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Journal of Research in Special Educational Needs, 2006

This paper reports on the ‘usability’ element of a study examining the development of a multimedi... more This paper reports on the ‘usability’ element of a study examining the development of a multimedia Learning Environment (LE) for Special Educational Needs (SEN) students, designed to match learner requirements to learning materials, as elicited from cognitive and accessibility profiles drawn up by teachers and learning support assistants. In developing the system, the researchers examined how usability tests could be undertaken that meaningfully involved people with cognitive disabilities. Methods were developed following interviews with staff and much observation of lessons involving the use of computers. The usability tests themselves consisted of a series of graded activities drawn from various SEN sources. They required only one or two actions – activating a mouse and/or guiding a cursor – for completion. The study highlighted a number of issues inherent in working with a user group comprising SEN students, including interpreting non-compliance and other behaviour patterns, making tasks meaningful, and accounting for the presence and degree of assistance given by a helper. Of particular interest was the issue of matching the intellectual level of tasks with the physical ease-of-use of the system. The paper suggests various methods for obviating problems elicited, and makes recommendations for the further development of computer-based activities designed to promote independent learning and inclusivity.

Aslib Proceedings, 2006

PurposeTo provide a review of the past studies on use of information and communications technolog... more PurposeTo provide a review of the past studies on use of information and communications technology (ICT) for people with special education needs (SEN) to inform a major research project on using ICT to facilitate self‐advocacy and learning for SEN learners.Design/methodology/approachLiterature review, encompassing academic journals indexed in education, information science and social sciences databases, books, grey literature (including much internet‐based material), and government reports. Information was gathered on the perceived benefits of ICT in SEN, and the use of some specific applications with people having various conditions. A number of usability studies, mainly Internet and web technologies, are also outlined.FindingsAlthough the literature shows a great number of ICT initiatives for people with all kinds of disabilities, there has been a surprising lack of research into the usability of the various applications developed, and even less concerning those with learning diff...

Aslib Proceedings, 1999

Virtually all UK and US newspapers and the vast majority of regional and even local titles are no... more Virtually all UK and US newspapers and the vast majority of regional and even local titles are now represented on the web. Indeed, the Yahoo news and media directory lists no less than 114 UK newspapers online (as of November 1998). Broadcasters from the BBC and Sky downwards, and all the famous news agencies (Press Association, Reuters etc.) also boast comprehensive Internet services. With such an array of sources available, the future of mass access to the Internet, possibly via TV terminals, suggests that more and more people may soon opt for this medium to receive the bulk of their news information. This paper gives an overview of the characteristics of the medium illustrated with examples of how these are being used to both facilitate and enhance the content and dissemination of the news product. These characteristics include hyperlinking to external information sources, providing archive access to past reports, reader interactivity and other features not possible to incorporat...

Aslib Proceedings, 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to summarise and evaluate the literature on digital consumer ... more PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to summarise and evaluate the literature on digital consumer behaviour and attitudes towards digital piracy.Design/methodology/approachThe paper presents a review and synthesis of the academic literature on the subject, using the authors' unique “pro‐forma” approach to the evaluation of individual papers.FindingsA major limitation in the studies reported became apparent. They are almost exclusively concerned with the behaviours and attitudes of young people. There is a dearth of studies looking at demographic differences, and also a lack of longitudinal work. Given these constraints, the literature strongly suggests that social and situational factors impact on the likelihood of illegally obtaining digital content more than ethical considerations. Anonymity is a strong indicator, “de‐individualising” people and releasing them from traditional societal constraints and making the digital world far different from the physical one. The literature ...

Aslib Proceedings, 2001

Provides an initial analysis of the use of InTouch with Health touch screen information kiosks lo... more Provides an initial analysis of the use of InTouch with Health touch screen information kiosks located throughout the UK. Presents data for more than 50 kiosks and models use to a variety of variables. The data were collected via kiosk transaction logs and questionnaire. Seeks to explain use differences between kiosks. The amount of kiosk use and the number of kiosk users were explained in terms of both neighbourhood factors and kiosk host factors. Significant variables determining the amount of use and number of users include the size of the kiosk host organisation and whether intermediary help is available to the kiosk user, either from a health professional or a receptionist. The general economic well‐being of the area was found to be significant in explaining the length of session time, while word of mouth and help from other users was a significant variable explaining the number of session pages viewed.

