PTAR UITM Website review

Library Website Review – Perpustakaan Tun Abdul Razak

1.0 Introduction

In the first report, we have discussed on the features in a good library website. In the
same report, we have explored on the available said features in Perpustakaan Tun Abdul Razak
Library (PTAR). As such, we have given a task to evaluate and review PTAR‟s website, to
determine the reliability and consistency of the website.

In the traditional library, users had to enter the library in order to use its services: the
collections, the reading-rooms, the equipment, or the lending and help services. With the
development of electronic collections and services libraries have started to offer a new virtual
“entrance” to their services: the library website. Users can “visit” the library and use many of its
services from remote places, e.g. from their workplace or from home. Such visits, in analogy to
the traditional physical visits, are called “virtual visits”. The library website may be the library‟s
own domain, or it may be places within the institution‟s/community‟s website.

The quality of a library website can be determined by having features, as stated below ;

Search on Library Online
Bookmarks Ask a librarian
site Friends Publication

Library Subject Training Practical
Catalogue
Publication Folder/Portals Guides Information

Figure 1: 10 (ten) Features of a good library

Together with these criteria it should constitute with the usability of the website. Usability
is generally defined as: “the extent to which a product can be used by specified users to achieve
specified goals with effectiveness, efficiency and satisfaction in a specified context of use”.

Management of Internet Information Sources and Services (IMC 407)
1


If the academic libraries websites of each university can be one stop website to their
users, the university costs toward library collection on online databases and building the library
website will definitely meaningful. Library websites can also be used to promote the library and
its services. It provides current information about the library, it provides access to online and
CD-ROM based reference sources such as databases and encyclopedias, it provides remote
access to the library catalogues and other databases created by the library and assists library
users to explore the Internet.

They are a few reasons why we should evaluate Internet information resources. Smith,
1
(1997) gives two reasons why librarians should evaluate library website.

 To decide whether an Internet information source should be linked to a
resource guide or library Web site.
 To judge the quality or appropriateness of information for a particular
query or user.

There are other reasons such as:

 Information is power; by wrong information, people could make a
wrong interpretation or decision. This of course will involve money,
health, environment and life.

Thus, with these guideline and criteria, we have conducted necessary evaluation
towards PTAR‟s website.

1
Smith, A. G. (1997). Testing the surf: criteria for evaluating Internet information resources. New York: The Public-Access
Computer Systems Publication.

2


2.0 The Library Website

2.1 The Welcoming Page or Home Page

Home Page
Availability
Available Not Available



The website can be accessed via http://library.uitm.edu.my. The home page for PTAR‟s
webpage, as below ;

Figure 3 : The main page or home page of PTAR

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Evaluation and review :

The most important part of a website is its homepage. A library's homepage is its face to
the world and the starting point for most user visits. A library‟s homepage should:

• guide quickly to frequently requested information,
• serve as efficient sign-posting to the services,
• apply user-friendly terminology,
• give an overview without confusing users.

From our hands on towards the webpage, the webmaster should keep information on
the homepage short and concise and yet to offer an overview of all services may be conflicting.
Information on the homepage should be limited to the necessary.

From the evaluation and review, we conclude that;

i. The Web site should load quickly. Remember that some of your customers will have old
computers with slow connections, while others will have broadband width and high-
speed connections. Make it easy for everyone to use the site.
ii. By clicking to the address, http://library.uitm.edu.my, we have been forwarded to the
PTAR‟s website within 25 second, using Streamyx broadband wireless connection.
Downloading to the webpage may be delayed because of the flash video on the website.
Flash could affect on the smooth flow in downloading the main page. Thus, simple and
concise video maybe the best solutions.
iii. The design is simple and not too wordy. Only important key words have been displayed,
thus, users will not feel bored to explore the site. This would enhance readability.

Recommendations:

i. Each page should be consistent easy to use, and should not include so much
information as to seem overwhelming. Simplicity is the key.

