Georgia's Virtual Library...bringing quality content to you!
The number of usable surveys returned (623) was up slightly from last year (593 in 2003). Of the 623 respondents, 285 (46%) completed the narrative question, "I would improve GALILEO by..." Since this question asks users to comment on areas that need improvement, it is not unexpected that there were more negative responses than positive responses ("Sometimes, just going to the GALILEO web site is enough to make me cry"). Most of the responses (60%) were neutral, neither negative nor positive. Examples of neutral responses include suggestions for more content or for specific database recommendations. Some representative positive comments are below.
- I love GALILEO and use it more than I do some text books.
- Once trained to use certain databases, GALILEO is an amazing source of loads of information.
- I think GALILEO is an awesome site and doesn't need to improve (not that it can)!
- GALILEO is without question the most valuable funding in the state... Its revenue needs to be increased, at minimum three-fold.
- GALILEO is great. We have so much information at our fingertips. Thanks.
- Fantastic service for students I teach and my own research.
The number of users who suggested that the site and databases be in some way simplified (43%) rose three percent over last year. Responses included in this category address the difficulty of choosing from a large number of resources, as well as difficulty navigating and searching in GALILEO. Twelve percent of responses refer to search function or search frustration in the GALILEO site and in individual databases. Responses representative of search function problems include the following:
- It is a maze to me. I often have trouble finding an article that I happened to stumble across once before.
- More hits on the first tries. It is frustrating when there are no hits for a certain word that should definitely have a hit!
- Choosing databases is confusing. A "choose database" link on the home page would be helpful.
- Making it easier to search for items. I did not know where to type in what I was searching for.
- Making the search engines a bit more user-friendly...using more search terms that can be identified by the engine.
- Patrons of all ages find GALILEO difficult to use without staff help, and library staff are often unsure of just what database to use or where the database they need is grouped.
- I think GALILEO is difficult to use because you have to search on specific databases. If you don't know what the databases are and whether or not you should use them, then you don't know that you should search on them.
- Simple, you need to make it more like Google! The option to just type in a search term and the most likely help results come up first would be a great improvement.
Over half (58%) of the users who responded requested more content or coverage. Many asked for more databases, more journals, or more full-text articles ("Of course, more full text is what everyone wants"). Some asked for more coverage of particular subject areas, such as literature, history, or automotive repair. Twenty-five (9%) respondents mentioned specific databases they would like to add. None of the suggested databases was mentioned more than twice.