Usability testing, how do I love thee? Let me count the ways:

1) You don’t have to be fancy or expensive

Some people may think you need screen capture software and/or a video camera, but you can also get very valuable results with just a person, a computer, and a piece of paper to record their actions.

2) You counteract assumptions

I did some testing today with a colleague for a page that I thought was pretty much ok. I was pretty sure that the testing would confirm that the page was good and had minimal problems. Imagine my shock and surprise when all of the people who tested the page had an unforseen problem doing a really basic task! The HORROR! But isn’t it good the page was tested before going live?

3) It isn’t hard to get test subjects

Here is where you can leverage the good will you might have as a librarian
Most people like libraries or at least don’t mind being asked for their opinion or help if it is for the library, I think. So if you don’t mind walking up to strangers and asking for their help and a few minutes of their time, something everyone does when they approach the reference desk to ask you a question anyway, you will be able to do some impromptu usability testing with no trouble at all.