The application of the usability approach in libraries and information centers for resource selection and deployment

Libraries and information centers most often rely on published reviews, ven dors' demonstrations, brief visits to local sites, or word of mouth to sele ct resources for in-house or public use. The usability approach developed i n the field of human computer interaction (HCl) strives to test the ease of use, user satisfaction, and effectiveness of software, hardware, and infor mation products for a range of users, To understand how users interact with products, usability analysts employ methods from task analyses and rapid p rototyping in informal settings to talk-aloud protocols in specially equipp ed usability laboratories. For example, OCLC and Lexis-Nexis have maintaine d usability laboratories for several years to assist in the design of their software products. The application of the usability approach for research in information studies and to support library and information center purcha se and implementation decisions holds much promise. This work presents an o verview of the major methods of usability analysis and indicates how they c an be used efficiently and effectively by information professionals in real work environments to improve selection and deployment of hardware, softwar e, and information products. also included is a discussion of the current a nd future role of usability in the formal education of information professi onals.