VuFind September 2008 - present

VuFind is the open-source "next generation" system that is being adapted for use as our new public discovery tool.

This phase of testing was conducted during the Fall 2008 semester by the Usability Group and the VuFind Usability Task Force.

MTagger May 2008 - August 2008

MTagger is a locally created online social bookmarking tool that allows users to “tag” MLibrary resources and general websites.

This phase of testing was conducted during the Spring/Summer 2008 semester by the Usability Working Group and their 2 interns.

MBooks (Michigan Digitization Project) January 2007 - April 2007

MBooks is the University of Michigan's online access system to the Library's digitized collections, currently containing the volumes that have been scanned through our partnership arrangement with Google.

This phase of testing was conducted during the Spring/Summer 2008 semester by a student group from the University of Michigan's School of Information SI 622 class with additional reports by the Digital Library Production Service (DLPS) Interface & User Testing Specialist.

University Library Gateway Website March 2007 - October 2007

The University Library Gateway is the main portal for all of the University Library websites. The reports listed here reflect user tests for services used across the Gateway. We have tested various aspects of the gateway site to date.

University Library Websites January 2006 - May 2006, November 2007 - December 2007, June 2008 - August 2008

The University Library Gateway is the main portal for all of the University Library websites. The reports listed here reflect user tests for specific parts of the website. We have tested AAEL, Askwith Advanced Media Booking, the Policies Database, and the Staff Intranet to date.

SFX Label & Menu July 2006 - August 2007

SFX is a tool provided by the University Library that creates shortcuts to the full text of online articles, as well as links to other Library services. When searching in many of the University Library databases, there will be an SFX button or link that connects one to a menu of options.

The goal for this set of tests was to determine label terminology that best fits the user's understanding of the service in preparation for redesigning the button. The menu itself was tested to better understand how the end-users use and understand it, also in preparation for a new design and added functionality.

Deep Blue Institutional Repository September 2005 - February 2006

Deep Blue (http://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/) is the University of Michigan's service for representing UM's rich intellectual environment. The primary goal of Deep Blue is to provide access to the work that makes Michigan a leader in research, teaching, and creativity. It represents UM's scholars-- from faculty through students-- as individuals and as members of communities, and provides a framework for preserving and finding the best scholarly and artistic work done at the University. Deep Blue runs using DSpace technology.

The goal for this set of tests was to collect user data on the functionality and usability of Deep Blue, specifically the terminology, searching and browsing options, and navigation for both the end-users and depositors of institutional repository documents.

Search Tools May 2005 - July 2005

Search Tools (http://searchtools.lib.umich.edu/) provides end-users with a quick, easy, and personalized interface which can metasearch (search simultaneously) for information in a variety of information resources, such as catalogs, reference resources, digital repositories, or subject-based Web gateways. Search Tools provides the ability to save references in My Shelf, to disk, send via email, or use "Find It!" to find out UM availability. Search Tools runs using Ex Libris' Metalib technology.

The goal for this set of tests was to collect user data on the functionality and usability of Search Tools, specifically the Quick Search, e-Resources, and e-Journals interfaces, in order to determine how they should be modified to best meet the needs of the University community.