The article by Manzari and
Trinidad-Christensen starts out by describing what the LIS website
originally looked like at the C.W Post campus at Long Island
University. The site was used by masters and doctoral students in
library science at the university. The website started out basic and
was not particularly liked by anyone who used it. A new incoming
librarian decided to change the website and make it more
user-centered. The website was redesigned and testing was done to
see how the new website worked for the users. A problem I have here
is that the website was redone without any input from others
beforehand. If this was done then some problems that occurred after
wards could have not been problems at all. Although I think websites
are probably always going to be works in progress and the final
design did feature an online survey to see how users like or disliked
the changed. “The
Web site for the LIS library includes:
access
to all online databases and journals related to LIS;
a
general overview of the LIS library and its resources as well as
contact information, hours, and staff;
a list
of all print and online LIS library journal subscriptions, grouped by
both title and subject, with links to access the online journals;
links to other Web sites in the LIS field;
links
to other university Web pages, including the main library’s home
page, library catalog, and instructions for remote database access,
as well as to the LIS school Web site;
a link
to JAKE (Jointly Administered Knowledge Environment), a project by
Yale University that allows users to search for periodical titles
within online databases, since the library did not have this type of
access through its own software”(Manzari and Trinidad-Christensen,
2006). This quote shows the improvements to the website that were
made.
The final design seemed to be liked by most, however, there were some areas that could have been improved. One of these was moving from the main library site to the LIS specific site. Another was trying to find a balance on the site for new students and advanced students. Overall, it seems like the new changes to the website were good ones with only a few problems. I like the idea of a librarian designing a page for LIS students but as I stated earlier input could be done beforehand to help out with the design.
The final design seemed to be liked by most, however, there were some areas that could have been improved. One of these was moving from the main library site to the LIS specific site. Another was trying to find a balance on the site for new students and advanced students. Overall, it seems like the new changes to the website were good ones with only a few problems. I like the idea of a librarian designing a page for LIS students but as I stated earlier input could be done beforehand to help out with the design.
The article by Lowe and Cummings begins
by talking about the need for user-centered spaces in libraries
because other spaces are becoming user-centered. Coffee shops and
bookstores are sometimes more user-centered and attractive than
libraries. “One
fact is clear: To retain current users and attract more, libraries
must become places users want to be, not a means to an end” (Lower
and Cummings, 2009). This quote helps to show why libraries need to
become more user-centered. The Swilley Library on Mercer
University's Atlanta campus serves 2,000 students and the article
focuses on this library. An online study and two focus groups were
done to understand the users' needs. Four colleges were also visited
to see what they had done to be more user-centered and staff at these
libraries were also talked to. Some ideas that were received from
vising these libraries include allowing furniture to be moved to fit
students needs, not getting mad at seeing furniture not returned to
how it was, electrical outlets everywhere possible, and allowing a
space for students to talk to each other. Some ideas that were
implemented were buying used furniture and making sure its
lightweight so as to allow students to easily move it, decorative
pillows and repainting areas, and allow some food and drink into the
library. The library did not have enough money for a full service
coffee shop but had a single drip coffee station with a cup costing
$1. A comments section was put into the new area to allow students
to write how they felt about the changes.
Overall, most of the
comments were positive ones. I liked this article very much because
it shows how a small library on a tight budget can make changes that
improve the library for its users. Buying used furniture that was
still in good condition was a good idea, and I am also much in favor
of allowing some food and drink into the library. Some people end up
sneaking food in anyways so this allows them to feel more comfortable
with bringing a snack to study. Plenty of people also drink coffee
when studying, so selling coffee at the library makes sense. I think
this article was very interesting, and I hope to see more of what
user-centered libraries will look like in the future.
References:
Lowe, L. L., & Cummings, R. (2009). Small Spaces, Small
Budget, Big Results: Creating a User- centered Learning Space on a
Budget. Georgia Library Quarterly, 46(1), 18-21.
Manzari, L., & Trinidad-Christensen, J. (2006). User-Centered
Design of a Web Site for Library and Information Science Students:
Heuristic Evaluation and Usability Testing. Information
Technology & Libraries, 25(3), 163-169.
I'm one of those purists that dislikes the idea of coffee in libraries. Coffee spilling on the collection raises my hackles at lightning speed.
ReplyDeleteHaving said that, we have to understand that part of the value of an academic library (which the STEM students will be spending quite a bit of time in, let's face it) is as a study space. We are urged to take a competitive standpoint with regards to our services; and our competition is Starbucks and the traditional 24-hour diner, be it IHOP, Denny's, or what have you. Offering food and beverage not only makes it more appealing for users of the library to use our services(especially the night owls on campus), but the cost can help pay for replacing any damaged items. It's not ideal, and good arguments have been made against such arrangements, but it's hard to see the alternative given the facts on the ground as they stand in many places.
Although it sometimes seems the most important aspect of any new library is the coffee shop, I do think that it is vital for all libraries to take the users' needs into account. Focus groups to see what users want before beginning the retrofit are one tool, of course -- and assessment and evaluation after the renovation are useful to assure the administors that the changes worked. I think some care must be taken to differentiate between changes that are pleasant -- and changes which are useful for study. Online databases that can be accessed in the students' dorm rooms so they don't even have to cap their bongs count as necessary for scholarship. Coffee holders in the library chairs are nice, in that they create a welcoming mood for users -- but they are more germane in that they create good will between patrons and staff, and show that patrons are welcome in what could be an intimidating setting.
