Skip to the content of the web site.

Web Operational Management Group

Minutes of the Meeting of November 28, 2007
2:00 - 3:30 pm, Porter 428

Present: Allan Bell (Chair), Nancy Collins, Marian Davies (recorder), Chris Gray, Tim Ireland, Esther Millar, Doug Morton, Dan Sich

Regrets: Bill Oldfield, Charles Woods

  1. Approval of WebOps Minutes of October 31, 2007

    Accepted with minor corrections.

  2. Business Arising

    6. Facebook Applications.

    Dan reported that work on Facebook applications has been placed on hold.  A quick fix solution is not available, and with Primo on the horizon, a let's wait and see position has been set.  The key, reports Allan, is to ensure what we're doing not only makes sense, but that we are able to evaluate it, and that we have compelling reasons to use it.   Action:  Chris will post a question on Web4Lib regarding Facebook applications.

    5. Links to widgets and LibX

    Dan reported that further work on integrating Scholars Portal into LibX will be taken up by Bill.

    User testing for presentation of links to widgets and LibX are on hold until after Primo has been implemented and a new search widget(s) is designed.

  3. Agenda Review

    Add Beta site as 7.  Change Around the Table to 8.

  4. Links to New Services for... International Students

    Esther reported on the addition of this page to the library web site.  Action:  Esther will mount the page under 'Services' after Faculty and Staff, and will add it to the site index.

  5. Spamming of Quick Polls

    Chris reported on the status of the quick polls.  Though we do not use these statistics to make decisions, the results of the polls give an impression.  Options to reduce spamming by creating obstacles for the user is not desirable e.g. restrict number of votes from any one IP address, or forcing a sign-in.  Action:  Chris will look into applying session tracking to the script.  This will help alleviate the spamming problem.  Nancy questioned the rationale of the quick polls mounted on the home page where real estate is prime.  Discussion about banner images and other ways to promote the library ensued.  If the Quick Poll is salvageable then we stay with it; if not, then we explore other options.  Action:  Esther and Nancy will review what the other options are, and what is required technically.

  6. Literature Review

    Chris started the discussion.  First, think of the stakes involved (e.g. financial) and the competition.  What it comes down to is whether or not it is a good experience.  One idea is to connect design with tasks that specific user groups are coming to the library for -- and to engage with other parts of the university.  For example, a Research guide could outreach to work with UWACE, CTE, the writing centre, etc.  Another idea is to address specific points of need through metadata, which allows for connectivity between resources.  The organization could "reflect a back-end process as a front-end need".

    Always ask the questions "Where am I?  Where do I want to be?" when designing navigation.  We shouldn't think about it in the same way we had to learn. 

    Primo will integrate some of our resources, which will help remove the disjointed experience we currently have.  Users are thinking about tasks, not about the interface.  Need to keep conventions in mind, use standards.  Action: Read chapters 2-4 of Don't Make Me Think for the next meeting.

  7. Beta site

    Allan reported that we need a beta site, a place to develop new projects and receive feedback before launching to the main site.  More discussion on this to follow.  Action:  Read chapter 3 of Garrett's The Elements of User Experience for next meeting. Action: Chris will set up plone site, and will discuss with Greg the setting up of a drupal server to meet TUG web site needs.

  8. Around the table

     Dan demonstrated how Hab.la works with Meebo, and can provide chat boxes with certain advantages over MeeboMe widgets.  Action:  Dan will follow up with CROG.

    Esther mounted the WebOps meeting schedule for 2008.  The group will meet every 2nd & 4th Wednesday afternoon.

    Esther reported on the survey she received from the University of Albany to ARL members regarding usability.  Esther and Marian completed the survey on behalf of WebOps.

  9. Next Meeting
    The next meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, December 12 at 1:30 - 3 pm in Davis Centre Library Conference Room.
If you have any queries or concerns about this page, please contact .

January 3, 2008