The Cornette Library is doing some usability testing of our online catalog this semester and needs to recruit a wide range of volunteers. Is there any possibility that students in the classes you're teaching this semester could participate in this testing for extra credit or something like that? Basically we're doing two things: The first is some in-library usability testing; The second is a user survey which everyone is encouraged to take. The in-library usability testing would involve the students answering about 8 questions using a computer in the library that tracks all their keystrokes, mouse movements, and screen changes while they think out-loud to one of the librarians. We're particularly interested in why they choose one option over the other, one search instead of another, when to seek help, etc. Basically, we're trying to get at how non-librarians use the catalog so we can figure out how to make it more useful to our students. This testing would take each volunteer between 30 and 45 minutes, and we can pay $10 (added to their Buffalo Gold Card) for their time. Any extra credit you could offer as a further inducement would be greatly appreciated. The survey can be filled out online and, by participating, students (and faculty and staff, for that matter) can enter a drawing for a $25 gift certificate to Barnes and Noble. The survey has less than 25 questions and should take about 5 minutes for people to fill out. Students willing to participate in the in-library testing need to contact me (x2204 or bponsford@mail.wtamu.edu) or Mary Jarvis (x2212 or mjarvis@mail.wtamu.edu) to schedule an appointment. We will be happy to work around their class/work schedules but need to complete the testing by the end of Spring Break. Students (and faculty or staff) who want to fill out the survey need to go to the online catalog at and follow the link at the top of all the pages. We really appreciate any help you can offer in recruiting volunteers for us. Thanks, Bennett Ponsford Government Documents Librarian ----------- Bennett Claire Ponsford bponsford@mail.wtamu.edu Government Documents Librarian voice: 806/651-2204 Cornette Library fax: 806/651-2213 West Texas A&M University / Box 60748 / Canyon, Texas 79016