Employing survey and web log data the study presented here compares the use and users of two digi... more Employing survey and web log data the study presented here compares the use and users of two digital health information platforms geared toward consumers-web-sites and touchscreen information kiosks. The kiosks featured are those supplied by InTouch With Health and the web-site is surgerydoor (some analysis of NHSDirect Online is also supplied). Problems of making direct comparisons between the two platforms are discussed and comparative figures provided. The two platforms were compared using the following metrics: page view time, session duration, number of sessions conducted, pages viewed per session, and topic/subject of pages viewed. Possible reasons for the differences between the two platforms are discussed, including the environment in which they are housed, the proximity of the platform to the user, the specific purpose of the individual platform, the different audiences served, the extent of delegation, the computer literacy of the audiences served, the quantity and comprehensiveness of the platform's information, and user's perceptions of authority. The research reminds and informs web-site and kiosk designers of the different audiences that they serve. The work reported here forms part of a Department of Health funded study which is evaluating digital health information provision to the consumer, in particular the use and impact of more than seventy heath kiosks located in all kinds of locations throughout the United Kingdom.

Libri, 2002

Using questionnaire data from digital television subscribers, links are established between the i... more Using questionnaire data from digital television subscribers, links are established between the information sources used and the characteristics and interests of users. The research establishes that groupings can be made and identifies user groups most likely to use each source type. Four groups of users are identified and described: active traditional information users, passive traditional information users, electronic isolated users and electronic sociable users. The research forms part of an ongoing research project, which has, as part of its aim, the task of identifying particular users with the information sources that may be most appropriate for them.

Journal of Documentation, 2004

Collating data from a number of log and questionnaire studies conducted largely into the use of a... more Collating data from a number of log and questionnaire studies conducted largely into the use of a range of consumer health digital information platforms, Centre for Information Behaviour and the Evaluation of Research (Ciber) researchers describe some new thoughts on characterising (and naming) information seeking behaviour in the digital environment, and in so doing, suggest a new typology of digital users. The characteristic behaviour found is one of bouncing in which users seldom penetrate a site to any depth, tend to visit a number of sites for any given information need and seldom return to sites they once visited. They tend to “feed” for information horizontally, and whether they search a site of not depends heavily on “digital visibility”, which in turn creates all the conditions for “bouncing”. The question whether this type of information seeking represents a form of “dumbing down or up”, and what it all means for publishers, librarians and information providers, who might ...

CIBER wish to thank all of the research interviewees, who gave freely of their time and offered v... more CIBER wish to thank all of the research interviewees, who gave freely of their time and offered very useful and interesting insights that enabled us to gather the data for the findings presented in this report.

Aslib Proceedings, 2008

PurposeThis article is an edited version of a report commissioned by the British Library and JISC... more PurposeThis article is an edited version of a report commissioned by the British Library and JISC to identify how the specialist researchers of the future (those born after 1993) are likely to access and interact with digital resources in five to ten years' time. The purpose is to investigate the impact of digital transition on the information behaviour of the Google Generation and to guide library and information services to anticipate and react to any new or emerging behaviours in the most effective way.Design/methodology/approachThe study was virtually longitudinal and is based on a number of extensive reviews of related literature, survey data mining and a deep log analysis of a British Library and a JISC web site intended for younger people.FindingsThe study shows that much of the impact of ICTs on the young has been overestimated. The study claims that although young people demonstrate an apparent ease and familiarity with computers, they rely heavily on search engines, vi...

