Il2008: Crafting The User-Centered Library

Crafting the User-Centered Library

Cliff Landis, Technology LibrarianValdosta State University

clifflandis.net

http://www.flickr.com/photos/19553693@N00/273269366/


http://www.flickr.com/photos/90646759@N00/1149873101

It’s not enough to just create an account.



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?


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

www.flickr.com/photos/30352125@N00/616638903


TryYoda was wrong…



Be fast



Be human



Don’t over-plan



AssessDo you like me?

Yes

No

Maybe


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






BE WILLING TO FAIL. Not every idea can succeed.


Think back to your most amazing user experience… What made it special?




GATHERING THE TOOLS



Surveys

Focus Groups

• http://www.useit.com/• You only need a few

people.• Get someone else to

moderate.• You only need a few

questions.

http://www.useit.com/

User Observations

Conversations!





Drawing them in

1.Have something to offer

2.Get OUT of your library

3.Remember, everyone loves to give their opinions!



Embrace the power of selling out (just a little bit)



IT’S SWAG-TASTIC!


Is it shiny? Is it branded? Do you already have 20? Give it to your volunteers!!!


IMPLEMENTATION



Remember,

something will go wrong.



Now that you’ve found out what they want and need…



Getting the Boss’ buy-in



Data-driven results



MAKING IT “PUBLISHABLE”


All that boring stuff

The Practice of Social Research by Earl R. Babbie

Reliability, Validity, Methodology, etc.


Go ahead and do it half-assed!

Don’t wait! (You need the data)


You can always refine and redo(And remember, you’re human too!)


BEING USER-CENTRIC

User

Your library.


BEING USER-CENTRIC

User

Your library.

MySpace

Facebook

They were right—the whole world really does revolve around them…


FINAL THOUGHTS


Be willing to do the work


Evolution will take care of the bad ideas.


Create a Culture of Innovation

Create a culture of

innovationwww.flickr.com/photos/21745851@N00/389396046


clifflandis.net

Education

Il2008: Crafting The User-Centered Library