Accessibility and usability of user interfaces of library information retrieval systems from the perspective of visually impaired users

The purpose of the present study was to know the accessibility of library websites based on the extracted indices of World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) and the usability of these websites based on the experiences of visually impaired users.

The current research was applied in an evaluative way with a checklist tool and a formal usability test. In this research, library websites were first evaluated based on the 2018 edition of the W3C accessibility index checklist, and then through exploratory observation of visually impaired users and a formal usability test by defining real tasks (3 tasks) in library websites, the accessibility status and their usability was evaluated. In this research, the user interfaces (digital library, OPAC and virtual reference) of the National Library and Archives of Iran; Organization of Libraries, Museums and Documents Center of Astan Quds Razavi; Library, Museum and Document Center Islamic Consultative Assembly and the Central Library and Document Center of Tehran University were studied as prominent libraries in the country. The research population was 33 visually impaired users who were selected from different provinces of the country using a targeted sampling method. Empirical data (i.e. successful task completion, working time, satisfaction level) were collected using a questionnaire and with the help of a formal usability test. SPSS software was used for data analysis. The reliability and validity was confirmed with Cronbach's alpha coefficient and Content validity.

The findings showed that the websites are accessible to a large extent based on the extracted indices of W3C, but they are not easy to use. In the current research, the most time was devoted to using OPAC to search for resources. Of course, few users could navigate library websites without help. Despite some guidance, some users were unsuccessful in completing the assigned task. The feedback received from users about the dimensions of usability of library websites showed that some users rated the ease of use of library websites as optimal (4/39) and others said it was inappropriate (3/27). About one-third of users were dissatisfied with their performance in using library websites and rated the time spent on task progress as unfavorable.

Vision-oriented design and complex structures make library information retrieval systems unusable for information seekers with visual impairment. In order to design accessible and usable websites, data from the real feeling of users about library information retrieval systems is necessary. The final results indicate that with the usability test, it is possible to solve the created usability problems, and the output of this work leads to better user interaction and improvement of the user interface.