Informatics in Primary Care, 2004

Introduction Antimicrobial resistance is a global problem with serious implications for modern me... more Introduction Antimicrobial resistance is a global problem with serious implications for modern medicine. Education of the public is essential for reducing patient pressure on GPs and subsequent inappropriate prescribing. Evaluation of educational interventions is necessary to assess their impact on public knowledge and attitudes. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of a health information website, part of the National electronic Library of Infection, on user knowledge and attitudes. Method Questionnaires testing user knowledge and attitudes before and after using the website. Results There were significant improvements in knowledge about the use of antibiotics and antibiotic resistance. Expectations that antibiotics should be prescribed were significantly reduced after using the website. Health professionals showed a significantly greater knowledge about antibiotics and were less likely to expect antibiotics to be prescribed for acute otitis media than non-health professionals before using the website. There was no significant difference between the knowledge of these groups after using the website, but non-health professionals continued to have higher expectations of antibiotics being prescribed than health professionals. Conclusions Health information websites can play a significant role in influencing public knowledge and attitudes. Further research is needed to investigate how people learn from these interventions and to determine their long-term impact on public attitudes and subsequent behaviour.

Aslib Proceedings, 2004

has been funded by the Department of Health to construct a National Electronic Library for Commun... more has been funded by the Department of Health to construct a National Electronic Library for Communicable Disease to form part of the National Electronic Library for Health. As a final preparation for its launch, the developers have been conducting a number of experiments to test public understanding of the information housed and if the site is easily accessible and usable. This paper reports on the results of the usability tests, carried out in the Science Museum in February 2003. Data gathering was by questionnaire, observation and interview. Findings suggested a great appreciation of the site by members of the general public.

Aslib Proceedings, 2002

During an evaluation of a digital interactive consumer health television channel (NHS Direct) on ... more During an evaluation of a digital interactive consumer health television channel (NHS Direct) on Kingston Interactive Television the prominence of the channel’s menus regarding the interactive element of its service diminished considerably over a period of four months. During this time the use of the channel declined significantly, a development that can be attributed, at least in part, to the reduction in visibility of the channel. A number of metrics (users, return visits, screens viewed, screens viewed during a visit, and time spent viewing) were employed to chart and explain the decline. Two changes to the positioning of the channel resulted in a drop of about one‐third in the number of users. Other metrics – page views and return visitors – saw similar declines.

Journal of Information Science, 2010

This paper presents the results of the second phase of a Research Information Network study, whic... more This paper presents the results of the second phase of a Research Information Network study, which sought to establish the impact of e-journals on the scholarly behaviour of researchers in the UK. The first phase of the project was a deep log analysis of the usage and information seeking behaviour of researchers in connection with the ScienceDirect and Oxford Journals databases. This paper reports on the second phase, which sought to explain and provide context for the deep log data by taking the questions raised by the quantitative study to the research community via interview, questionnaire and observation. Nine major research institutions took part, six subjects were covered and the behaviour of about 1400 people was analyzed. Findings show that academic journals have become central to all disciplines and that the e-form is the prime means of access. Most importantly the study demonstrates that computer usage logs provide an accurate picture of online behaviour. High levels of ga...

Informatics in Primary Care, 2004

The Department of Health funded a number of pilot digital interactive television (DiTV) services ... more The Department of Health funded a number of pilot digital interactive television (DiTV) services in the consumer health field, running for between three and six months. 1 The services were launched in various locations in the United Kingdom (UK) in 2001, including Birmingham, Hull and London. Each pilot offered different consumer health products: text and video, interactive and transactional services were featured. These pilots were investigated by the authors using a combination of research methods: log analysis was supported by questionnaires, interviews, observation, usability studies and BARB data. One of the pilots concerned Channel Health, a consumer health channel hosted on Sky television, which provided, in addition to its normal schedule, two health information services. The two services

Journal of Assistive Technologies, 2012

PurposeThis paper describes visitors' reactions to using an Apple iPad or smartphone to follo... more PurposeThis paper describes visitors' reactions to using an Apple iPad or smartphone to follow trails in a museum by scanning QR codes and draws conclusions on the potential for this technology to help improve accessibility at low‐cost.Design/methodology/approachActivities were devised which involved visitors following trails around museum objects, each labelled with a QR code and symbolised text. Visitors scanned the QR codes using a mobile device which then showed more information about an object. Project‐team members acted as participant‐observers, engaging with visitors and noting how they used the system. Experiences from each activity fed into the design of the next.FindingsSome physical and technical problems with using QR codes can be overcome with the introduction of simple aids, particularly using movable object labels. A layered approach to information access is possible with the first layer comprising a label, the second a mobile‐web enabled screen and the third choi...

