Customising Interfaces to Service-Oriented Digital Library Systems

Abstract

Abstract. Digital library systems that once were mostly monolithic in construction are slowly making the transition to component-based models. However, it is not clear how best to design or construct the user interfaces to such systems -one alternative would be to create associated interface elements while another would be to create a separable interface layer. This paper discusses an attempt to do the latter by using current browser-based tools -recently named Ajax -in order to visually design the layouts, workflows and service connections of a user experience layer. Expert evaluators provided feedback during this process and the eventual level of functionality and usability of the proof-of-concept system demonstrate the inherent possibilities and relevance of the emerging Ajax technologies for not only the rendering or execution but also the design of browser-based Web applicatons, and digital library systems in particular.

Constructing digital library interfaces

“…Although still in prototype stage Figure 1 illustrates the style of interface interaction we believe is necessary to align with the level of 'computational sense' [7] of many of those learning about DLs. This topic is currently under-represented in the DL literature [6]; in particular, although usability studies have been performed on searching in DLs, they need to be undertaken for DL creation.…”

“…For programmers an API is often sufficient, whereas for experienced digital librarians an XSLT approach might be appropriate. However, for many users, especially those taking a first class in DLs, a more supportive environment, that better aligns with their skill-set, will be more effective [6].…”

“…The limited evidence available in the literature suggests that many collection creators encounter problems in learning to effectively use digital library software [3,6,7]. An aspect of Greenstone use that is known to be problematic is the customisation of the DL interface [3,8].…”

“…The combination of evidence from the literature [6], student feedback [3], interviews of those who have run workshops, heuristic interface evaluation, responses to the online survey, the mailing list analysis and anecdotal feedback to project members, all suggest that interface customisation is an important topic that is not currently well-supported in Greenstone 2. Although these issues affect all users we believe they have a disproportionate effect on those learning about DL software.…”