| The goal of this study is to better understand academic library design, selection, and use of web icons. An additional goal is discover some of the possible consequences of icon design decisions for student users. This research is meant to help library staff better understand the factors involved in icon design and to assist library staff with icons in the future. Towards this aim, a categorical assessment of thirty academic library icons was conducted. To enable a holistic understanding of the icons, a sub-sample of nine icons was examined in interviews with eight University of Alberta students. Staff involved with the design/selection of icons, at five libraries, were interviewed. Findings indicate that there are some common areas of weakness in the studied academic library icons which negatively affect the user experience. Further, possible explanations for these design flaws are evidenced in the design process conducted at these institutions. |