Information Science and Knowledge Management

Our findings in this respect raise a concern over knowledge building. The real problem is that th... more Our findings in this respect raise a concern over knowledge building. The real problem is that the (false) sense of engagement and action associated with online searching/surfing makes the consumer feel that something is being achieved, while this may not always be the case. People tend to want fast knowledge and not just fast access to information.

BMJ (Clinical research ed.), Jan 6, 2013

To determine the proportion of medical journals requiring trial registration and to understand th... more To determine the proportion of medical journals requiring trial registration and to understand their reasons for adopting (or not adopting) such policies and other measures designed to reduce publication bias. Quantitative study of journals' instructions to authors (in June 2012) and qualitative study of editors' and publishers' views on trial registration and publication bias (carried out in Autumn 2012). Random selection of 200 medical journals publishing clinical trials identified from the Cochrane CENTRAL database. Editors (n=13) and publishers (n=3) of journals with different policies on trial registration (and with recently changed policies) identified from the survey of their instructions to authors. Only 55/200 journals (28%) required trial registration according to their instructions and a further three (2%) encouraged it. The editors and publishers interviewed explained their journals' reluctance to require registration in terms of not wanting to lose out t...

Science and Engineering Ethics, 2011

Editors have a responsibility to retract seriously flawed articles from their journals. However, ... more Editors have a responsibility to retract seriously flawed articles from their journals. However, there appears to be little consistency in journals' policies or procedures for this. In a qualitative study, we therefore interviewed editors of science journals using semi-structured interviews to investigate their experience of retracting articles. We identified potential barriers to retraction, difficulties in the process and also sources of support and encouragement. Our findings have been used as the basis for guidelines developed by the Committee on Publication Ethics.

Health Information and Libraries Journal, 2003

Whilst great emphasis has rightly been placed on the increased availability and use of health inf... more Whilst great emphasis has rightly been placed on the increased availability and use of health information, little research has been undertaken into the non use of such material, particularly with regard to electronic sources. Computer transactional log data from health information touch screen kiosks, collected as part of an ongoing Department of Health-funded study being carried out by City University, showed that females in the 55-74 age group were particularly under-represented as users. To explore reasons for this, in-depth interviews were carried out with 13 non-kiosk-using, primary-care out-patients fitting this profile, at a surgery which had a kiosk that was being monitored. Subjects were interviewed at length about their information needs and information-seeking behaviour, to determine reasons (if any) they might have had for non-kiosk use. The study utilized an interview schedule and technique loosely based on the 'Sense-Making' methodology of Brenda Dervin (Talk Presented at the International Communication Association Annual Meeting, May 1983, Dallas, Texas, USA. Available from: http://communicationsbsohio-stateedu/sense-making/art/artdervin83html.). Findings elicited many factors accounting for non use of the system. The first and major source of information remained the doctor, with written or other sources only being consulted where recommended or provided. There was evidence that patients wanted little more than the minimum information or instructions required to deal with their condition. Many appeared unaware of the presence of the kiosk and others assumed either that it was not for patient use or that it would not serve their needs. The methodology proved itself, with certain caveats, to be an appropriate vehicle for this kind of exploratory work.

Journal of Research in Special Educational Needs, 2006

This paper reports on the ‘usability’ element of a study examining the development of a multimedi... more This paper reports on the ‘usability’ element of a study examining the development of a multimedia Learning Environment (LE) for Special Educational Needs (SEN) students, designed to match learner requirements to learning materials, as elicited from cognitive and accessibility profiles drawn up by teachers and learning support assistants. In developing the system, the researchers examined how usability tests could be undertaken that meaningfully involved people with cognitive disabilities. Methods were developed following interviews with staff and much observation of lessons involving the use of computers. The usability tests themselves consisted of a series of graded activities drawn from various SEN sources. They required only one or two actions – activating a mouse and/or guiding a cursor – for completion. The study highlighted a number of issues inherent in working with a user group comprising SEN students, including interpreting non-compliance and other behaviour patterns, making tasks meaningful, and accounting for the presence and degree of assistance given by a helper. Of particular interest was the issue of matching the intellectual level of tasks with the physical ease-of-use of the system. The paper suggests various methods for obviating problems elicited, and makes recommendations for the further development of computer-based activities designed to promote independent learning and inclusivity.

