A usability evaluation of the prototype Afrikaanse idiome-woordeboek

The Afrikaanse idiome-woordeboek is a prototype e-dictionary of Afrikaans fixed expres-sions developed with the intention to test the functionalities of the e-dictionary. This dictionary is based on the function theory of lexicography. The e-dictionary makes use of various technologies. When digital tools are developed it is important to consider the usability of the tool. Usability evaluation was done on the Afrikaanse idiome-woordeboek to determine with what success it can be used. Discount usability methods, viz. heuristic evaluation and usability testing were used. This article reports on the findings from the usability tests which are discussed under the categories of content, information architecture, navigation, access (searching and browsing), help, customisation and the use of innovative technologies to manage data in e-dictionaries for search and display. The usability evaluation showed that the users did not always use the e-dictionary as the designers intended. Various recommendations are made to the designers of the Afrikaanse idiome-woordeboek, as well as for the design of e-dictionaries in general. Recommendations appropriate to e-dictionaries in general are made regarding usability evaluation, information architecture, searching in e-dic-tionaries, the data that can be included in e-dictionaries and training of users of e-dictionaries. Keywords: E-Dictionaries, Online Dictionaries, Electronic Dictionaries, Usability Evaluation, Usability Tests, Discount Usability, Dictionary Literacy

From Tags to Topic Maps: Using Marked-up Hebrew Text to Discover Linguistic Patterns

The paper discusses a series of related techniques that prepare and transform raw linguistic data for advanced processing in order to unveil hidden grammatical patterns. It identifies XML as a suitable mark-up language to build an exploitable data bank of multi-dimensional data in the Hebrew text of the Old Testament. This concept is illustrated by tagging a transcription of Gen. 1:1-2:3 and manipulating this data bank. Transferring the data into a three-dimensional array allows advanced processing of the data in order to either confirm existing knowledge or to mine for new, yet undiscovered, linguistic features. Visualisation is discussed as a technique that enhances interaction between the human researcher and the computerised technologies supporting this process of knowledge creation. The empirical study is a small experiment that illustrates the viability and usefulness of the proposed expert devices as well as the benefits of applying information system techniques to linguistic databases

Direct user guidance in e-dictionaries for text production and text reception — The verbal relative in Sepedi as a case study

This article introduces a prototype of a writing (and learning) assistant for verbal relative clauses of the African language Sepedi, accessible from within a dictionary or from a word processor. It is an example of how a user support tool for complicated grammatical structures in a scarcely resourced language can be compiled. We describe a dynamic light-weight tool aimed at combining user-knowledge with text production support, i.e., user-involved interactive text pro-duction of the complicated verbal relative in Sepedi. In this article, the focus is on access in a dic-tionary use situation. Although the tool is intended as a writing assistant to support users in text production; it also satisfies text reception and cognitive needs, but its focus is on solving text pro-duction issues related with the interaction between lexical items and complex grammatical structures in the African (Bantu) languages and for learning by users and/or training users in this interaction.Keywords:Writing Tools, User-Guidance, User Support, Text Production, E-Dictionaries, African Languages, Sepedi, Complex Grammatical Struc Tures, Relative Constructio

Embracing diversity: What it means for new LIS professionals and the organizations that hire them

Our presentation will bring together a panel of diverse and global views on diversity from a broad set of racial, cultural, and geographic perspectives. While there is a growing body of research that supports the value of more diverse work environments, less is known about the conditions necessary to support the success of new LIS professionals that help diversify their work environments, what challenges library organizations face in inviting this diversity, and what can be done to best support these LIS professionals and their organizations

Towards Open Scholarship at the University of Pretoria

World-wide the research paradigm is in the process of expanding into e-research and open scholarship. This implies new ways of collaboration, dissemination and reuse of research results, specifically via the Web. In the South African context the implication of e-research has been investigated at high level, and this resulted in the SARIS report (South African Research Information Services Report), according to which it is envisaged that South Africa, as a country, should position itself in the forefront of this new paradigm. This implies that individual research institutions should take the necessary steps to implement such strategies, collaborate amongst one another and lobby Government to support such initiatives. At the University of Pretoria this new paradigm of e-research and open scholarship has led to the development of a high-level e-strategy for the University, supported by the Executive. This is embodied in different strategies, such an e-information strategy developed by the Department of Library Services (the Library, formerly known as the Academic Information Service), the Research Information System of the Research Office, and supported by a new IT strategy. This has resulted in a number of open scholarship projects, such as UPSpace (a digital research repository with a number of sub-projects, such as a repository of all UP research articles and Africana collections) and the UPeTD (a full-text database of theses and dissertations). In this paper we give an overview of the rationale for the initiatives, briefly discuss the SARIS project and the e-strategies at the University of Pretoria and demonstrate the implementation of the various projects. We also discuss the technologies used, and reflect on the perceived advantages of the projects. The paper is illustrated by screen captures from different projects

A copulative decision tree as a writing tool for Sepedi

The copulative construction in Sepedi is very complex, as is evident from the detailed and lengthy discussions that occur in standard grammar reference works of Sepedi. This article proposes a decision tree format to guide users through binary or multiple choices at various levels to choose the correct options and eventually arrive at the correct copulative construction. After a brief introduction to writing tools, the complexity of copulative constructions in Sepedi is discussed in detail, illustrating this complexity by means of examples. Thereafter, the prototype decision tree structure is discussed, illustrating the visual presentation of the system through a number of screen captures. The system focuses on text production, i.e. someone who intends writing a text. It presupposes a very basic knowledge of the copulative. If the user is unsure about terminology or content, the option exists, at each node, to drill down and obtain more information, including example sentences. The system therefore provides information on demand, and does not overload the user with information that may either be known or that may not be required to solve the specific information need in context. A detailed usability study will be undertaken as future work