NAVIGATING ONLINE MENUS - A QUANTITATIVE EXPERIMENT

A uniform interface to multiple, varied databases enhances searching a nd reduces the need for end-user training. The uniformity, however, ca n make it more difficult to select appropriate resources. This article describes a quantitative study at the University of Washington Librar ies that examined the effect of terminology and screen layout on stude nts' ability to correctly select databases from an introductory screen , the Session Manager. Results indicate a significant improvement in s tudents' ability to navigate menu screens where terminology is expande d and selections are grouped by type. Implications for other projects, including Web design decisions, are suggested.