Aslib Proceedings, 2006

PurposeTo provide a review of the past studies on use of information and communications technolog... more PurposeTo provide a review of the past studies on use of information and communications technology (ICT) for people with special education needs (SEN) to inform a major research project on using ICT to facilitate self‐advocacy and learning for SEN learners.Design/methodology/approachLiterature review, encompassing academic journals indexed in education, information science and social sciences databases, books, grey literature (including much internet‐based material), and government reports. Information was gathered on the perceived benefits of ICT in SEN, and the use of some specific applications with people having various conditions. A number of usability studies, mainly Internet and web technologies, are also outlined.FindingsAlthough the literature shows a great number of ICT initiatives for people with all kinds of disabilities, there has been a surprising lack of research into the usability of the various applications developed, and even less concerning those with learning diff...

Aslib Proceedings, 1999

Virtually all UK and US newspapers and the vast majority of regional and even local titles are no... more Virtually all UK and US newspapers and the vast majority of regional and even local titles are now represented on the web. Indeed, the Yahoo news and media directory lists no less than 114 UK newspapers online (as of November 1998). Broadcasters from the BBC and Sky downwards, and all the famous news agencies (Press Association, Reuters etc.) also boast comprehensive Internet services. With such an array of sources available, the future of mass access to the Internet, possibly via TV terminals, suggests that more and more people may soon opt for this medium to receive the bulk of their news information. This paper gives an overview of the characteristics of the medium illustrated with examples of how these are being used to both facilitate and enhance the content and dissemination of the news product. These characteristics include hyperlinking to external information sources, providing archive access to past reports, reader interactivity and other features not possible to incorporat...

Aslib Proceedings, 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to summarise and evaluate the literature on digital consumer ... more PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to summarise and evaluate the literature on digital consumer behaviour and attitudes towards digital piracy.Design/methodology/approachThe paper presents a review and synthesis of the academic literature on the subject, using the authors' unique “pro‐forma” approach to the evaluation of individual papers.FindingsA major limitation in the studies reported became apparent. They are almost exclusively concerned with the behaviours and attitudes of young people. There is a dearth of studies looking at demographic differences, and also a lack of longitudinal work. Given these constraints, the literature strongly suggests that social and situational factors impact on the likelihood of illegally obtaining digital content more than ethical considerations. Anonymity is a strong indicator, “de‐individualising” people and releasing them from traditional societal constraints and making the digital world far different from the physical one. The literature ...

Aslib Proceedings, 2001

Provides an initial analysis of the use of InTouch with Health touch screen information kiosks lo... more Provides an initial analysis of the use of InTouch with Health touch screen information kiosks located throughout the UK. Presents data for more than 50 kiosks and models use to a variety of variables. The data were collected via kiosk transaction logs and questionnaire. Seeks to explain use differences between kiosks. The amount of kiosk use and the number of kiosk users were explained in terms of both neighbourhood factors and kiosk host factors. Significant variables determining the amount of use and number of users include the size of the kiosk host organisation and whether intermediary help is available to the kiosk user, either from a health professional or a receptionist. The general economic well‐being of the area was found to be significant in explaining the length of session time, while word of mouth and help from other users was a significant variable explaining the number of session pages viewed.