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2.2 Bookmarks

Bookmarks Features
Availability


Bookmarks are useful features which provide its own selection of favorite useful
bookmarks or links to other websites. The selection need to be updated and kept up to
date to ensure that library remain current and relevant information or link to fulfill user
needs.

Bookmark
s

Figure 4 : Bookmarks Feature in PTAR’s Website

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Bookmarks are a must have features, for a good webpage. The main reason of having a
bookmark features on a website is to provide mutual connections to a favorites pages or
services. These features will act as user-friendly features, which may attract new user.

With this features, user will be able to ;

• search for an information or service easily and effectively,
• be transferred to direct linkage to the sources which will reduce time
consuming,
• act as user-friendly features, which may attract new user.

Our experience on using the features should be summarized, as below ;

i. There is more than 30 bookmarks link provided by PTAR. This link seems to be the
most visited pages and very informative in providing necessary information to user.
ii. Some of the link seems sluggish and would take some time to be downloaded.
iii. The navigation should be intuitive and easy to use, providing direct access to various
content and facilities on the site.
iv. All necessary information is updated to date.
v. Each page should be consistent easy to use, and should not include so much
information as to seem disorganized and to avoid confusion.
vi. All links provided (please refer figure 4) is working accordingly. No 404 Errors.

Recommendations:

ii. The webmaster may want to provide simple description on the services offered for all
links provided.
iii. PTAR may want to place feedback form or questionnaire link in this page, to gather
necessary feedback and comments from user.

6


2.3 Practical Information

Practical Information Features
Availability



A good library website will also provide practical information to user. Practical
information provides the location details of the library. These features will provide a map
and directions, which aid user heading to the library. This will help to add physical
visitors.

Figure 5 : Practical Information Feature
in PTAR’s Website
Practical Information

Figure 6 : Practical Information – Map and route to PTAR
7



It is important to present practical information about the location of the library in the
website. With these features, it will enhance presence of the library and the service offered.
User may potentially leave the page, if sufficient information on the location is not provided. Map
and navigation guide is a useful aid to user. Thus, user needs the information to be guided to
the library.

With this features, user will be able to;

• get clearer picture on the actual location,
• be directed to the library by the direction given by webmaster,
• plan transportations, timing and etc.

Our opinion on the features provided by PTAR,

i. The location map link is available in „About Us‟ drop list.
ii. Map is available in two (2) versions, PDF and Flash (Micromedia). It is a wise decision to
provide various version of map, depending on compatibility of the user‟s computer.
iii. If user needs more details on the map, „View Larger Map‟ offers connection to Google
Map.

Recommendations:

i. The Location Map link should be provided in Contact Us in drop list, instead in About Us
drop listing. Experienced by us, we are expecting the map will be provided in Contact Us
drop list. It takes a few minute for us to get the map in the website. User maybe not able
to view the map, if they do not explore the website.
ii. The full address and call number should be provided together with the map. In addition,
presenting the address, or other information, graphically in the banner of the website
makes it impossible to use standard copy-and-paste techniques to grab that information.
iii. The map should come with „How to get there‟ details. Webmaster may want to provide
details in transportation available to PTAR, which bus number heading to Shah Alam,
where to park vehicles and other related information.

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2.4 Training Guide

Training Guide Features
Availability


Training guide is another useful link which should be developed in the Library Website.
Training guide consist links to pages that offer advice on training opportunities or use of
navigator in the website, guidance on the services offered also a structured training
materials that are designed for delivery over the web. In simple understanding, it
provides guidance on how to use the website and services for a necessary reason.

Training Guide

Figure 7 : Training Guide Feature in PTAR’s Website

9


Under the drop list, we can choose either one link in view to get further guidance and advice. As
such, PTAR‟s offer Customer services, serial services, information services and research guide
in conducting guide to user, based on their needs and requirements. The link is attached below ;

Figure 8 : Samples of training guide
provided by PTAR

10



Training guide or user guide is an important element in the library website. User will be
guided on how to use the navigator or link provided in the website. In the same time, training
guide provides sufficient information on the training classes provided to user. Hence, this will
help the user to navigate the website easily and smoothly.


