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" Wayfinding tools in public library buildings: A multiple case study "
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566104
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| Personal Name - Primary Intelectual Responsibility
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Beecher, Ann
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| Title and statement of responsibility
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Wayfinding tools in public library buildings: A multiple case study [Thesis]
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| Publication, Distribution,Etc.
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University of North Texas, 2004
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eng
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| Dissertation of thesis details and type of degree
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phd
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| Body granting the degree
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, University of North Texas
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| Summary or Abstract
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Wayfinding is the process of using one or more tools to move from one location to another in order to accomplish a task or to achieve a goal. This qualitative study explores the process of wayfinding as it applies to locating information in a public library. A group of volunteers were asked to find a selection of items in three types of libraries--traditional, contemporary, and modern. The retrieval process was timed and the reactions of the volunteers were recorded, documented, and analyzed. The impact of various wayfinding tools--architecture, layout, color, signage, computer support, collection organization--on the retrieval process was also identified. The study revealed that many of the wayfinding tools currently available in libraries do not facilitate item retrieval. Inconsistencies, ambiguities, obstructions, disparities, and operational deficiencies all contributed to end-user frustration and retrieval failure. The study suggests that failing to address these issues may prompt library patrons--end users who are increasingly interested in finding information with minimal expenditures of time and effort--to turn to other information-retrieval strategies and abandon a system that they find confusing and frustrating.
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| Topical Name Used as Subject
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Information Systems, Library science
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TL
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| Material Type
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Latin Dissertation
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