ReplyDeleteWes, I think you brought up some important issues with the two articles you reviewed. First, I think that website redesigning is terribly important and terribly complicated. I remember as an undergraduate I was always annoyed when the library's website went through major revisions (a somewhat regular occurrence) because I could never find what I was looking for. By the time I knew what I was doing, the website would change again. I agree that it is vital to get user feedback before making any major changes to the library's website. Concerning making libraries more like Starbucks, I think there has to be some middle ground. I personally like to see eating areas and cafes inside libraries in an effort to be more welcoming. However, libraries are not Starbucks and these features are only perks, not the entire essence of the library. To address concerns with potential damage to books, maybe certain areas could be specifically designated as "food" areas and more valuable items could be place away from these areas. Anything that circulates is going to be around food anyway when patrons take these items home, so I don't see a big concern with food damage for most items.
ReplyDeleteYou make a good point that there are many libraries out there that need or want to redesign to suit their users but don't have the funds to do so on a large scale. Used furniture is a great idea to deal with that situation. The one thing about the coffee machine that I would want to make sure was the use of lids on all cups. Accidents happen, drinks spill, and if you let drinks into the library at least ask patrons to make sure that they use lids on cups to help limit the damage of accidents as much as possible.
ReplyDeleteEven though it is a good idea to get patrons input on a website design, but if it is really bad it may have been a good idea for an experience librarian and technical person to update as much as possible so that patrons could be served and later do a patron survey.
ReplyDeleteOn the idea of food in the library, I don't mind patrons having snacks or drinks but a full on meal is a whole different story.
I'm not against food in a library, but I am against food *everywhere* in a library, since that inevitably means pests everywhere in a library. Every library I've worked in has had its particular blend of pests: ants, mice, and once a possum (long story).
ReplyDeleteI suppose the issue in virtual and physical space is striking the proper balance for the community's needs. Some library sites drive me bonkers because they have too much information all glommed together on one page, making it hard to skim through to what I need. Others irritate me for being too sparse - but all of that is dependent on community need. I second Jennifer that patron input is good but needs to be paced - and staff input helps too, since staff either are using or explaining the site regularly to patrons.
-G Streeter
The website article highlights the difference that one motivated person can make. And if it was updated once, it can be updated again, preferably after library users have given their input.
ReplyDeleteAs for renovating on a budget, I believe it's important for articles like this to be published, because it provides encouragement for other small libraries that may be wavering due to budget constraints. It's like publishing negative results from medical studies - they gather no accolades, but are needed to have the whole picture. Not all renovations can or should result in award-winning libraries; a realistic goal is to accomplish what is reasonable and improves functionality for both staff and users.
I love the fact that there is coffee shops in the library. It is a good way to boost up revenue and upgrade the library. For example, I went to a Barnes and Noble bookstore earlier today. When I walked in I noticed many people reading books, and magazines and enjoying coffee from the Starbucks that was inside the store. As I walked around the store there was no place to sit everyone was with their laptops, reading, and zipping on coffee. I realized in that moment that every library should have a coffee shop because it attracts people and boosts up revenue. Libraries struggle to make funds because they are free and unfortunately some politicians do not emphasize reading and the advantages that libraries offer the general public. It is important that libraries find some way to boost up revenue so they can buy better resources for the patrons that they serve. For many people there is simply nothing better to sit, relax, and enjoying a beverage while reading.
ReplyDeleteI'm still not sure how I feel about the NEED for libraries to incorporate a beverage/coffee station into their layout. I think in some libraries, it would be beneficial, and the library would see more traffic because of it. However, I would venture to guess that in most STEM-specific libraries, the focus would be less on coffee, and more on information access.
ReplyDeleteOn a side note, the used-furniture idea is really interesting! I can see, with the right inspiration, creating a library with small collaboration spaces with different themes based on the found furniture. Neat!
I agree with the Lowe/Cummings article in that libraries need to be a place user want to be in. All this discussion of "user-centered spaces" is angled at making a space that people want to be in. In an old library with crowded shelves and uncomfortable work tables, who is going to want to spend time there? But if it is open and has comfortable chairs, that is a more welcoming place. People go to where they are comfortable. And for people to be comfortable the space has to focus on the users who will inhabit it.
ReplyDeleteI can understand one’s concern regarding coffee shops in the library. However, speaking from experience from a campus which closes everything Fridays after 4 pm, something on campus would definitely be better than nothing. CTC library has allowed food and drinks in our building for years because nothing is open on the weekends and have had little issues with spills or people cleaning up after themselves. The patrons I’ve spoke with appreciate not having to leave the campus and do what they can to ensure the privilege is not revoked.
ReplyDeleteangela c.
With the current economic conditions, it's nice to be reminded by the Lowe article that renovations don't have to be multi-million dollar, year(s) long affairs, but some positive changes can be made that improve the user experience.
ReplyDeleteGood work, Wes! Nice choice of articles. I highly recommend getting user input BEFORE changing a web site. Nothing opens your eyes to a sight better than task-based testing (having users perform set tasks on your site). The ever so simple "how do you find something that will help you start your research" e.g. subject guides that are located front and center on your site yet users don't recognize as either starting points or research based, shows the need to use terminology that is recognizeable and seen as valuable to users.
ReplyDeleteLove the inclusion of used furniture! Sounds like they did a wonderful job with a small amount of money. The coffee seems like a good idea. A bit of money never hurt the library. I can't recall any studies off hand but seem to remember a few back when food started being allowed in libraries that showed that most damage is done at homes rather than in libraries even with food and drink being allowed. Maybe I'm still resentful about having to leave the library to get refreshments :0