• understand the method of searching techniques,
• explore website and other request efficiently,
• register for necessary training class offered and gather further information
on the classes.

Our opinion towards PTAR‟s Training Guide, as below;

i. Training guide details located in Facilities and Services drop list, which can be find on
the navigation bar situated on the top of a page.
ii. PTAR offers various guides, in view to fulfill the needs of user, such as Serial Services,
IT Facilities, Information Services and Customer Service. (Refer to Figure 7 and 8)
iii. PTAR also provide details on Information Services guide, which highlights the series of
programmes and classes offered.
iv. Research Guide is a wise information sharing to user. User may learn on how to do
research for researchers.

Recommendations:

i. PTAR should provide sufficient information on how to operate Web OPAC especially.
They may want to use video to give clear explanations on the searching process.
ii. The link provided is working properly, but certain link such Knowledge Management
Portal, should not be included in the drop list.
iii. PTAR should create step-by-step guiding instruction for an easy understanding.
iv. The instruction given should be facilitate with necessary and sufficient link to certain
services offered. For examples, in Research Guide, there is a guide to Web OPAC, thus
there should be a direct link to Web OPAC for easy referral.

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2.5 Search on Site

Search on Site Features
Availability

 (for OPAC)  (in main page)
Search on site can be define as process of searching info or specific user‟s request on
site using search engine developed on the website. Search engine is essential for a site
of any size beyond few pages. Using internal search engine to look for specific articles
or using a major search engines.

Search on site

Figure 9 : Search on site Feature in PTAR’s Website

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Another samples of
search engines
provided

Figure 10 : Search on site – others Search Engines

13



Search on site will allow user to quickly search for the services offered in the library
website. In case the website is crammed with different information, it will be very convenient for
the user to find the necessary content with the help of search field. All user has to do is type
some keywords and then check the results of the search process. Providing the user with
search option will let them find what they are eager to quickly and easily, and believe they will
be much pleased with such possibility. Webmaster use either a Google Search or Content
Management System to establish a search function on your website.


• jump immediately from any page to the most popular destination in the
website.
• to find necessary content with the help from Search on Site,
• gain further information easily and give convenience to user, in terms of
timing.

Our opinion towards PTAR‟s Search on site features, as below;

i. There is no Search on Site features in the web. The search is available in Web OPAC
searching and other related sources.
ii. The link to other internet resources and search engine, is made available on the
navigation bar, at the end of the page.

Recommendations:

i. PTAR should create a Search box on navigation bar, at the top of a webpage to able
user to do further searching.
ii. Major Universities website, made this features available. Thus, PTAR should provide the
same services to PTAR‟s user.

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2.6 Online Publication

Online Publication Features
Availability


One of the most visited links is an online publication or e-resources or digital library link.
These features provide links to online publications that available such as in-house online
databases or subscribed online databases that include online journals.

Online Publication

Figure 11 : Online Publications Feature in PTAR’s Website

15


Furthermore, below is an online publication link, which is available in PTAR‟s website
online publication links.

Figure 12 : Samples of Online Publication Feature in PTAR’s Website

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Figure 13 : Samples of Online Publication Feature in PTAR’s Website

17



Online Publication has been highly demanded by user in Library Website. User will log in
into Library website to use Online Publication or e-resources services or access offered. Online
publication usually containing journals, e-book or any online resources which need subscription
annually or quarterly. Past exam questions, can be also categorized as online publication, as it
has been published online in the library website.


• search and view for a scholar review journal and trial version,
• access past questions online database by PTAR,
• get more information from reliable resources provided by PTAR.

