Three looks at users: a comparison of methods for studying digital library use

Abstract

The Variations and Variations2 digital music library projects at Indiana University provide a valuable test-bed for user studies. We have used user satisfaction questionnaires, session logging, and contextual inquiry to study digital music library usage by music students. This paper describes our approach with each method and offers a comparison of cost, advantages, and disadvantages of each methods. The comparison can help digital library practitioners choose amongst or combine field-study methods based on their objectives and constraints.