Organizational Usability of Digital Libraries: Case Study of Legal Research in Civil and Criminal Cours

Digital Libraries (DLs) is a recent term used to refer to video files used in a shared space. Fox and his colleagues information systems (IS) and services that provide elec(1995) noted these kinds of conceptual differences when tronic documents—text files, digital sound, digital they observed: video—available in dynamic or archival repositories. Some insist that DLs refer to documentary collections The phrase ‘‘digital library’’ evokes a different impression that are accessed via the Internet, while others refer to in each reader. To some it simply suggests computerization of DLs as any collection of electronic text, sound, or video traditional libraries. To others, who have studied library science, files used in a shared space. There is much at stake in it calls for carrying out of the functions of libraries in a new these debates. If DLs are narrowly defined, then we lose way, encompassing new types of information resources; new the ability to learn about key DL issues from previous approaches to acquisition (especially with more sharing and research, theory, and professional practice in IS and lisubscription services); new methods of storage and preservabrarianship. We present a case study of the use of legal tion; new approaches to classification and cataloging; new research DLs (LRDLs) in the California Civil and Criminal modes of interaction for patrons; more reliance on electronic Courts. We extend the concept of organization validity systems and networks; and dramatic shifts in intellectual, orga(Markus & Robey, 1983) in IS to that of organizational nizational, and economic practices. (p. 24) usability in LRDLs. The results suggest that points of access to LRDLs influence usage, that there is a strong interplay between home computer use and LRDL use They also note that the name ‘‘digital library’’ itself at work, and that legal professionals prefer one-on-one has had varied connotations: assistance rather than group training. Conditions fostering organizationally unusable systems are presented based on empirical data. As we consider many of the discussions and activities in this area over the period 1991–1993 . . . we note a shift from electronic library to digital library as the preferred term, perhaps following the growing interest in digital networks, digital audio, Introduction and digital video relative to electronic publishing. (Fox, Akseyn, Furuta, & Leggett, 1995, p. 24) Digital libraries (DLs) are a recent term used to refer to information systems (IS) and services that provide electronic documents—text files, digital sound, digital There is much at stake in these terminological debates. video—available in dynamic or archival repositories. The If DLs are defined in such a way that only IS and services legitimate use of the term DL is somewhat contested terof recent vintage can enjoy the label, then we lose the rain—some insist that DLs refer to documentary collecability to learn about key DL issues from relevant traditions that are accessed via the Internet, while others refer tions of research, theory, and professional practice in IS to DLs as any collection of electronic text, sound, or and librarianship. There is a lot of genuine excitement about some of the new pilot DL projects (Becker, 1995; French, Fox, Maly, & Selman, 1995; Smith & Frew, 1995; * To whom all correspondence should be addressed at the DepartWilensky, 1995). It is conventional wisdom that these ment of Information and Computer Science, University of California, systems should be engineered for high levels of individual Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697. usability (Adler & Winograd, 1992; Gould & Lewis, 1985; Nielsen, 1993), and they should be designed with q 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.