Our opinion towards PTAR‟s Search on site features, as below;

i. Some of the services were restricted to the university community. It requires the use of
appropriate login names and passwords, for some databases.
ii. In addition, PTAR provided access to electronic databases for browsing on a trial basis.
The username and password of databases on trial basis can be obtained from librarian.
iii. There is varieties online publication resources offered by PTAR, thus academician and
user will have options on getting and gathering resources for research.

Recommendations:

i. Webmaster may want to create thumbnail for every link provided. The thumbnail may
provide simple description on the material contains in the link.
ii. The access to those online publications requires an ID and Password access. Thus,
PTAR should create a standardize system which requires the same password and ID
access. Varieties ID and password will create barriers in remembering the details.

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2.7 Catalogue

Catalogue Features
Availability



A good library website consist a link to a Library Catalogue. The features allow user to
and to be linked to the library online catalogues (Web OPAC). Users can search
materials from the catalogue provided from the website.

Figure 14 : Samples of Catalogue Feature in PTAR’s Website

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Figure 15 : Catalogue’s search result

20



Catalogue is an important feature to user. Catalogue can be viewed this feature will
allow user to search for information with regards of the material and access remotely through
Campus Wide Area Network or off the campus intranet. Library should incorporated access to
the library catalogue through the Internet. The search can be done effectively via feature such
as phrase search, combination search, and Boolean search.


• search for periodical material and reference material in the library,
• make reservation and check on availability of the resources,
• view bibliography of the resources and save citation to Endnote System,
• identify the location of the resources,
• know on the collections own by PTAR.

Our comments for this feature, as below;
i. The features link is working properly.
ii. Off Campus access allows user to view and search for material from other places,
instead of in campus.
iii. The info is up-to-date. Thus, the user will be informed on the availability, location and
make reservation.
iv. The features will not be functioning well at night. Error message, page cannot be
displayed.
v. There is a guide on how to use the OPAC. This will guide user on the accessibility to the
system.

Recommendations:

i. As there is too much of password and ID to be remembered, webmaster should create a
standardize log in details to avoid confusion.
ii. The features seems not be working properly at night, due to highly demand of usage.
Hence, webmaster should ensure the website servers functioning well and stable.
iii. Even there is a guide provided, webmaster should explore further on how to provide
detailed guide and sufficient solutions in various situations.

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2.8 Library Friends

Library Friends Features
Availability



Some of the libraries provide a page for their friends of the library organization. These
features will allow users to make direct contact with the Friends of the library
organization.

Links to Library Friends

Figure 16 : Library Friends feature in PTAR’s Website

22


This feature also
provides link to other
academic libraries in
Malaysia.

Figure 17 : Library Friends
feature sample. Link to other
academic libraries.

Also, a link to other
libraries such as Figure 18 : Library Friends
National Library. feature sample. Link to other
libraries.

23



With an endorsement from other organizations, PTAR has taken initiative to include
other library link in the website. This feature will allow user to directly connect to other library
organization in view of sharing material, ideas and online resources. This collaborative sharing
will promotes and enhance research material.


• be linked to other libraries website, especially academic organization
website,
• to obtain wide range of information from other information providers,
• know the services offered by other organization.


i. PTAR have provided various link to other website such as academic libraries, National
Library, Perdana Library and UiTM.
ii. The link drop list also includes a link to student and staff portal, for internal usage.
iii. Link to Intranet also available in the same navigation menu.
iv. A few links provided seems to be broken. Thus, we couldn‟t access the website.

Recommendations:

i. Webmaster may want to include other states library link, which we think will be useful to
students and researchers.
ii. A few link which were not functioning, should be repaired or deleted. Updating the link
will result a good maintaining schedule done by webmaster.

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2.9 Ask a Librarian

Ask Librarian Features
Availability



In view of providing interactive website, Ask a Librarian features has been invented to
entertain users in very efficient way. Users are invited to submit enquiries to the library
enquiry service online, either in a freeform e-mail, or more likely by completing fields on
a form (such as essential contact details, so that the answer can be returned).

Ask a librarian

Figure 19 : Ask a librarian feature sample.