Employing survey and web log data the study presented here compares the use and users of two digi... more Employing survey and web log data the study presented here compares the use and users of two digital health information platforms geared toward consumers-web-sites and touchscreen information kiosks. The kiosks featured are those supplied by InTouch With Health and the web-site is surgerydoor (some analysis of NHSDirect Online is also supplied). Problems of making direct comparisons between the two platforms are discussed and comparative figures provided. The two platforms were compared using the following metrics: page view time, session duration, number of sessions conducted, pages viewed per session, and topic/subject of pages viewed. Possible reasons for the differences between the two platforms are discussed, including the environment in which they are housed, the proximity of the platform to the user, the specific purpose of the individual platform, the different audiences served, the extent of delegation, the computer literacy of the audiences served, the quantity and comprehensiveness of the platform's information, and user's perceptions of authority. The research reminds and informs web-site and kiosk designers of the different audiences that they serve. The work reported here forms part of a Department of Health funded study which is evaluating digital health information provision to the consumer, in particular the use and impact of more than seventy heath kiosks located in all kinds of locations throughout the United Kingdom.

Libri, 2002

Using questionnaire data from digital television subscribers, links are established between the i... more Using questionnaire data from digital television subscribers, links are established between the information sources used and the characteristics and interests of users. The research establishes that groupings can be made and identifies user groups most likely to use each source type. Four groups of users are identified and described: active traditional information users, passive traditional information users, electronic isolated users and electronic sociable users. The research forms part of an ongoing research project, which has, as part of its aim, the task of identifying particular users with the information sources that may be most appropriate for them.

Journal of Documentation, 2004

Collating data from a number of log and questionnaire studies conducted largely into the use of a... more Collating data from a number of log and questionnaire studies conducted largely into the use of a range of consumer health digital information platforms, Centre for Information Behaviour and the Evaluation of Research (Ciber) researchers describe some new thoughts on characterising (and naming) information seeking behaviour in the digital environment, and in so doing, suggest a new typology of digital users. The characteristic behaviour found is one of bouncing in which users seldom penetrate a site to any depth, tend to visit a number of sites for any given information need and seldom return to sites they once visited. They tend to “feed” for information horizontally, and whether they search a site of not depends heavily on “digital visibility”, which in turn creates all the conditions for “bouncing”. The question whether this type of information seeking represents a form of “dumbing down or up”, and what it all means for publishers, librarians and information providers, who might ...

CIBER wish to thank all of the research interviewees, who gave freely of their time and offered v... more CIBER wish to thank all of the research interviewees, who gave freely of their time and offered very useful and interesting insights that enabled us to gather the data for the findings presented in this report.

Aslib Proceedings, 2008

PurposeThis article is an edited version of a report commissioned by the British Library and JISC... more PurposeThis article is an edited version of a report commissioned by the British Library and JISC to identify how the specialist researchers of the future (those born after 1993) are likely to access and interact with digital resources in five to ten years' time. The purpose is to investigate the impact of digital transition on the information behaviour of the Google Generation and to guide library and information services to anticipate and react to any new or emerging behaviours in the most effective way.Design/methodology/approachThe study was virtually longitudinal and is based on a number of extensive reviews of related literature, survey data mining and a deep log analysis of a British Library and a JISC web site intended for younger people.FindingsThe study shows that much of the impact of ICTs on the young has been overestimated. The study claims that although young people demonstrate an apparent ease and familiarity with computers, they rely heavily on search engines, vi...

Informatics in Primary Care, 2004

Introduction Antimicrobial resistance is a global problem with serious implications for modern me... more Introduction Antimicrobial resistance is a global problem with serious implications for modern medicine. Education of the public is essential for reducing patient pressure on GPs and subsequent inappropriate prescribing. Evaluation of educational interventions is necessary to assess their impact on public knowledge and attitudes. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of a health information website, part of the National electronic Library of Infection, on user knowledge and attitudes. Method Questionnaires testing user knowledge and attitudes before and after using the website. Results There were significant improvements in knowledge about the use of antibiotics and antibiotic resistance. Expectations that antibiotics should be prescribed were significantly reduced after using the website. Health professionals showed a significantly greater knowledge about antibiotics and were less likely to expect antibiotics to be prescribed for acute otitis media than non-health professionals before using the website. There was no significant difference between the knowledge of these groups after using the website, but non-health professionals continued to have higher expectations of antibiotics being prescribed than health professionals. Conclusions Health information websites can play a significant role in influencing public knowledge and attitudes. Further research is needed to investigate how people learn from these interventions and to determine their long-term impact on public attitudes and subsequent behaviour.

