Useful, usable, desirable : applying user experience design to your library

Schmidt, Aaron 1978- (Author). Etches, Amanda, 1975- (Added Author).

Summary: "Every decision you make affects how people experience your library. Aaron Schmidt and Amanda Etches count some 19 touchpoints--website, email, furniture, parking lot, events, newsletters, to name a few. Three elements are to be useful, useable, and desirable. Like three legs of a stool, missing any one will take you down. This book looks at the major checkpoints for user experience in a library, offering guidance on every facet, why it's important and how to assess your library's current status"--

Record details

ISBN: 9780838912263
ISBN: 0838912265
Physical Description: print
viii, 168 pages : illustrations ; 23 cm
Edition: First edition.
Publisher: Chicago : ALA Editions, an imprint of the American Library Association, [2014]

Content descriptions

General Note:	For more information on digital formats, visit the ALA Store at alastore.ala.org and select eEditions.
Bibliography, etc. Note:	Includes bibliographical references and index.
Formatted Contents Note:	1. Introducing library user experience : What is user experience design? ; Why UX for libraries? ; The trinity of good UX ; The principles of library user experience design ; How to use this book ; A note on terminology -- 2. User research techniques in this book : Attitudinal and behavioral research ; Other user research techniques -- 3. Physical space : The library building is clean and functions as intended ; The library building is free from clutter ; Furniture adequately supports member needs ; The building supports diverse behaviors ; Members have easy access to power outlets -- 4. Service points : Members readily approach service desks ; Service desks adjust to changing needs ; Members receive assistance when and where they need it ; Members receive the kind of assistance they need -- 5. Policies and customer service : Your library has a service philosophy ; Your staff members know and live your service philosophy ; There is as little policy as possible ; Library policies empower staff ; Staff members are friendly and genuinely want to help ; Service is consistent across departments and modalities ; Service is consistent across the organization -- 6. Signage and wayfinding : Your library has a brand manual that is consistent with the principles of graphic design ; All signage uses the same visual language ; Different types of signs are visually distinct ; There are as few signs as possible ; There are no paper signs taped to walls, doors, tables, computers, or any other surfaces ; Regulatory signs are written in a plain, polite, and friendly manner ; Library cards contain useful information and employ the library's visual language ; First-time visitors can easily locate all parts of the library -- 7. Online presence : Members can easily search for library items and place holds ; Members can easily accomplish critical tasks ; The size of your website is commensurate with the amount of effort you can devote to it ; Web content is engaging ; Content is written for the web ; Website employs web design conventions ; Home page clearly expresses what people can do on your site ; Website is easy to use on all devices ; Website employs the library's visual language ; You use social media tools in meaningful ways -- 8. Using the library : The technology in your library is relevant, useful, and usable ; Collections are relevant to member needs ; Marketing materials are relevant to member needs ; You merchandize your materials ; Library services and programs solve problems -- 9. Wrapping up: philosophy, process, and culture : Whole library thinking ; The design process ; Your organizational culture ; Parting words -- Appendix : Keeping score.