Author: Sika

User Experience Librarian, Smith College Libraries
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Help! SCL Website UX Study, Fall 2017

skyline view from Neilson Library at Smith college

Abstract

Late May, 2017, brought a number of major changes to the user experience at Smith College Libraries. Staff and collections moved out of the largest location, Neilson Library, to prepare for large-scale building redesign.  A new website was launched to coincide with changes in service locations and models, including reducing  the number of service desks to one in new the main library location. In fall semester, 2017, the Libraries’ Web Team prioritized UX study of access to help as presented on the website. Continue reading “Help! SCL Website UX Study, Fall 2017”

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New Discover Usability Testing: Bento-Style

skyline view from Neilson Library at Smith college

Abstract

The Smith College Libraries conducted usability testing in 2016 during local development of a new interface and “bento box” style of display for search results from EBSCO Discovery Service (EDS).

Research and usability tests were conducted by a team made up of staff members from the Smith College Libraries Web Coordination Team and Discovery & Access and Teaching, Learning & Research departments.  Planning for the project was informed by results of EBSCO user experience studies.

The  Bento group met to review usability test results and discuss changes — in content, functionality, design, and language — after each successive round of testing.  The “New Discover” was launched on the Smith Libraries website in January, 2017.

Continue reading “New Discover Usability Testing: Bento-Style”

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Neilson Library Redesign: 2015 UX

skyline view from Neilson Library at Smith college

Abstract

Programming activity for the redesign of Neilson Library at Smith College began in the spring of 2015, with data gathering and campus input from students, faculty, staff, and alumnae, and continued through the summer and fall of 2015. As part of the process the College engaged the services of brightspot to conduct user experience studies.

A Programming Committee was charged with identifying and prioritizing such building elements as user spaces, library services, physical collections, and academic support services and centers, and making recommendations to the president and board. Reports from the Programming phase are available on the Smith College Libraries website.

Continue reading “Neilson Library Redesign: 2015 UX”