Aslib Proceedings, 2004

has been funded by the Department of Health to construct a National Electronic Library for Commun... more has been funded by the Department of Health to construct a National Electronic Library for Communicable Disease to form part of the National Electronic Library for Health. As a final preparation for its launch, the developers have been conducting a number of experiments to test public understanding of the information housed and if the site is easily accessible and usable. This paper reports on the results of the usability tests, carried out in the Science Museum in February 2003. Data gathering was by questionnaire, observation and interview. Findings suggested a great appreciation of the site by members of the general public.

Aslib Proceedings, 2002

During an evaluation of a digital interactive consumer health television channel (NHS Direct) on ... more During an evaluation of a digital interactive consumer health television channel (NHS Direct) on Kingston Interactive Television the prominence of the channel’s menus regarding the interactive element of its service diminished considerably over a period of four months. During this time the use of the channel declined significantly, a development that can be attributed, at least in part, to the reduction in visibility of the channel. A number of metrics (users, return visits, screens viewed, screens viewed during a visit, and time spent viewing) were employed to chart and explain the decline. Two changes to the positioning of the channel resulted in a drop of about one‐third in the number of users. Other metrics – page views and return visitors – saw similar declines.

Journal of Information Science, 2010

This paper presents the results of the second phase of a Research Information Network study, whic... more This paper presents the results of the second phase of a Research Information Network study, which sought to establish the impact of e-journals on the scholarly behaviour of researchers in the UK. The first phase of the project was a deep log analysis of the usage and information seeking behaviour of researchers in connection with the ScienceDirect and Oxford Journals databases. This paper reports on the second phase, which sought to explain and provide context for the deep log data by taking the questions raised by the quantitative study to the research community via interview, questionnaire and observation. Nine major research institutions took part, six subjects were covered and the behaviour of about 1400 people was analyzed. Findings show that academic journals have become central to all disciplines and that the e-form is the prime means of access. Most importantly the study demonstrates that computer usage logs provide an accurate picture of online behaviour. High levels of ga...

Informatics in Primary Care, 2004

The Department of Health funded a number of pilot digital interactive television (DiTV) services ... more The Department of Health funded a number of pilot digital interactive television (DiTV) services in the consumer health field, running for between three and six months. 1 The services were launched in various locations in the United Kingdom (UK) in 2001, including Birmingham, Hull and London. Each pilot offered different consumer health products: text and video, interactive and transactional services were featured. These pilots were investigated by the authors using a combination of research methods: log analysis was supported by questionnaires, interviews, observation, usability studies and BARB data. One of the pilots concerned Channel Health, a consumer health channel hosted on Sky television, which provided, in addition to its normal schedule, two health information services. The two services

Journal of Assistive Technologies, 2012

PurposeThis paper describes visitors' reactions to using an Apple iPad or smartphone to follo... more PurposeThis paper describes visitors' reactions to using an Apple iPad or smartphone to follow trails in a museum by scanning QR codes and draws conclusions on the potential for this technology to help improve accessibility at low‐cost.Design/methodology/approachActivities were devised which involved visitors following trails around museum objects, each labelled with a QR code and symbolised text. Visitors scanned the QR codes using a mobile device which then showed more information about an object. Project‐team members acted as participant‐observers, engaging with visitors and noting how they used the system. Experiences from each activity fed into the design of the next.FindingsSome physical and technical problems with using QR codes can be overcome with the introduction of simple aids, particularly using movable object labels. A layered approach to information access is possible with the first layer comprising a label, the second a mobile‐web enabled screen and the third choi...

Information Science and Knowledge Management

Our findings in this respect raise a concern over knowledge building. The real problem is that th... more Our findings in this respect raise a concern over knowledge building. The real problem is that the (false) sense of engagement and action associated with online searching/surfing makes the consumer feel that something is being achieved, while this may not always be the case. People tend to want fast knowledge and not just fast access to information.

