I reviewed every Victorian public library website (so you don’t have to)
As an advocate for the life-changing powers of public libraries, I am always interested to find ways of working collaboratively to enhance our profile and amplify our collective voice. One effective approach is to minimise the amount of jargon used in describing and promoting library services. A controlled vocabulary would help us to define and articulate exactly what we offer.
In 2016, I participated in a research project centring on website usability. The project assessed US and Canadian public library websites according to a set of criteria derived from various usability studies and found very few met even the most basic standards. Inspired by this, I developed my own set of criteria to evaluate Victorian public library websites to examine the (in)consistency of terminology used. Unfortunately, my review found that none of the websites met the criteria for essential information and/or WCAG compliance, and used an alarmingly wide range of jargon to describe common services and resources.
Fast-forward to 2025, and my re-evaluation of Victorian public library websites reveals that the situation has worsened. The amount of jargon being used on public library websites has increased.
Towards a controlled vocabulary
A 2012 meta-analysis of usability studies (linked below) concluded that website users found what they were looking for only half of the time. The most significant improvement in usability came from replacing jargon in hyperlinks with more descriptive and natural language.
Adopting a controlled vocabulary that outlines the best way to describe our resources and services will ensure that all users, whether visiting in-person or online, have a seamless and intuitive experience. By using standardized terms, we eliminate confusion and make it easier for users to find what they need quickly. This consistency will not only strengthen our collective identity but also make it easier to promote our services and advocate for the importance of libraries on a larger scale.
Additionally, a controlled vocabulary improves accessibility, helping users with disabilities navigate our resources more effectively. For library staff, it streamlines communication and training processes, enhancing overall service quality. Consistent language also fosters a stronger connection with our community, encouraging greater engagement and support for our initiatives. Ultimately, a unified vocabulary strengthens our advocacy efforts, making it easier to communicate the value of libraries to stakeholders, politicians, policy-makers and the wider public.
Read more about the findings of my research into public library jargon and website usability in the links below, and subscribe to my Medium for more posts like these delivered straight to your inbox.
Further reading
Kupersmith, J. (2012). Library terms that users understand.
Powers, B. S. (2011). Oh, What a Tangled Web We Weave! An Evaluation of Pennsylvania’s Public Library Websites for a Basic Level of Web Presence and Beyond. Current Studies in Librarianship, 31(1).
Velasquez, D. L., & Evans, N. (2018). Public library websites as electronic branches: A multi-country quantitative evaluation. Information Research: An International Electronic Journal, 23(1), n1.
Velasquez, D., & Campbell-Meier, J. (2024). Library Website Evaluation: How Do Australian States Compare?. Journal of the Australian Library and Information Association, 1–26.