scholarly journals Capturing the student user experience (UX) in York and Loughborough University Library buildings

2016 ◽  
Vol 17 (2) ◽  
pp. 175-187 ◽  
Author(s):  
Katie Burn ◽  
Matthew Cunningham ◽  
Liz Waller ◽  
Emma Walton ◽  
Graham Walton
Keyword(s):  
User Experience ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
University Libraries ◽  
Learning Spaces ◽  
Pragmatic Approach ◽  
Student Expectations ◽  
Learning Space ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Joint Project ◽  
Physical Spaces

Purpose – In higher education libraries, the concept of the user experience has increased in profile and importance. The concept of the “student as customer” has generated much debate but there is general agreement that universities need to be more successful in meeting student expectations. A key strategic area for university libraries has been to adapt and improve their physical spaces to ensure that they are still relevant for today’s students. York and Loughborough University Libraries have both undergone building refurbishments and both are committed to monitoring and reviewing services and spaces. The paper aims to discuss these issues. Design/methodology/approach – There were various constraints which very much influenced the methodology. These included: avoiding survey overload no resource allocation an acknowledgement that the methodology employed needed to combine rigour and validity with a pragmatic approach to data collection. A joint project team was established of representatives from each university. A questionnaire created on Google Forms was administered by staff with individuals in the library and entering the data onto a iPad. Findings – Findings provide evidence of use across a range of users along with valuable information on who is using our library spaces and for what purpose. Originality/value – This research is a rich contribution to the evidence based around student’s learning in universities. It benefits from the expertise and knowledge of two university libraries. As university’s continue to develop learning spaces, this work will enable further investigation around what makes a successful learning space and what makes the library a destination of choice.

Informal learning spaces (ILS) in university libraries and their campuses

2016 ◽  
Vol 117 (1/2) ◽  
pp. 49-62 ◽  
Author(s):  
Matthew Cunningham ◽  
Graham Walton
Keyword(s):  
Informal Learning ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Single Case ◽  
Comparative Approach ◽  
University Libraries ◽  
Learning Spaces ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose – This paper aims to explore at Loughborough University (UK) how informal learning spaces (ILS) are used by students in the Library and elsewhere on campus. Focus includes learning activities undertaken by students, reasons why the ILS is chosen, suggestions on how they can be improved and how technologies are used. Comparison will be drawn between how students use Library ILS and other ILS. Design/methodology/approach – Case study based at Loughborough University and its Library. Semi-structured interviews were held with 265 students in various ILS spaces across campus. Findings – Similarities and differences are present in the way students use Library ILS compared with other ILS campus spaces. These include impact of campus geography and individual academic levels of students. Research limitations/implications – This is a single case study and the results can only relate to Loughborough University. There may be some lessons and themes that are relevant to other universities. The number of interviewees is relatively small. Practical implications – Highlights the need for cooperation between various university stakeholders to strategically and operationally manage different ILS on campus. Originality/value – This is one of the very few studies that investigate together the range of ILS including the Library in a comparative approach.

Interviews with collection development managers

2015 ◽  
Vol 34 (4) ◽  
pp. 134-135
Author(s):  
Kay Ann Cassell
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Collection Development ◽  
University Libraries ◽  
Yale University ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Princeton University ◽  
Development Officers

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to present interviews of two collection development managers: David Magier, Princeton University and Daniel Dollar, Yale University. Design/methodology/approach – The approach was interviews. Findings – These interviews showed what goes into the thinking of collection development officers in large university libraries. There are probably more similarities than differences. Originality/value – This is the first of a series of interviews with collection development managers.

scholarly journals Adaptations in traditional courtyard houses in Baghdad, Iraq

2017 ◽  
Vol 35 (4) ◽  
pp. 348-363 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rand H.M. Agha ◽  
John M. Kamara
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Full Range ◽  
Physical Structure ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Case Study Analysis ◽  
Physical Spaces ◽  
Adaptation Model

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate the adaptations that have been made to traditional courtyard houses (TCHs) in Baghdad, Iraq. The aim is to develop an understanding of various factors in the adaptation of these buildings to suit contemporary lifestyles, which will contribute to the wider field of building adaptability. Design/methodology/approach Empirical evidence was collected through case studies of 12 TCHs in the Al-Kadhimiya area of Baghdad, which involved a physical survey of buildings and semi-structured interviews with 24 occupants. Findings Case study analysis show that building adaptability involves both a change to physical spaces and also to lifestyles; with the latter being more likely when there are limitations in how much change can be made to the physical structure. Research limitations/implications The focus of this research is mainly on users’ adaptation of spaces and therefore does not consider the full range of stakeholders involved in the adaptation process. The findings also only apply to the cases considered and may not be applicable to other house types or locations. Originality/value Studies on building adaptability mostly focus on the ease of change to the building fabric, although the role of users is acknowledged. This study provides insights into the complexity and variety of changes that users can make, which are influenced by lifestyles and driven by the need for comfort. These insights are represented in an adaptation model, which can serve as a basis for further research.

