Though there are folks who are dismissive of semantics, the words we employ to describe the people who use our libraries are important. Not only do different terms have certain implications, but these words persistently shape our understanding of who these individuals are and how we should be serving them. These words also impact what people think of our libraries and how people feel while in them. It’s not semantics—it’s a user experience issue.
Stepping Out of the Library | The User Experience
By on March 5, 2012
Consider the Checkout Slip | The User Experience
By on February 7, 2012
However small, our checkout slips are touchpoints—ways that people interact with us—and collectively we’re pumping out thousands of these things daily. In some small way, we’re representing ourselves through these little scraps of paper.
The User Interview Challenge | The User Experience
By on January 18, 2012
Inspiring Design | The User Experience
By on December 22, 2011
Need some design inspiration or encouragement? Here are some well-designed sites and services User Experience columnist Aaron Schmidt noticed recently in libraries.
Is Your Library Ready for a UX Librarian? | The User Experience
By on November 1, 2011
Chances are your library shouldn’t hire a user experience (UX) librarian. Surprised? Don’t get me wrong, I think it would be fantastic if all libraries had a staff member dedicated to UX. But hiring a user experience librarian isn’t as simple as securing the funds, writing a job description, and conducting interviews. In fact, that’s probably the wrong approach.
Save the Time of the Reader | The User Experience
By on October 1, 2011
Putting the UX in Education | The User Experience + Office Hours
By on July 15, 2011
Getting To Know Your Patrons | The User Experience
By on June 1, 2011
Is it truly possible to create an experience for someone? “People’s perceptions are their own,” critics say, “and it is impossible to match their feelings up with how you’d like them to feel.” That may be strictly true. But people are similar enough that organizations like libraries can in fact design mutually beneficial interactions. Absolutely [...]
Revamping Reference | The User Experience
By on May 1, 2011
Our profession has known for a long time that the traditional reference model is flawed. Constance Mellon coined the term library anxiety in 1986, reporting that students literally felt shame when approaching librarians for help. Yikes. That’s a strong feeling, one we don’t want librarians to evoke. Nonetheless, the typical effort to improve the reference [...]
