Usability testing of catalog results in EDS: Amherst findings

Abstract

We asked 4 first years and 3 seniors to complete a remote usability test in EDS, focusing on non-article search results (i.e., books, ebooks, archives, and e-resources). The test included an open exploration section, to gather insight on students’ research processes and mental models. We wanted to know about challenges with understanding and accessing archival materials, print books, e-books, and e-resources on and off-campus, as well as student preferences for campus display and willingness to travel.

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10 things you can do to protect your privacy

1.   Know what incognito mode is, and what secure browser options are:

incognito mode: doesn’t save browsing history, cookies, site data, form entries from your browsing session — BUT websites can still track you, as well as your network provider and internet service provider (ISP)

review privacy options and features for browses, and consider VPNs or browsers that hide your activity from ISPs

2.   Review what facebook knows about you and choose whether to delete it

3.   Review what google knows about you and choose whether to delete it

4.   Review your app metadata settings and turn off unnecessary data collection (ex: Pinterest requiring access to your location)

5.   Use an encrypted messaging app

6.   Avoid logging into recreational surveys, games and activities with your facebook account, or else read the agreement closely before doing so. You’re often agreeing to allow them to scrape your facebook data in exchange for playing the “free” game.

7.   Protect yourself when using free WiFi networks, or bring a mobile hotspot

8.   Use the HTTPS Everywhere browser extension to connect to the secure https version of websites (information between you and the site will be encrypted)

9.   Create strong, unique passwords and use a password manager

10.   Try a search engine that doesn’t track your search history (more listed)

First year seminar students and the Library experience: a qualitative study

Abstract

Amherst College Research & Instruction librarians conducted an exploratory research project around first-year students and library experiences and expectations, analyzing first-year seminar students’ reflective essays on a brief exercise exploring the library, the role of the library, and their expectations of how the library would support their academic careers.

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