The library computer lab transforms into a “thinking lab”

2017 ◽  
Vol 118 (1/2) ◽  
pp. 107-110
Author(s):  
Bruce E. Massis
Keyword(s):  
Literature Review ◽  
User Experience ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Library Design ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Computer Lab ◽  
Fresh Perspective ◽  
Computer Labs

Purpose The purpose of this column is to examine the process for the transition of library computer labs into “thinking labs”, where existing library workstation space can be reallocated to provide more flexibility, freedom and creativity for the library patron. Design/methodology/approach Literature review and commentary on this topic that has been addressed by professionals, researchers and practitioners. Findings The transition of library computer labs into “thinking labs” is an initiative where library planners can experiment with ideas and concepts in library design to provide the most effective user experience through a “fresh perspective”. Originality/value The value in exploring this topic is to propose that library planners and designers create space unlike traditional designs to provide patrons with a more transformative thinking, learning and creative library experience.

Causality in qualitative market and social research

2019 ◽  
Vol 22 (3) ◽  
pp. 405-413
Author(s):  
Clive Roland Boddy
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Research ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Social Research ◽  
Pragmatic Approach ◽  
Social Phenomena ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Past ◽  
The Moment ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose Academic qualitative researchers have been criticized for rejecting the idea that their research can establish causality while market and social researchers, with their realist and pragmatic approach to research, take for granted that it can. This paper aims to explore the ability of qualitative research to determine cause and effect in terms of market and social phenomena. Design/methodology/approach The literature on causality in qualitative research is reviewed and discussed. The discussion is further informed by the author’s own experience of undertaking commercial and academic market and social qualitative research over the past 33 years. Findings In qualitative market and social research, the determination of causality is often needed but rarely discussed. This paper explores this occurrence and brings to the fore, via discussion and the use of example, the ways in which causality can be determined by qualitative research. Practical implications A determination of what events bring about predictable changes in social and market environments can be established via qualitative research particularly at a probabilistic level of causality. This implies that policymakers should give a greater emphasis to qualitative findings than then sometimes do at the moment. Originality/value Causality in market and social research is rarely discussed by practitioners but is nevertheless a premise of much of the qualitative research that is undertaken. This paper is therefore distinctive in that it examines whether this premise is justifiable.

“My Grandfather kept one of these tins on top of the bookshelf”

2016 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
pp. 4-26 ◽  
Author(s):  
Toni Ryynänen ◽  
Markus Joutsela ◽  
Visa Heinonen
Keyword(s):  
Conceptual Framework ◽  
Value Chain ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Interpretive Analysis ◽  
Personal Experiences ◽  
The Senses ◽  
Meaningful Experiences ◽  
In The Beginning ◽  
Physical Spaces

Purpose – This explorative paper aims to identify the dimensions of recalled consumption experiences involving packaging by means of interpretive analysis. Scholarly interest towards experiential aspects of consumption started in the beginning of 1980s. Design/methodology/approach – The memory-based research materials were collected from 97 Finnish consumers within a two-day weblog session. The consumers were asked to describe personally meaningful packaging-related experiences and to submit a photograph of the relevant packages. The analysis focused on common dimensions associated with the described meaningful experiences. Findings – The authors built a conceptual framework incorporating “nostalgic” and “accessible” experiences. The dimensions of nostalgic experience, which although anchored in the present can be re-lived only in the memory, include the involvement of key persons; the places and physical spaces in which the experience happened; and actions or practices involving packaging during an experience. Accessible experiences include the following dimensions: lasting product and packaging encounters; individual personal experiences; culturally meaningful celebrations and rituals; and packaging that appeals to the senses. It is proposed that meaningful consumption experiences involving packaging may reflect both nostalgic and accessible dimensions. Originality/value – Although there is a growing interest towards consumers’ role in the packaging value chain, their packaging experiences are addressed rarely. It is proposed that the consumption experiences involving packaging are a mix of nostalgic and accessible dimensions.

scholarly journals Beyond books: the concept of the academic library as learning space

2016 ◽  
Vol 117 (5/6) ◽  
pp. 308-320 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lee Fallin
Keyword(s):  
Academic Libraries ◽  
Academic Library ◽  
User Engagement ◽  
Learning Spaces ◽  
Learning Space ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Spatial Approach ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Conceptual Paper

Purpose The paper aims to explore the issues surrounding the user conceptualisation of academic libraries. The paper will solidify the role of academic libraries as learning spaces and problematise how libraries are conceptualised by users. Design/methodology/approach The paper is a literature-based conceptual paper and draws on a wide range of literature to challenge the concept of academic libraries and presents how they are becoming reframed as different spaces. Findings The paper argues that the concept of a library is at risk. While libraries have undergone substantial changes, the concept of a library has lingered. This paper demonstrated that libraries need to proactively engage users in this debate. Originality/value The spatial approach taken by this paper demonstrates the complicity behind the user conceptualisation of libraries. Developing an understanding of this process is an important foundation for libraries to develop their user engagement.

