Evaluation Of Usability E-prints Software For Repository At The North Sumatra State Islamic University Library

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Introduction

The North Sumatra State Islamic University Library, located on Jl. William Iskandar Ps. V, New Memories, Percut Sei Tuan, Deli Serdang Regency, North Sumatra, is a vital institution that provides access to a vast array of information resources to its users. The library's primary goal is to support the academic activities of its users by providing a conducive environment for learning and research. In recent years, the library has implemented the E-Prints software as a repository to store and manage its digital collections. However, the usability of this software has been a subject of concern among library users. This study aims to evaluate the usability of E-Prints software used as a repository in the North Sumatra State Islamic University Library.

Methodology

This study employed a descriptive research design with a quantitative approach. The population of this study consisted of all active members of the UINSU library, totaling 14,360 people. However, due to the large population size, a sample of 100 respondents was taken using the Slovin formula. The sampling technique used was the Sampling Action, where questionnaires were distributed to visitors who were in the UINSU library. The questionnaire used as the main instrument to collect data consisted of a series of questions that aimed to assess the usability of E-Prints software from various aspects, including ease of use, efficiency, memorability, and user satisfaction.

Results

The results of this study showed that the majority of respondents (87.5%) felt that E-Prints software is easy to learn, indicating good aspects of learning. This is a crucial finding, as the faster users can understand how to use software, the more effective they can take advantage of existing features. In terms of efficiency, most respondents agreed that the information content available on the repository is in accordance with their needs. This shows that E-Prints has succeeded in presenting relevant and useful information, supporting the purpose of the library as an information center.

Regarding memorability, around 62.6% of respondents stated that repositories were easily understood and easily remembered. This indicates that once users learn to use E-Prints, they can return to using the software without having to repeat the same learning process, which is certainly very beneficial for users who rarely access them. However, there are also some areas that need to be improved. Respondents showed the hope of increasing server capacity, which showed that software performance can still be improved to support user comfort. In addition, some respondents complained of a menu that did not function properly, which could interfere with the user's experience and cause confusion.

User Satisfaction

Finally, user satisfaction is also the focus of this study, where around 80.6% of respondents expressed their satisfaction when searching for information on the repository. This high level of satisfaction shows that overall, E-Prints managed to meet user expectations in terms of providing information they need.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this research highlights that E-Prints software has a good usability, but there are still aspects that need to be improved to improve overall user experience. This is an important step for the UINSU library in improving their services and utilizing information technology more optimally to support the academic activities of its users. The findings of this study can be used as a basis for further research and development of E-Prints software to improve its usability and meet the needs of library users.

Recommendations

Based on the findings of this study, the following recommendations are made:

  1. Improve Server Capacity: The library should consider increasing server capacity to improve software performance and support user comfort.
  2. Fix Menu Issues: The library should fix menu issues that are causing confusion among users.
  3. Provide Training and Support: The library should provide training and support to users to help them understand how to use E-Prints software effectively.
  4. Continuously Evaluate and Improve: The library should continuously evaluate and improve E-Prints software to meet the changing needs of users.

By implementing these recommendations, the UINSU library can improve the usability of E-Prints software and provide a better experience for its users.

Limitations of the Study

This study has several limitations that should be noted. Firstly, the sample size was relatively small, which may not be representative of the entire population. Secondly, the study only focused on the usability of E-Prints software and did not consider other factors that may affect user experience. Finally, the study was conducted in a specific context, and the findings may not be generalizable to other libraries.

Future Research Directions

Future research should focus on addressing the limitations of this study and exploring other aspects of E-Prints software usability. Some potential research directions include:

  1. Comparative Study: Conduct a comparative study to evaluate the usability of E-Prints software with other digital repository systems.
  2. User-Centered Design: Conduct user-centered design research to improve the usability of E-Prints software.
  3. Accessibility: Conduct research to evaluate the accessibility of E-Prints software for users with disabilities.
  4. User Experience: Conduct research to evaluate the user experience of E-Prints software and identify areas for improvement.

By exploring these research directions, future studies can provide a more comprehensive understanding of E-Prints software usability and inform the development of more effective digital repository systems.

Q: What is the purpose of this study?

A: The primary purpose of this study is to evaluate the usability of E-Prints software used as a repository in the North Sumatra State Islamic University Library.

Q: What methodology was used in this study?

A: This study employed a descriptive research design with a quantitative approach. The population of this study consisted of all active members of the UINSU library, totaling 14,360 people. A sample of 100 respondents was taken using the Slovin formula.

Q: What were the main findings of this study?

A: The main findings of this study include:

  • 87.5% of respondents felt that E-Prints software is easy to learn.
  • Most respondents agreed that the information content available on the repository is in accordance with their needs.
  • Around 62.6% of respondents stated that repositories were easily understood and easily remembered.
  • Respondents showed the hope of increasing server capacity to improve software performance.
  • Some respondents complained of a menu that did not function properly.

Q: What are the implications of this study?

A: The findings of this study have several implications for the North Sumatra State Islamic University Library. Firstly, the library should consider improving server capacity to support user comfort. Secondly, the library should fix menu issues that are causing confusion among users. Finally, the library should provide training and support to users to help them understand how to use E-Prints software effectively.

Q: What are the limitations of this study?

A: This study has several limitations that should be noted. Firstly, the sample size was relatively small, which may not be representative of the entire population. Secondly, the study only focused on the usability of E-Prints software and did not consider other factors that may affect user experience. Finally, the study was conducted in a specific context, and the findings may not be generalizable to other libraries.

Q: What are the future research directions?

A: Future research should focus on addressing the limitations of this study and exploring other aspects of E-Prints software usability. Some potential research directions include:

  • Conducting a comparative study to evaluate the usability of E-Prints software with other digital repository systems.
  • Conducting user-centered design research to improve the usability of E-Prints software.
  • Conducting research to evaluate the accessibility of E-Prints software for users with disabilities.
  • Conducting research to evaluate the user experience of E-Prints software and identify areas for improvement.

Q: What are the benefits of using E-Prints software?

A: The benefits of using E-Prints software include:

  • Easy to learn and use.
  • Provides relevant and useful information.
  • Supports the purpose of the library as an information center.
  • Can be easily understood and remembered.
  • Can be used to support user comfort.

Q: What are the challenges of using E-Prints software?

A: The challenges of using E-Prints software include:

  • Server capacity issues.
  • Menu issues that cause confusion among users.
  • Limited training and support for users.
  • Limited accessibility for users with disabilities.

Q: How can the North Sumatra State Islamic University Library improve the usability of E-Prints software?

A: The North Sumatra State Islamic University Library can improve the usability of E-Prints software by:

  • Increasing server capacity to support user comfort.
  • Fixing menu issues that cause confusion among users.
  • Providing training and support to users to help them understand how to use E-Prints software effectively.
  • Conducting user-centered design research to improve the usability of E-Prints software.
  • Conducting research to evaluate the accessibility of E-Prints software for users with disabilities.