In addition to our keynote, plenary and workshop speakers we are very excited to announce a wealth of talented paper presenters hailing from 8 different countries: the UK, the US, Sweden, Norway, Finland, Denmark, Switzerland and The Netherlands. They were selected via a blind review process in February 2018. As last year, we received many more submissions than we had speaker slots. Find out who they are and what they will be presenting on below…
Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), NORWAY
Paper: #MyFavouriteSpotOnCampus: Creating a flexible, inclusive, and modern learning space for our students
Abstract: How we transformed the quietest zone in the library into a flexible learning space, going from being literarily empty the first weeks to the most crowded area in our building. In close cooperation with our students we have turned our makerspace into a creative space buzzing with life.
Lean Library BV, THE NETHERLANDS
Paper: The library in the (work)flow
Abstract: These days for many patrons the library isn’t the default gateway to scholarly materials anymore. I’ll present how at Utrecht University Library that change in patron behaviour led to the development of a browser extension that puts library services squarely in the patrons’ workflow.
Manchester Metropolitan University, UK
Paper: Behind the clicks. What can eye tracking and user interviews tell us that click statistics can’t?
Abstract: We have been using an eye-tracking kit to usability test our Library website usability and have found this user-centred method goes beyond our usual statistics, providing context for user activities. We have already discovered a number of key changes that we can implement to increase usability and improve the student journey.
California State University San Marcos, USA
Paper: Empathetic design: Creating safe spaces
Abstract: When we create spaces that feel emotionally safe to our users, they become more usable. This session will focus on how to create those spaces. The presenter will discuss empathetic design, modifying traditional UX research methods to inform empathetic design, and the practical application of these results to projects.
University of Zurich, SWITZERLAND
Paper: “Should I stay or should I go?”: Conflicting environment-behaviour-settings in libraries
Abstract: The creation of library spaces is undertaken with considerable planning of the desired effect the built environment should have on its users. It is, thus, all the more irritating when the users fail to identify the preferred behaviour. Why do they have no idea if what they want to do is what they are allowed to do, or if they should move to another place to do it? The answer lies in conflicting environment-behaviour-settings.
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, USA
Paper: Serving Diverse Users with Persona-Based Homepages
Abstract: At UNC Chapel Hill Libraries we’re conducting a series of studies to figure out who our user groups are, what they need from the Libraries, and whether we can deliver targeted homepages for each group in a way that makes sense to users. See our methods & results so far.
University of California, San Diego, USA
Paper: Better together: Diversity and inclusion in UX design
Abstract: Designing an inclusive library website is possible if we are willing to find a healthy common ground. I will share University of California, San Diego Library’s experience with accessibility design, minority media representation, and how we developed audience priority by highlighting inclusion of everyone while prioritizing for a specific audience group.
Information School, University of Sheffield, UK
Paper: Coming to our senses: the library and the student learning body
Abstract: Embodied cognition theory suggests that writing and reading involve the body, not just the brain. So how we manage the sensoryscape of the library affects user experience. The paper’s analysis of walk with interviews reveals the importance of the senses in library use: of the visual and sound, but also the kinaesthetic sense of space and open/closedness, even of smell.
Indiana University Southeast, USA
Paper: Spatial realism: How cinematic history informs mixed methods research on library space & enhances holistic advocacy
Abstract: During this presentation, I will discuss how an understanding of cinematic history helped create a framework with which to evaluate the efficacy of your library’s physical spaces. This framework emphasizes holistic understanding and can result in enhanced advocacy and inclusivity for all library patrons, with an emphasis on sustainability.
JADE LEONARD and MARIA O’HARA
Goldsmiths, University of London, UK
Paper: Embedding UXLibs in Library Services
Abstract: Journey with junior staff working to embed UX practice across a whole library. We’ll provide an insightful look into the highs and lows of training 42 people in a handful of sessions, organising a conference based on our findings and tackling the barriers faced by lone UX warriors on a mission.
University of Michigan, USA
Paper: Bringing it all together with library search
Abstract: With so many separate and disconnected siloed resources, our users were having trouble finding what they needed. This will be the story of why one academic library consolidated and set forth to build their own library search. After years of work, was it worth it?
BEN WATSON and ANGELA GROTH-SEARY
University of Kent, UK
Paper: A degree of difference? Information experiences of students with print disabilities
Abstract: In a combined diary and photo study we are investigating the experiences of students with print disabilities when accessing information resources, compared to students without disabilities. We hope to shed light on typical barriers these students encounter, and how such experiences make them feel about their place within the institution.
Technical University of Denmark (DTU), DENMARK
Paper: Comparative study of UX and sensor data from the perspective of behavioral mapping
Abstract: We will present the results of a study conducted at DTU Library combining UX and sensor data. What are the differences between behavioral mapping and maps made from sensor data? What is the synergy potential in using quantitative and qualitative data? We will discuss these questions further in our presentation.
MICHELLE BLAKE and NED POTTER
University of York, UK
Paper: Embedding ethnography and UX at York
Abstract: UX methodology is not a fad: it’s becoming more firmly established in the sector, moving from novelty to maturity. We’ll discuss ensuring that Libraries’ internal processes, systems, and ethos support this. How can we make UX truly part of our daily ‘business as usual’, rather than a perpetual project?
Ithaka S+R, USA
Paper: Decolonizing User Experience Research in Academic Libraries with Indigenous Methodologies
Abstract: 35 librarians at 12 academic libraries are currently conducting a collaborative qualitative study on supporting Indigenous Studies scholars utilizing Indigenous methodologies. This presentation shares the project’s methodology towards exploring how Indigenous approaches to inquiry can be developed in support of decolonizing academic library practice including user experience research.
University of East London, UK
Paper: Exploring students’ ideas around belonging, comfort and discomfort in library and learning spaces
Abstract: This presentation reports on a project exploring experiences of belonging and comfort and discomfort within library and other university spaces, emphasising the views of BAME students in light of research on closing the attainment gap. I will also explore some of the issues and challenges encountered, in particular reflecting on ideas about positionality, and identity and difference in the relationship between interviewer and interviewee.
Aalto University School of Science, Helsinki, FINLAND
Paper: Empowerment or exploitation? – Perceptions of engaging people in accessibility design
Abstract: In this presentation, we explore different stakeholders’ perceptions about appropriate user involvement in a case where a library designs services for people with reading disabilities. Our study acknowledges the invested effort and the temporality of engagement. Our results indicate that balancing between positive and negative conceptions requires great sensitivity.
Lund University, SWEDEN
Paper: Help us improve the library!
Abstract: To promote UX methods and remove one specific threshold, the difficulty to recruit respondents, we have set up a test panel, and in just one week we recruited more than 150 members! The panel have already proved to be very useful in the various evaluations done since creation.
HARINDER MATHARU and ADAM SMITH
University of Leicester, UK
Paper: Unearthing histories: Black history
Abstract: Our Black History volunteers have been unearthing hidden histories from our archives, histories which define us an institution. Join us as we share the experiences of library volunteers and explore further what impact an institution’s past can have on students’ sense of belonging today.
University of Birmingham, UK
Paper: The silent voice: using UX to find balance and the unheard student voice when responding to feedback