A user-centered and evidence-based approach for digital library projects

• Published in: Electronic library 2009-06, Vol.27 (3), p.409-425
• Main Authors: Somerville, Mary M, Brar, Navjit
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Academic libraries; College students; Colleges & universities; Computer science; Data analysis; Decision making; Digital libraries; Digital music; Educational Philosophy; Evidence based librarianship; Evidence-based medicine; Exact sciences and technology; Information and communication sciences; Information control; Information management; Information processing and retrieval; Information retrieval systems. Information and document management system; Information retrieval. Man machine relationship; Information science. Documentation; Learning Processes; Library resources; Lifelong Learning; Rapid prototyping; Research methodology; Sciences and techniques of general use; Studies; System design and modelling; Systems analysis; Systems design; Teaching Methods; Thinking Skills; Undergraduate Students
• ISSN: 0264-0473; 1758-616X
• DOI: 10.1108/02640470910966862

Purpose - Soft systems methodology processes fortified by collaborative evidence-based librarianship (EBL) principles can guide end-user involvement in digital library project design and development. This paper aims to reveal the efficacy of this inclusive human-focused approach for building systems through user-generated research examples.Design methodology approach - From 2003 to 2006, user-centered interaction design guided increasingly complex human-computer interaction projects at California Polytechnic State University. Toward that end, project planners invite polytechnic students, supervised by computer science professors, to assess peers' information seeking needs. This student-generated evidence informs creation of paper prototypes and implementation of usability tests. Sustained relationships between planners and beneficiaries permit iterative evaluation and continuous improvement of design concepts and product functionalities.Findings - Purposeful conversations aimed at learning from user-generated evidence enrich the planning process for digital library projects. Reflective of the "learn by doing" educational values of the organization, this approach advances learning among both users and planners throughout user-centered (re)design experiences.Practical implications - Collaborative design assumes that enabling interfaces, systems, and environments are best designed and developed inclusively, with and for beneficiaries. Toward that end, practical guidelines are offered to enable replication of this approach, which depends on user produced and interpreted evidence, in other organizational settings.Originality value - A paucity of literature exists on the relevance of EBL in the digital age. Similarly, too little applied research has adopted a human-centered focus for design and development of information systems. Finally, too few digital library projects recognize the value of initiating positive user experiences at project inception.