A framework for Interlibrary-loan implementation (in one semester)

2015 ◽  
Vol 43 (1) ◽  
pp. 18-21 ◽  
Author(s):  
John Irwin ◽  
Sharon Favaro
Keyword(s):  
User Experience ◽  
Staff Training ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Selection Process ◽  
Interlibrary Loan ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Document Delivery ◽  
The University ◽  
Loan System ◽  
New System

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to provide a framework for implementing and “going live” with a new interlibrary loan system (ILL), ILLiad Document delivery system and RAPID ILL, in one semester. Design/methodology/approach – This paper provides a framework for implementing ILLiad and RAPID ILL through conducting a needs assessment, review of the existing practices and selection process of hardware/software, collaboration with stakeholders within the library and university for implementation, training and “going live”. Findings – This paper demonstrates how to implement a new interlibrary system in one semester. There are many benefits to implementing and “going live” in one semester. Staff training coupled with “going live” is essential to retain the new skill set and put it into practice. Finally, the most immediate and important impact of the new system was giving the university community (students and faculty) expanded access to collections and providing an overall better user experience. Originality/value – This article provides a framework for other libraries to use as a model when considering implementing a new ILL system, such as ILLiad and RAPID ILL, in the course of one semester.

Dangerous liaisons?

2008 ◽  
Vol 29 (1/2) ◽  
pp. 116-124 ◽  
Author(s):  
John Rodwell ◽  
Linden Fairbairn
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Service Delivery Model ◽  
University Libraries ◽  
Review Of The Literature ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Role Description ◽  
Definition Of ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Practical Implications

PurposeMany university libraries are adopting a faculty liaison librarian structure as an integral part of their organization and service delivery model. This paper aims to examine, in a pragmatic way, the variations in the definition of the role of the faculty liaison librarian, the expectations of those librarians, their library managers and their clients and the impact of environmental factors. The faculty liaison librarian role is not entirely new, evolving from the traditional subject librarian and university special/branch library role. However the emerging role is characterized by a more outward‐looking perspective and complexity, emphasizing stronger involvement and partnership with the faculty and direct engagement in the University's teaching and research programs.Design/methodology/approachFollowing a review of the literature and other sources on the rationale and role of library liaison, the current developments, drivers and expectations are discussed.FindingsThe study finds that dynamic external and internal environments of universities are driving the evolution of library liaison, so the role description is still fluid. However, the breadth and weight of expectations is now such that the effectiveness and sustainability of the role has to be addressed.Practical implicationsWhile a dynamic, broader and more intensive role for the faculty liaison librarian is emerging, more thinking is needed about the extent of that role and its sustainability. What, for example, are the priorities for the faculty liaison librarian? What traditional activities can, and may, have to be abandoned? These considerations are necessary not only to guide the librarians, but also to help define the attributes and skills required for the position and to determine the institutional support it requires.Originality/valueThis is a contemporary critique of the well‐established, but diverse library service – the faculty liaison librarian structure.

scholarly journals Usability testing of the Letters of 1916 Digital Edition

2017 ◽  
Vol 35 (1) ◽  
pp. 120-143 ◽  
Author(s):  
Judith Wusteman
Keyword(s):  
User Experience ◽  
General Public ◽  
Digital Humanities ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Usability Testing ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Digital Edition ◽  
User Groups ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to describe the process and implications of usability testing a prototype version of the Letters of 1916 Digital Edition. Design/methodology/approach The paper presents the testing, the lessons learned and how those lessons informed the subsequent redesign of the site. Findings Results imply that a majority of users, even digital humanists, were not looking for a unique and specialised interface, but assumed – and preferred – a user experience that reflects common search systems. Although the audience for digital humanities sites is becoming increasingly diverse, the needs of the different user groups may be more similar than had previously been assumed. Research limitations/implications The usability test employed 11 participants, five of whom were coded as “general public”. Four of these five had previously volunteered to transcribe and upload letters. This meant that they were already familiar with the project and with the Letters of 1916 Transcription Desk. However, their prior involvement was a result of their genuine interest in the site, thus ensuring that their interactions during testing were more realistic. Practical implications The lesson learned may be useful for the Digital Editions of future crowdsourced humanities projects. Originality/value Letters of 1916 is the first crowdsourced humanities project in Ireland. The theme of the project is topical, emotive and socially important in Ireland and among Irish diaspora today. The project’s content has been created by the “ordinary citizens of Ireland” and they are likely to be the major users of the Digital Edition. The study explores how the Digital Edition can support these users, while also facilitating the range of traditional scholars and digital humanities researchers.

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