1. Librarians as researchers: Understanding Library patrons and their needs
Hikuwai 2016 Weekend School, Whangārei
Neda Zdravkovic, Learning Services Librarian
28 May 2016

2. Librarians as Researchers: Are you a researcher?
Evidence-based library and information practice (EBLIP)

3. Example 1: User study – paper survey
COMLAW 101 Year 1 Course (pre-requisite course for multiple disciplines) – Commercial Law in New Zealand
Semester 1 – 1000 students enrolled in the course
Semester II – 1200 students enrolled
Survey – 3 key questions to 600 students attending lecture(s)
Results - A BIG SURPRISE!!!

4. Example 1: User study – outcome:

5. Example 2: User study - interview
You have received some funding to purchase new furniture for adult non-fiction section in your library.
Which colour and type of furniture would you choose to purchase?
YOU HAVE 5 seconds!!!

6. Some of the methods used:
Usability studies/ web-based projects:
User behaviour observation - (live) with given tasks to complete + follow up discussion (individual & group)
User behaviour observation - using desktop recording software (MORAE) & webcam + “think out loud”
Developing personae based on patron profiles
Paper prototyping
Google Analytics

8. Some of the methods used:
User studies (needs analysis & service/ programme insights):
User online surveys (Qualtrics & SurveyMonkey software)
User focus groups – audio recordings, transcripts & notetaking
Semi-structured interviews (individual)
Informal interviews and conversations (‘hey what do you think about…’)
Formal research projects - Ethics Approvals, project team or supervisor/ project owner
Analysis of the quality of student submissions

9. Horizon scans – new technologies, trends, developments, practices
Literature reviews

12. Tapping into the core knowledge:
What is known?
What is not known?
What do I need to know?
Do you see yourselves as educators?

13. Data analysis: Identifying key ‘user’ voice/message
Software/ online reports
Coding – qualitative data/ descriptive submissions
Identification of themes (repetitions) and key trends
Comparing and contrasting outputs
Statistical analysis – ‘how many users…’
Identifying key ‘user’ voice/message

15. Group activity 1: Website prototype – staff profile page
5 minutes

17. Are you a researcher?

18. What are some of the barriers/ obstacles?
Examples?

19. ?