19 research outputs found

    Usability as a method for assessing discovery

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    The University of Nevada Las Vegas Libraries engaged in three projects that helped identify areas of its website that had inhibited discovery of services and resources. These projects also helped generate staff interest in the Usability Working Group, which led these endeavors. The first project studied student responses to the site. The second focused on a usability test with the Libraries’ peer research coaches and resulted in a presentation of those findings to the Libraries staff. The final project involved a specialized test, the results of which also were presented to staff. All three of these projects led to improvements to the website and will inform a larger redesign

    Self-folding nano- and micropatterned hydrogel tissue engineering scaffolds by single step photolithographic process

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    Current progress in tissue engineering is focused on the creation of environments in which cultures of relevant cells can adhere, grow and form functional tissue. We propose a method for controlled chemical and topographical cues through surface patterning of self-folding hydrogel films. This provides a conversion of 2D patterning techniques into a viable method of manufacturing a 3D scaffold. While similar bilayers have previously been demonstrated, here we present a faster and high throughput process for fabricating self-folding hydrogel devices incorporating controllable surface nanotopographies by serial hot embossing of sacrificial layers and photolithography

    The history of domestic cardiology in XX - beginning XXI centuries

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    The article deals with the problems of the formation and development of domestic cardiology at its various stages. A comparative analysis of the development of cardiology in the pre-war and post-war periods, and its place in modern science is carried out.В статье рассмотрены проблемы становления и развития отечественной кардиологии на различных ее этапах. Проведён сравнительный анализ развития кардиологии в довоенный и послевоенный периоды, и ее место в современной наук

    Tracking Changes: One Library\u27s Homepage Over Time—Findings from Usability Testing and Reflections on Staffing

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    A strong Webmaster, additions and reorganizations of staff, a library commitment to providing the user with an effective site, changes in the site\u27s focus, and external factors such as technological improvements and changes in user expectations are all factors that can trigger changes in a library Web site\u27s design. Yet these changes are not necessarily always progressive evolutions. This case study examines the various iterations of the University of Nevada-Las Vegas Libraries Web site from 1996 to the present, noting issues with each version, reasons leading to change, the people responsible for Web site decision-making, and the specific changes incorporated over time. In particular, the authors reviewed the usability test results for each of the tested designs, noting whether the identified problems were addressed in the redesign process and highlighting the usability problems that found their way back into the site in later redesigns. This study, which speculates on reasons for the reoccurrence of usability issues and identifies findings from usability testing that remain viable over the years, is anticipated to be useful in UNLV Libraries’ efforts to continuously improve its Web presence. Descriptions of organizational structure provide context for Web redesign efforts

    Government information at Lied Library

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    Purpose – To provide a case study focusing on efforts Lied Library has undertaken in collection development and management, space utilization, electronic access, web site revisions, and staff training in government publications. Design/methodology/approach – The construction of and move into Lied Library have coincided with major developments in the production and dissemination of federal, state and local government publications and other information products. Among them is a trend away from print publications and toward “born-digital”, electronic-only publications. At the same time, space utilization issues have become even more critical in the new building. This article will explore the ways in which these developments and the new technologies available both within Lied Library and elsewhere are shaping the management and use of the print collections, collection development practices and bibliographic control of government information and public access. Findings – This article highlights activities that have been undertaken over the past two years in Lied Library to make the government information collection more user-friendly. Research limitations/implications – The article only highlights activities that have been undertaken at UNLV Libraries regarding government information resources, not on developments and challenges in other parts of the UNLV Libraries. Practical implications – This article provides a useful case study focusing on one academic library\u27s attempt to make government information resources more accessible to both library staff and users. Originality/value – This article highlights and identifies Lied Library\u27s experiences in making government information more accessible to both staff and patrons and discusses issues such as storage, evaluating the collection, cataloging, training staff and users, and revising the government information web site. Libraries may be able to use similar techniques in making their government resources more accessible to clientele
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