Re-imagining the users' experience: An ethnographic approach to web usability and space design

Abstract

Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to describe the process and work undertaken by the library anthropologist and the Usability Task Force (UTF) for reconfiguring the library's physical and virtual spaces to meet the educational needs and expectations of users, including students, faculty, and community patrons. Through formal usability studies and ethnographic research, the paper describes the process and work undertaken by the library anthropologist and the UTF. Through surveys, focus groups observation data were obtained about the current study and web habits of undergraduates and faculty. This paper presents an ethnographic approach to policy development and implementation to re-orient the physical and virtual library environments at a large research library. Libraries and library administrators will find value in the policies established and processes outlined for the development of user-centered learning spaces. -- ______________________________________________________________ Donna M. Lanclos, Ph.D. | Associate Professor for Anthropological Research UNC Charlotte | J. Murrey Atkins Library 9201 University City Blvd. | Charlotte, NC 28223 [email protected] | @DonnaLanclos on twitter phone number: 704-687-0480 http://www.donnalanclos.com