Crafting the User-Centered Library
Cliff Landis, Technology LibrarianValdosta State University
clifflandis.net
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It’s not enough to just create an account.
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It’s not enough to shove your bad services into a new place.
What were you thinking?http://www.flickr.com/photos/80039525@N00/538900892
Why do you use emerging technologies in your library?
•Because everyone else is doing it•Outreach•Service
Why do you use emerging technologies in your library?
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The librarian approaches to new ideas…
The Planning ApproachTakes too long; jump through hoops;
eventual success or failure
The Committee ApproachExploit the “What If” weakness and DESTROY!!!http://www.flickr.com/photos/49503180328@N01/2299526206
Association Professionals Through the Ages
The Evolving LibraryTry, assess, reflect…Try, assess, reflect…Repeat ad victorium
Action Steps
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TryYoda was wrong…
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Be fast
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Be human
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Don’t over-plan
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AssessDo you like me?
Yes
No
Maybe
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You can’t measure progress without
measuring
Write assessment into your planshttp://www.flickr.com/photos/76074333@N00/317952268
Get user feedback (and use it)http://www.flickr.com/photos/17671297@N00/1781605101
Write a 3-Minute Plan
Reflect
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BE WILLING TO FAIL. Not every idea can succeed.
Think back to your most amazing user experience… What made it special?
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GATHERING THE TOOLS
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Surveys
Focus Groups
• http://www.useit.com/• You only need a few
people.• Get someone else to
moderate.• You only need a few
questions.
User Observations
Conversations!
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Drawing them in
1.Have something to offer
2.Get OUT of your library
3.Remember, everyone loves to give their opinions!
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Embrace the power of selling out (just a little bit)
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IT’S SWAG-TASTIC!
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Is it shiny? Is it branded? Do you already have 20? Give it to your volunteers!!!
IMPLEMENTATION
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Remember,
something will go wrong.
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Now that you’ve found out what they want and need…
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Getting the Boss’ buy-in
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Data-driven results
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MAKING IT “PUBLISHABLE”
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All that boring stuff
The Practice of Social Research by Earl R. Babbie
Reliability, Validity, Methodology, etc.
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Go ahead and do it half-assed!
Don’t wait! (You need the data)
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You can always refine and redo(And remember, you’re human too!)
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BEING USER-CENTRIC
User
Your library.
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BEING USER-CENTRIC
User
Your library.
MySpace
They were right—the whole world really does revolve around them…
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FINAL THOUGHTS
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Be willing to do the work
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Evolution will take care of the bad ideas.
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Create a Culture of Innovation
Create a culture of
innovationwww.flickr.com/photos/21745851@N00/389396046
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clifflandis.net