Implementing an OPAC system in a public library
without proper system design, training, online
help, and printed help can deplete the potentially
beneficial effects of this technology.
Overall, older adults were satisfied with the OPAC
system; however, a large number of them were
dissatisfied with their ability to use it.
Older adult OPAC users' level of education?
experience/expertise in the areas of libraries,
computers, and OPACs; user performance? and user
satisfaction were shown by this study to have
significant relationships.
The findings of this study suggest that major
areas in need of improved human factors design
include: OPAC system training, Online help,
Printed help, Keyword searching, Instructions on
how to use Boolean searching, Instructions on how
to move from one area of the OPAC system to
another, and OPAC system screen design,
specifically to accommodate the older adult
population.