HEIRNET User Survey 2005
Report and analysis undertaken by ADS on behalf of HEIRNET By J. Brewer and W.G. Kilbride
2006
1.2 Recommendations
- 1.2.1 HEIRNET should consider promoting this sort of
survey exercise regularly to derive a comparative understanding of user
needs and expectations. A longitudinal study would help isolate trends
within the community, helping HEIRNET members to anticipate needs and
plan strategic investment. (Action: HEIRNET)
- 1.2.2 Any future survey should pay particular attention
to those communities not fully represented here, or whose needs are not
sufficiently refined.
(Action: HEIRNET and future survey team)
- 1.2.3 HEIRs will only achieve their full potential
with more attention to communication. At present HEIRs have proliferated
and refined their online services with insufficient attention to the user
community. HEIRs should consider longer term communications as part of
any HEIR development programme.
(Action: HEIRNET and communications officers within HEIRs)
- 1.2.4 The proliferation of services means HEIRs are
more likely to reach their potential where the range of resources available
are linked more effectively. Linking resources should be considered as
part of the marketing and communication of HEIRs.
(Action HEIRNET and funders)
- 1.2.5 HEIRNET should consider designing a national
framework for informing users about online resources to ensure that the
benefits of HEIRs are communicated efficiently and effectively. Consortium
members should consider taking responsibility for communication with communicating
specific parts of the community.
(Action: HEIRNET)
- 1.2.6 Further investment in the development of HEIRs
online should favour the preferences expressed by users in this survey.
This lays particular emphasis on access to reports, journals and other
types of download, though preferences of specific sub-communities can
be identified.
(Action: funders)