Evaluating a new electronic service using mixed methods

Abstract

This presentation discusses the introduction of a new subject guides system at Teesside University and the methods used to evaluate this new service. The new service uses Lib-Guides, a library content management system, to present information tailored to the needs of specific subject areas. The aim was to provide the most useful resources for a subject, along with instructions and tutorials, in effect creating a one-stop-shop. We also wanted to embed the guides into the VLE so that they became integral to the learning experience. Success has been measured using both quantitative and qualitative methods. The range of methods used included web analytics together with data from interviews and surveys. This presentation will look at the results of this analysis and consider some of the issues raised. We will discuss what has worked well, what continues to present difficulties, and how we plan to develop the system in the light of this evaluation.