LAC Session Type
Poster
Name
“Where Can I Study?” A Mixed-Methods Approach to Evaluating Library Study Spaces Webpages
Description

Academic libraries strive to provide information about their study spaces with the goal of helping students find and access the spaces that meet their needs and preferences. However, at our library, students thought our study spaces webpages were confusing and not “beginner friendly,” and employees reported that students didn’t know how to find quiet spaces or how to reserve a study room. We embarked on a two-phase user research project to inform a redesign of the webpages. First, we evaluated how peer libraries presented information about study spaces on their own websites, including about noise levels, room types, and floor plans. We conducted a competitive analysis where students viewed different webpage designs and identified perceived strengths and weaknesses. Second, we developed a webpage prototype based on our findings and solicited student feedback. Following the completion of the project, we incorporated findings into an updated study spaces webpage that streamlined and enhanced the information available to students.

Keywords
user experience, usability, web design, spaces
Additional Authors
Kimberly Vardeman, Texas Tech University Libraries