Usability Evaluation of Finding Aids for Archives

This study describes a usability test of novice and expert users of archival finding aids. The test was conducted to determine whether the use of definitional phrasing, phrases used to explain and differentiate vague terms, in place of standard element titles would improve the navigability of archival finding aids by novice users. Many studies have indicated that users, particularly novices, do not understand the terms used in archives and their finding aids to describe their materials. This is a serious issue for usability. This study proposed that definitional phrasing in place of standard element titles would improve the navigability of archival finding aids for novice users. The study did not find any demonstrable differences in navigation between the two versions of the finding aid, but recommends that further study be conducted to better understand both how users navigate finding aids and how improvements can be made to reflect these findings.Master of Science in Library Scienc