Using Ethnography in the Library: How to Study the Students in

their Native Data-Gathering Habits

The Scene

The New Guy

The Players

• Ethnographer

• Usability Committee

• Other members from around library

The Objective

• Figure out how the students were using the library and what they need/want from us.

Two-pronged approach

Look at redesigning the library space to better meet student needs

Look at redesigning the webpage to better meet user needs

Open forums

• Open Forums on website and layout of main floor in early January, 2010

Next

• Created a task list• Asked questions like:• “What are the library hours for February 22? “• “Where is the book Joan of Arc by Mark

Twain?”• “Who is the History Librarian?”

Web Usability

• Morae software• Feb and March 2010

Then what?

• Analyze data• Create new website• Test new website• Re-design new website

Paper Doll Testing

More ways to get student feedback

Is anyone listening?• Opened library for 24

hours in April and May 2010

• Added soft drink machines

• Weeded Reference collection to make room for more student study space

• Purchasing new chairs and sofas

What’s next?

• Continue to refine the home page• More usability testing on home page• Broaden redesign to include other pages• Hire a web graphic designer• Continue to observe the students’ study habits

Conclusion: Can’t be all things to all students but can

• Listen to what they say• Observe nonverbal cues on how they use the

library

Continue to pay attention