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How to Apply Taylor's Model?
This is the application of Taylorís Values-Added Model in a library setting ñ
recall that Taylor identified six criteria that users employ when searching for information. Those criteria can impact the results and not all positively.
For example, if the user puts time-saving first, then they will take whatever comes up first, and quality may not factor in at all. By identifying these criteria from a userís perspective,
Taylor was able to create a model that enables libraries/librarians to improve the userís experience and outcomes when searching for information.
Taylor called this ìadding valueî.
He identifies those values according to the applicable criteria and provided definitions of those values. He also offered examples of how libraries/librarians add value to the information searching process.
Since his model was developed for all types of information systems, not every value is needed or applicable to a library setting or problem.
The final column demonstrates the manner in which our library added value to the usersí experience of searching for information in order to support their efforts and improve their outcomes.
Our target patrons are returning students who are unfamiliar with current research methods and technology, but will have to jump right into online research.
These students are unlikely to have the time to spend on campus at the library, and will probably be doing their research during times other than the libraryís hours of operation.
It is imperative that all students be equally served by the libraryís services and information resources, and not be discouraged by the technology and the unfamiliar methods.
It is our responsibility to make our resources accessible and user-friendly, as well as to provide our students the tools and skills they need to become self-sufficient and efficient researchers.
By utilizing Taylorís model, we can do that.
| User Criteria: EASE of USE |
| Value added |
Description/ definition of value |
Strategies and solutions |
| Browsing |
System permits users to scan an ìinformation neighborhoodî in order to find useful information |
Online catalog offers ìRelated Worksî by author, subject, genre (for fiction)
Databases offer ìFind more like thisî; ìrelated articlesî ìbrowse journal TOCî features
OPAC can be searched by multiple access points, e.g. LCSH; call #; author, etc. |
| Formatting |
Physical presentation and arrangement of information in ways that allow more efficient scanning, i.e. how the information is arranged |
All library web pages have same layout and format and are easily navigable
Databases are grouped alphabetically, by subject (i.e. Arts/Music or Social Sciences), and by type (i.e. Directories or Newspaper Resources)
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| Interfacing |
How well the system can be interpreted by the users |
See below |
| Interfacing: mediation |
The methods employed to assist users in getting information |
Create a complete library web ìportalî - a linked collection of web pages, specific guides, tutorials, information, resources etc. |
| Interfacing: orienting |
The ways that help users understand and gain experience with the information system |
Collaborate with faculty on directed class assignments, such as specific searching tasks, in conjunction with online Bibliographic Instruction sessions |
| Ordering/ organizing |
The initial overall organization of the system such as alphabetization, groupings |
Online tutorials on the different types of information sources ñ ìwhat you need can determine where you lookî |
| Physical accessibility |
How to make information more physically accessible |
Electronic interlibrary loan module |
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| User criteria: NOISE REDUCTION |
| Value Added |
Description/ definition of value |
Strategies and solutions |
| Linkage |
Providing pointers and links to items, sources and systems outside of system in use, thus expanding the clientís information system and resources |
Establish electronic interlibrary loan, consortial OPACs, e-reserves system |
| Precision |
How well does a system enable the users to find EXACTLY what they want? |
Can specify language, dates, article types etc. in database searching
Pearling search terms for keyword searches |
| Selectivity |
Collection development decisions |
Provide best/ most applicable databases, journal subscriptions, e-books, online resources |
| Access |
In general, refers to the values that technology can add to the entire information universe that can narrow it for the user, thus increasing the probability of finding something wanted or needed |
See below |
| Access: Identify item |
Identifying a piece of information by physical description and/or location |
OPAC includes information about item format, bibliographical information, as well as ISBN, LCCN, and OCLC number, picture of cover
Journal articles identified as print, online or both, includes bibliographic information |
| Access: Subject description |
Provision of access points for subject identification such as index terms, subject headings, etc. |
Instruction on LCSH; controlled vocabulary; database thesauri |
| Access: Summarize |
Process of reducing or compressing large amounts of data into graphical representation |
Databases provide abstracts |
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| User criteria: QUALITY |
| Value added |
Description/ definition of value |
Strategies and solutions |
| Accuracy |
Information is error-free |
User information is accurate ñ especially about library services, hours, contact information, policies, tech support, etc. |
| Comprehensiveness |
Completeness of coverage of subjects |
Collection development policies to insure depth and breadth for curriculum support |
| Currency |
Information is current |
User information is up-to-date
Electronic journal subscriptions are not embargoed |
| Reliability |
System consistently provides quality performance |
Commit sufficient resources to maintain IT system |
| Validity |
Users are able to determine soundness of information presented |
Integrate information literacy instruction into research course. Develop intro tutorial to provide students with information discrimination skills. |
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| User criteria: ADAPTABILITY: how well the system adapts to the userís context and the problems that arise as a result |
| Value added |
Description/ definition of value |
Strategies and solutions |
| Closeness to problem |
The value added by human intervention to meet the specific needs of an individual in context |
Typically ñ the reference interview
Here: Live chat, rapid email response, ìHot-lineî hours, 24/7 Reference collaborative |
| Flexibility |
Systemís ability to provide a variety of ways and approaches for users in searching for information |
Database features such as ìsearch within this journal,î search by topic, keyword, author, etc.
Assignments involve variety of searching methods |
| Simplicity |
Ability of system to present information clearly |
Lucid, tested explanations/instructions for using library resources ñ free of jargon, acronyms, etc.
Provide library research training module for novices |
| Stimulatory |
Information systems are perceived as important to user community ñ systems are USED |
Feedback from students solicited on ongoing basis, not just at courseís end ñ responsive to studentsí needs |
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| User criteria: TIME SAVING & COST SAVING |
| Value added |
Description/ definition of value |
Strategies and solutions |
| Response speed |
Time savings from quick system responses ñ email responses; Internet connections; etc |
Adequate server capacity for online access; policy for email responses, ILL turnaround, document delivery, etc. |
| Student costs |
Few to no system costs borne by student |
Clear collection development policies for all information resources; clear policies about costs borne by library (e.g., ILL fees, copying fees etc.) |
| System costs |
Conscientious system design and collection development decisions that use budget allocations judiciously |
Staff makes informed decisions about outsourcing, contracts, tech services etc. |
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The rest of the story ...
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