision of information in a user-friendly environment with the existing information services being accessible at any time via integration with new technologies specifically portals. Although portals currently allow users to customize the application and details, customization can go further for apps as users can now configure portal appearance based on their preferences and expectations of usability assessment. Usability testing is a technique that has a huge impact on users’ habits and expectations, besides being able to identify parts requiring improvements that can increase the acceptance of the application. The objective of this article is to assess the usability, specifically in Malaysia, of a ubiquitous library (UL) portal. The theoretical model adapted and adopted underpins the Nielson model. Various UL users using the survey method had verified an accurate and valid usability-rating model. Data collection was carried out by random selection of 203 users. Statistical analysis of composite reliability (CR) for internal consistency evaluations using smart PLS and Average Variance Extracted (AVE) for validity convergence evaluation have been performed. Efficiency, effectiveness, learning capability, and [user] satisfaction of the portal were identified as valid and reliable parameters for the usability and quality of the UL portal. The authors find that the portal has the potential for users to access the related information and services. It allows UL web designers to maintain their portals and let users access relevant information conveniently and safely. This research has the following significance and contribution: (1) the findings can provide researchers, web contents designers and practitioners with some insights into the relative importance of each domain or criterion for portal usability measurement; (2) the UL portal usability assessment model and the development of dynamic survey tools can be used for the purpose of portal liberalization.
