Tiny? Make it mighty! Maximizing a limited-budget upgrade of a pint-sized hospital library using UX methods
Introduction The University of Ottawa Heart Institute’s Berkman Library space is outdated. Budget constraints and tiny square footage leave little room for error. A needs assessment using user experience (UX) research methods was conducted from 2022 to 2023 to inform strategic decisions on updatin...
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| Language: | English |
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University of Alberta
2024-12-01
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| Series: | Journal of the Canadian Health Libraries Association |
| Online Access: | https://journals.library.ualberta.ca/jchla/index.php/jchla/article/view/29774 |
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| author | Sarah May Visintini Jessica McEwan |
| author_facet | Sarah May Visintini Jessica McEwan |
| author_sort | Sarah May Visintini |
| collection | DOAJ |
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Introduction
The University of Ottawa Heart Institute’s Berkman Library space is outdated. Budget constraints and tiny square footage leave little room for error. A needs assessment using user experience (UX) research methods was conducted from 2022 to 2023 to inform strategic decisions on updating and reorganizing furnishings to better support library patrons and their needs.
Methods
Data was collected via an electronic survey, “guerilla” interviews, observations of library patrons, and a physical survey of communal spaces in the building. Resulting qualitative data were compiled and examined for common themes. Low fidelity mockups of furnishings and space arrangements were prototyped and presented to patrons for feedback.
Results
Quiet was one of the most valued attributes of the library space and showed itself to be a unique quality of the library when compared to communal spaces within the hospital. Survey and interview responses consistently cited soft, comfortable furnishings as desirable additions. Observed behaviours support the continued need for desks with a deep surface area to accommodate multiple devices used in tandem. Flexible use of computer hardware, better access to power outlets, and adjustable lighting were identified as additional gaps.
Discussion
Methods showcase light-weight space assessment strategies that are of particular interest to solo librarians or small library teams working in a hospital environment. Results identify library qualities that address institutional gaps and provide insight into the motivators, needs, and behaviours of hospital staff. Centering patron behaviours and preferences in the project’s methodology provides data to support decision-making for near term upgrades and long-term library policy.
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| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-3893b02434fd4a91acd938083ab59c3a |
| institution | Kabale University |
| issn | 1708-6892 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2024-12-01 |
| publisher | University of Alberta |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Journal of the Canadian Health Libraries Association |
| spelling | doaj-art-3893b02434fd4a91acd938083ab59c3a2024-12-03T04:26:41ZengUniversity of AlbertaJournal of the Canadian Health Libraries Association1708-68922024-12-0145310.29173/jchla29774Tiny? Make it mighty! Maximizing a limited-budget upgrade of a pint-sized hospital library using UX methodsSarah May Visintini0https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6966-1753Jessica McEwan1https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4802-6539University of OttawaUniversity of Ottawa Introduction The University of Ottawa Heart Institute’s Berkman Library space is outdated. Budget constraints and tiny square footage leave little room for error. A needs assessment using user experience (UX) research methods was conducted from 2022 to 2023 to inform strategic decisions on updating and reorganizing furnishings to better support library patrons and their needs. Methods Data was collected via an electronic survey, “guerilla” interviews, observations of library patrons, and a physical survey of communal spaces in the building. Resulting qualitative data were compiled and examined for common themes. Low fidelity mockups of furnishings and space arrangements were prototyped and presented to patrons for feedback. Results Quiet was one of the most valued attributes of the library space and showed itself to be a unique quality of the library when compared to communal spaces within the hospital. Survey and interview responses consistently cited soft, comfortable furnishings as desirable additions. Observed behaviours support the continued need for desks with a deep surface area to accommodate multiple devices used in tandem. Flexible use of computer hardware, better access to power outlets, and adjustable lighting were identified as additional gaps. Discussion Methods showcase light-weight space assessment strategies that are of particular interest to solo librarians or small library teams working in a hospital environment. Results identify library qualities that address institutional gaps and provide insight into the motivators, needs, and behaviours of hospital staff. Centering patron behaviours and preferences in the project’s methodology provides data to support decision-making for near term upgrades and long-term library policy. https://journals.library.ualberta.ca/jchla/index.php/jchla/article/view/29774 |
| spellingShingle | Sarah May Visintini Jessica McEwan Tiny? Make it mighty! Maximizing a limited-budget upgrade of a pint-sized hospital library using UX methods Journal of the Canadian Health Libraries Association |
| title | Tiny? Make it mighty! Maximizing a limited-budget upgrade of a pint-sized hospital library using UX methods |
| title_full | Tiny? Make it mighty! Maximizing a limited-budget upgrade of a pint-sized hospital library using UX methods |
| title_fullStr | Tiny? Make it mighty! Maximizing a limited-budget upgrade of a pint-sized hospital library using UX methods |
| title_full_unstemmed | Tiny? Make it mighty! Maximizing a limited-budget upgrade of a pint-sized hospital library using UX methods |
| title_short | Tiny? Make it mighty! Maximizing a limited-budget upgrade of a pint-sized hospital library using UX methods |
| title_sort | tiny make it mighty maximizing a limited budget upgrade of a pint sized hospital library using ux methods |
| url | https://journals.library.ualberta.ca/jchla/index.php/jchla/article/view/29774 |
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