Comparison and evaluation of the user interfaces of e‐journals

Purpose – Aims to present a comparison and evaluation of four user interfaces of web‐based e‐journals (Science Direct, ProQuest Direct, EBSCO Host and Emerald). Design/methodology/approach – The systems were assessed in an expert study according to accepted guidelines regarding user friendliness and functionality. User friendliness features studied were: language(s) and type(s) of interface; navigation options; personalization; and screen features. Functions inspected were: database selection; query formulation and reformulation; results manipulation; and help. Findings – Many similarities were found, but some differences among the systems were also discovered and analysed in detail. The greatest differences were found in the area of query formulation, and between the interface languages and types. Research limitations/implications – The user interfaces of four full‐text IR systems offering e‐journals which are accessible at the University of Ljubljana are surveyed. Practical implications – The interfaces are surveyed and assessed in order to discover their characteristics, advantages, and potential downsides and/or mistakes which may hinder use by an average user. Originality/value – The study serves as a basis for a subsequent user study of the information behaviour of the users of these systems.