1. Interface for the University Library Catalogue Implementing Direct Manipulation Proposal 4

2. Directory Listing2 Task Analysis Design a new interface for the University library catalogue. Is the current system inadequate for expert users? Find a solution to suit the needs of expert users, while not hindering the current interfaces functionality for basic users.

3. Directory Listing3 Task Identification A directory Interface, similar to looking up a topic in books index and looking for related material –Interface provides a direct link to material relevant to the current user. –Results allow ‘one click’ reservations. –Results provide links to alternative sources. Similar to an book index method of “also see…”

4. Directory Listing4 Task Identification cont… To allow direct manipulation, the user must first give the system knowledge of their degree course, year of study and whether they are staff or student. The directory system can then... –Give a direct link to new, relevant books based on this information.

5. Directory Listing5 Task 1: Direct Resource Link The interface will contain a link to the current users recommended reading list. –This list is generated when a user logs into the system –The system compiles the list by referencing degree course codes with recommended books in a database. –The system can provide staff with recommended books for all of their areas of interest and teaching.

6. Directory Listing6 Task 2: ‘One Click’ Reservations From the results the user can click a single link to reserve a book for 24 hours. 24 hours gives the user time to collect the book, but is not too long for the library to hold a book for. This is task can be denied to users who repeatedly abuse the system by an administrator.

7. Directory Listing7 Task 3: Alternative Reading On the results page the user is also provided with links to alternative reading These books can be listed by collating data from other users’ habits. –i.e. If one user takes out a book (the primary book in the results), then the system can cross reference that book with others that have been taken out within that topic (e.g. Science > Computer Science). This provides the user with more choices.

8. Directory Listing8 Interface Design Metaphor The system will use a book index / directory as it’s source metaphor. As a user might look up topics of interest in a books index or in a directory listing in a library. The system is also similar to a thesaurus, which provides a list of words related to a single word. The system provides a list of books related to a single book.

9. Directory Listing9 Metaphor: Source Characteristics Objects and Attributes –Directory: Book listings, reservation option, related books Relationships –Book list ordered by ‘newest first’ –Alternative ordered by popularity Actions –Open directory –Select listed books –Option to choose alternative book

10. Directory Listing10 Metaphor: Target Characteristics Objects and Attributes –Book: title, author, location, ISBN, etc. –Alternative Books: Popularity rating Relationships –Books organised by ‘newness’ –Alternative books ordered by popularity Actions Select ‘instant reserve’ option Select alternative book for reservation or further info.

11. Directory Listing11 Mappings TaskHow The User Performs ItHow The System Performs It Task 1View recommended reading list Click on “my directory” link on homepage. Task 2Reserve a book from the recommended reading list Click on “reserve for 24 hours” link. Task 3Reserve a book from the alternative reading list Click appropriate link (from generated list). Click “reserve for 24 hours” link on the books info page.

12. Directory Listing12 Interface Design Main page –(Providing user is logged in) a link to “my directory”. –Option for user to search catalogue. Includes “search”, “clear”, “start-over” buttons –Option for user to log out –Option for user to change their personal information.

13. Directory Listing13 Interface Design Cont… Directory Page –A generated list of recommended books Sourced from a database –Each book is a link to an information page –Each book has a link to reserve the book for 24 hours. –Under each book entry is a list of alternative book titles which are not as highly recommended, but are matched by their criteria. Again, each title is a link.

14. Directory Listing14 Interface Design Cont… Book Information Page –Book title, published date, published, ISBN, author, page numbers etc. –Image of the book cover –A ‘reserve book for 24 hours’ link.