25


Figure 20 : Ask a librarian
request form

e-form provided

We have sent a query to
Librarian on 15 March
2011. Unfortunately, they
did not respond to the query
until today.

26


Figure 21 : Frequently Ask Question Feature

27



Ask a Librarian is a great service for anyone who has a question or who needs help
finding information on the web. It allows user to send question, query, comment and feedback to
the library. Library may provide both forms and email addresses for its interactive services.
Moreover, user just simply filling up the relevant forms on the Web sites.


• send question or query and ideas to Librarian, via email or form provided,
• give comments and feedback on the services offered,
• to get further information on the library with regards of service offered,
collections and etc.


i. PTAR do offered these services in Contact Us navigation drop list.
ii. User needs to fill up the online form and the message will be send to Librarian for their
response.
iii. On the same drop list, staff directory and list of Library Liaison Officer is provided.
iv. We have decided to send a request via Online Form on 15 March 2011. Unfortunately,
no reply until to date.

Recommendations:

i. PTAR may want to design Chat features which can be operated within working hours.
With this features, Ask a Librarian features will be more interactive.
ii. We have sent a query through this service, unfortunately, until today, we don‟t get any
response from librarian. Thus, PTAR should ensure all request or query being
responded within 24 hours to maintain the service effectively.
iii. Webmaster can also include general contact number into the features and alternate
email instead of filling up the form.

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2.10 Subject Folder and Subject Portals

Subject Folder/Portal Features
Availability



Subject folders and subject portals are lists of recommended resources available in the
format of subject folders. The web gives you the option of providing links to online
information and mixing these links with traditional bibliographic reference to printed
resources.

Subject Folder or Subject Portal

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Figure 22 : Subject folder / subject portal feature in PTAR’s Website.

Subject folder for
online publication

Figure 23 : Online Publication subject folder / subject portal feature in PTAR’s Website.

30



In many cases users are unaware of what resources are available to them. Organizing
material by subject helps users get a quick overview of resources available in particular areas
and can provide good starting points for people in specific fields.


• search related reference material by subject matter,
• meet user’s requirement in gathering related sources for their research,
• broadening and narrowing the searching.


i. Subject folder is only available for journal, e-book and other resources, but not for book.
ii. User may want to use alphabetical searching to do filtering,
iii. Available subject is only related with the courses offered by UiTM.

Recommendations:

i. PTAR may want to explore new scope or subject matter to broadening the service
offered in new areas of study.
ii. The subject searching method should be implemented for books as well as reference
materials. No limitation to journals only.
iii. Subject Folder or Subject Portal link should be located at the main page of OPAC for
easy navigation.

31


2.11 Library Publication

Library Publication Features
Availability



Some libraries provide links to a catalogue and perhaps an online ordering service or a
bookshop operation where their organization‟s publication can be identified. As such,
this features allows user to subscribe or purchase in house publication. The library
should of course be the obvious source of reliable information about publications.

Library Publication

Figure 24 : Library Publications feature in PTAR’s Website.

32


Figure 25 : Samples of Library Publications in PTAR’s Website.
33


In house
publication
examples

Figure 26 : Samples of in house publications in PTAR’s Website.

34



A good library website should also expose their internal publication in the website. With
this feature, user will make to known the publication issued by the organization perhaps an
online ordering service to public.


• have a copy of internal publication via online reading,
• order and purchase library’s publication easily,
• get further information on internal publication from the library.


i. Internal newsletter is the only publication published in the web.
ii. Promotional material is a copy of advertising material. It is in pdf format.
iii. No book‟s publication published in the web.

Recommendations:

i. PTAR may want to include other publication in the webpage, to show varieties.
ii. The website does not look attractive as there are very limited source.

35


3.0 Other features

The new arrival books or reference material
is highlighted in the main page. User’s will
be noticed to the latest collections.

Latest Events or Meetings will be
announced at the main page to inform
universities community.

