Evaluation on the usability and information content of three university library websites for improved standard of education based on heuristic principles

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to evaluate three university library websites in Nigeria based on heuristic evaluation principles. The researchers focused on the usability and information content of the websites. This is a qualitative research based on observation, using heuristic checklist as the parameter for content and usability evaluation. A desktop research was carried out on three university library websites - Kenneth Dike Library, University of Ibadan, Nnamdi Azikiwe Library, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Donald E. U. Ekong Library, University of Port Harcourt. Data were collected by observably assessing these library websites based on heuristic evaluation principles.. Data collected were discussed accordingly. The study found among others that the usability and information content of the selected library websites, were inadequate. The paper concluded that the university library websites were still underdeveloped. Recommendations made includes, mandatory periodic evaluation of the website for improvement, constant updating to maintain integrity, librarians’ library website development involvement and website design enhancement.