Utilization of Web Surveys in User Studies

Abstract

This paper shares the experience of utilizing web survey research to collected data about the use of the Capes Digital Library of Electronic Journals through a questionnaire sent to around 15.000 members of the faculty of 17 federal universities in Brazil. The choice of this method of research was motivated, mainly, by the size and geographic dispersion of the population. Nevertheless, some difficulties are associated with surveys conducted through the web. The article reports on the research development, detailing the identification of respondent data, the development and delivery of the questionnaire, the technological infrastructure and the response follow up process. The article also shares information about the research instruments and software utilized. Finally, it presents a discussion of the successes achieved, difficulties overcome, decisions taken and experience acquired on conducting a survey of large scale. Preliminary results of the research are also reported.