Following latest trend in online community,
PTAR has introduced their online
community pages, to inform public on the
service and received feedbacks from public.

Visitor counter is to show number on
visitors who have visited the page.

36


Information on Library operating hours, trial
databases, trial books, download form and
news are made available on the main page.

About Us features which provide related
information on the background of the
organization and other related information
on the library.

New and Event drop list, is located at the
navigation bar to alert communities on the
event calendars and other related
information with regards to communities.

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4.0 Recommendations on other features, for improvement

 Provide a help link on every page

Place a help link in the upper right corner of every page. This way, when users need
help, they know where to find it. Make help the central place for various help tools: help
text, tutorial videos, live chat, question submittal form and so on. It is best if the website
help pages context-sensitive and display information about the page the user was
viewing when he or she clicked the help link. It is also nice to display help in a smaller
popup window so the user can continue to view the rest of the website.

 Use consistent navigation
To orient users to the website site‟s resources, use one navigation bar, use it
consistently and use it well. Usually a navigation bar appears at the top of every page,
as a series of buttons or tabs. By highlighting the tab or button associate with the user‟s
current location on the website library website, you provide a visual clue and keep
the user from getting lost.

 Explain details to help users select and access resources
Offer a good description of each digital database and what it covers. Listing databases
by name only is not enough. Most users are not aware of exactly what type of content a
specific database contains. Hampered by lack of knowledge, users experience difficulty
quickly deciding which databases are good resources to meet particular research needs.
Offering brief but excellent descriptions can help speed researchers on their way and
keep them happy with the website library‟s site. It is also a good practice to specifically
mark the most used or recommended databases so users can easily find them

 Minimize the number of clicks users must make
Place links to different types of research materials and sources (such as electronic
journals, databases or OPACs) right on the homepage of the library website. Most
users come to a library site wanting to do research, and the shorter their paths, the
happier they are.

38


 Ensure good performance
To increase the likelihood the website library website won‟t suffer from poor
performance, regardless of the power or reliability of the website hardware, optimize
the website page design for download speed. Don't place too much content on pages.
Too much content can make them excessively large and slow to download. For
example, you might steer clear of listing the website whole e-journals collection on
one page, because it might contain hundreds or thousands of journals.

 Do not use librarian terminology
Try to use terms meaningful to users and clearly distinguishable from other terms. For
example, you might want to use the terms “Books” or “Find a Book” rather than “online
catalog,” “OPAC”. Another strategy is to offer a short description of a term, e.g.,
“Journals – fulltext journal articles.” users do not understand simple library terms and
concepts like catalog, resources, online database, citation, reserves, reference or
special.

39


5.0 Conclusion

Perpustakaan Tun Abdul Razak Website is mainly providing general information of the
library and their services. The stability of Web servers should be of the greatest challenge for
academic library websites in Malaysia as they have to offer their information services around the
clock. Based on the review, there are very strong expectations of websites because people
would expect information professionals as one of several professions vying for leadership in the
information age to organize and present information in a way that best fits the user‟s attention
and knowledge.

Finally, PTAR should review and enhance the webpage in order to develop more
dependable and conducive library website. Additional features and improvement should be
done to meet user‟s needs and emerging of an IT development. As area of studies has been
evolvement, new subject matter should be produce in order to attract external user into PTAR‟s
website. Librarian should give responsive response on the request in view of facilitating users
request and suggestion. In addition, it is suggested that librarian should consider their library
websites as one of the important sources in getting information when doing a library instruction
to the new students. It is not only to inform users of the services but also to guide them to
proper information and know how to use the facilities in the websites.

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6.0 References

1. Griffiths, P. (2004). Managing your internet & intranet services. London: Facet Publishing

2. Selfert, M. (2004). Creating a good library web site. Journal of Adventist Education, 35-
39. Retrieved from http://circle.adventist.org/files/jae/en/jae200467023505.pdf

3. Home page. Retrieved March 27, 2011, from http://library.uitm.edu.my/v1/

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