GALILEO User Survey 2006 Report
I would improve GALILEO by...
The number of usable surveys returned (1332) increased 92% over last year (692 in 2005) and increased 113% over 2004 (623). This year, incentives, including an Apple iPod, were offered for completing the survey. Of the 1332 respondents, 627 (47%) completed the narrative questions, "I would improve GALILEO by..." Well over half of the responses (66%) to this question were neutral, neither positive nor negative. The neutral designation was given to such responses as suggestions for content or interface improvements. Some representative positive comments are below.
- Whenever I need an article from GALILEO, it is always easy to use and I find everything I am looking for within 5 minutes. I do not think GALILEO has a need for improvements.
- I wouldn't improve GALILEO because GALILEO has everything I need to find or do whatever it is I need to do for my in-school or out of school assignments. It's the next Google.
- GALILEO is one of the best public services the state of Georgia university system offers. It could use a few more resources for children that are interactive, but the research area of it is first rate.
- The only thing that could be enhanced is making the site a little more user-friendly. Until one of my professors went through it with the class, I never understood its full potential and wealth of information. Before I had only used EBSCOhost. Then again, I could just be overwhelmed by the multitude of information. : )
- Using galileo helps me find infomation I need. I make good grades using this research.
- I love GALILEO, it is a great tool for research, I am in AP Courses and I am constantly doing research on GALILEO. It has improved tremendously and I applaud everything that has been done to maintain the site.
GALILEO implemented Quick Search, a federated search product from WebFeat, in March 2006 and an SFX-powered journal locator in August 2006, so some survey comments related to the new functionality. Ten percent of the respondents mentioned multiple database searching in general or Quick Search in particular. Opinions were mixed with some positive ("It's great. The new enhancements make it so much easier to navigate the wealth of information") and some negative ("Get rid of the search function on the front page, since most students search there, don't find what they are looking for, and then they give it up"). Only three respondents mentioned the journal locator.
While fewer respondents asked specifically for more full-text content (a 10% decrease from last year), 14% more requested more content, or specifically, more databases. Fewer respondents mentioned specific products this year (.16% compared to 15% in 2005).
The addition of guides and tutorials was mentioned by several respondents in this year's survey. The GALILEO web site currently features an "Introduction to Quick Search" guide and a longer tutorial initially designed as a bibliographic instruction module. Respondents suggested quick guides ("One sheet guide on home page entitled 'GALILEO for Dummies'"), video tutorials, subject guides, audience-specific guides (tutorials for kids or a "high school students instruction page"), and context-sensitive help.