Library Terms That Users Understand

It's always good to be reminded that library jargon is Gobbledygook to many users.

John Kupersmith, a California-based librarian, has created a webpage called Library Terms That Users Understand:

"This site is intended to help library web developers decide how to label key resources and services in such a way that most users can understand them well enough to make productive choices. It compiles data from usability studies evaluating terminology on library websites, and suggests test methods and best practices for reducing cognitive barriers caused by terminology"

According to Kupersmith, usability studies indicate that oft misunderstood terms include database, interlibrary loan, index, periodical.

[Source: Peter Scott's Library Blog]