BMJ (Clinical research ed.), Jan 6, 2013

To determine the proportion of medical journals requiring trial registration and to understand th... more To determine the proportion of medical journals requiring trial registration and to understand their reasons for adopting (or not adopting) such policies and other measures designed to reduce publication bias. Quantitative study of journals' instructions to authors (in June 2012) and qualitative study of editors' and publishers' views on trial registration and publication bias (carried out in Autumn 2012). Random selection of 200 medical journals publishing clinical trials identified from the Cochrane CENTRAL database. Editors (n=13) and publishers (n=3) of journals with different policies on trial registration (and with recently changed policies) identified from the survey of their instructions to authors. Only 55/200 journals (28%) required trial registration according to their instructions and a further three (2%) encouraged it. The editors and publishers interviewed explained their journals' reluctance to require registration in terms of not wanting to lose out t...

Science and Engineering Ethics, 2011

Editors have a responsibility to retract seriously flawed articles from their journals. However, ... more Editors have a responsibility to retract seriously flawed articles from their journals. However, there appears to be little consistency in journals' policies or procedures for this. In a qualitative study, we therefore interviewed editors of science journals using semi-structured interviews to investigate their experience of retracting articles. We identified potential barriers to retraction, difficulties in the process and also sources of support and encouragement. Our findings have been used as the basis for guidelines developed by the Committee on Publication Ethics.

Health Information and Libraries Journal, 2003

Whilst great emphasis has rightly been placed on the increased availability and use of health inf... more Whilst great emphasis has rightly been placed on the increased availability and use of health information, little research has been undertaken into the non use of such material, particularly with regard to electronic sources. Computer transactional log data from health information touch screen kiosks, collected as part of an ongoing Department of Health-funded study being carried out by City University, showed that females in the 55-74 age group were particularly under-represented as users. To explore reasons for this, in-depth interviews were carried out with 13 non-kiosk-using, primary-care out-patients fitting this profile, at a surgery which had a kiosk that was being monitored. Subjects were interviewed at length about their information needs and information-seeking behaviour, to determine reasons (if any) they might have had for non-kiosk use. The study utilized an interview schedule and technique loosely based on the 'Sense-Making' methodology of Brenda Dervin (Talk Presented at the International Communication Association Annual Meeting, May 1983, Dallas, Texas, USA. Available from: http://communicationsbsohio-stateedu/sense-making/art/artdervin83html.). Findings elicited many factors accounting for non use of the system. The first and major source of information remained the doctor, with written or other sources only being consulted where recommended or provided. There was evidence that patients wanted little more than the minimum information or instructions required to deal with their condition. Many appeared unaware of the presence of the kiosk and others assumed either that it was not for patient use or that it would not serve their needs. The methodology proved itself, with certain caveats, to be an appropriate vehicle for this kind of exploratory work.

Education Sciences , 2019

Mobile phone technology is becoming ubiquitous. However, a number of unique usability challenges ... more Mobile phone technology is becoming ubiquitous. However, a number of unique usability challenges are still unresolved, including small screen size, device orientation changes, and an array of interaction methods (tap, flick, pinch, etc.) These challenges may be particularly acute for people with learning disabilities. This study examined the usability of touchscreen interactions, the difficulties, and possible solutions. An app was developed in which (12) participants accessed Google Maps and manipulated it to find various London Underground station locations. Text input (a password), tap, swipe, and pinch were required, and their usage was analysed. Many participants were successful in finding the required information. However, many difficulties arose, including misunderstandings of the labelling (a live 'Welcome' button was not tapped, whereas a short list of instructions was erroneously seen as a menu and so erroneously tapped to access each step in the process) and an over-sensitive zoom feature. Three categories of error were formulated from the findings: affordance, user, and functionality. Recommendations are offered, such as using more appropriate 'signage' for link buttons (affordance); manipulating the zoom feature using + and-buttons rather than a 'pinch', which requires two fingered dexterity (functionality); and more formal training and familiarity (user).