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I've proposed A/B testing for our OPAC. I managed to avoid the torches, but the pitchforks...youch! On Wed, Jan 26, 2011 at 5:55 PM, Sean Moore <[log in to unmask]>wrote: > There's a lot of resistance in my institution to A/B or multivariate > testing > any of our live production properties (catalog, website, etc...). I've > espoused the virtues of having hard data to back up user activity (if I > hear > one more "well, in my opinion", I'll just go blind), but the reply is > always > along the lines of, "But it will confuse users!" I've pointed out the > myriad successful and critical business that use these methodologies, but > was told that businesses and academia are different. > > So, my question to you is, which of you academic libraries are using A/B > testing; on what potion of your web properties (catalog, discovery > interface, website, etc...); and I suppose to spark conversation, which > testing suite are you using (Google Website Optimizer, Visual Website > Optimizer, a home-rolled non-hosted solution)? > > I was told if I can prove it's a commonly accepted practice, I can move > forward. So help a guy out, and save me from having to read another survey > of 12 undergrads that is "proof positive" of changes I need to make. > > Thanks! > > *Sean Moore* > Web Application Programmer > *Phone*: (504) 314-7784 > *Email*: [log in to unmask] > > Howard-Tilton Memorial Library <http://library.tulane.edu>, Tulane > University > -- Bill Dueber Library Systems Programmer University of Michigan Library