Usability Test of DSpace and its application for originality checking

Abstract

n the context of Nepal and Nepali users of the DSpace software-based digital library (DL), this study focused on evaluating the usability and significance of DSpace for librarians and end-users in Nepal. Despite successful its implementation in other countries, the importance of DSpace's optimal use in Nepali digital libraries, which are gradually expanding, was highlighted. The study aimed to assess usability for Nepali users and examined DSpace installation, operation, and customization for librarians. Two different population categories, librarians, and end-users, were involved in the study using sequentially mixed methods, including interviews, pre-test and post-test questionnaires, unmoderated and moderated usability tests. The research identified a lack of knowledge in Linux command line instructions as a major hindrance for MLISc graduate librarians during DSpace installation. Due to such difficulties, DSpace was used only in eight libraries, mainly in academic digital libraries, with varying collection sizes ranging from 101 to 15,218 items during the study period. The usability of DSpace significantly increased after moderation on librarians, showcasing the effectiveness of the training provided. Among librarians, the factor of usefulness (U) had the most significant contribution to usability, with 70.257% in the pre-test and 73.237% in the post-test. In the pre-test, usefulness (U) and effectiveness (EF) showed significant relations with all other usability factors, except efficiency (Eff). Ease-of-use (EoU) had significant relations with usefulness (U), learnability (LE), and satisfaction (SA). The post-test showed significant relations among all six usability factors, indicating that the training positively impacted the usability of DSpace for librarians. However, for end-users, the factors impacting DSpace usability were different, with factors other than usefulness (U) having a higher rank. This suggested that end-user's information needs were not fully met by DSpace repository, possibly due to the limited number of collections and a lack of awareness about the resources available in the institutional repository built on DSpace. This finding emphasized the importance of tailoring usability improvements based on user categories to enhance the overall user experience. Furthermore, the study highlighted the importance of DSpace institutional repositories in the context of Plagiarism checking. It recommended constant use of DSpace and suggested enlisting the DSpace repository under Plagiarism checking software to improve the efficacy of Plagiarism detection and combat academic misconduct effectively. The research shed light on the variation in usability and factors affecting usability based on user categories and testing methods, emphasizing the need for customized approaches to address user-specific challenges. Librarians' proficiency in Linux command line instructions emerged as a significant factor affecting usability and highlighted the importance of providing adequate training and support to ensure successful DSpace installation. In conclusion, this study provided valuable insights into the usability and significance of DSpace for Nepali users in digital libraries. By examining the installation, operation, and customization of DSpace and its impact on academic digital libraries, the research identified areas for improvement and highlighted the importance of tailoring usability enhancements to different user categories. The study also emphasized the role of DSpace repository in plagiarism checking and recommended its consistent use and integration with plagiarism detection software to enhance academic integrity. Key words: DSpace, Usability, Librarians, End-users, Plagiarism, Installation, Customization, Configuration