‘We don’t start with Library’: students interviewing students about using the Library website

Dutta, Gopal (2024) ‘We don’t start with Library’: students interviewing students about using the Library website. In: User Experience in Libraries: Yearbook 2024. UXLibs, pp. 102-116. ISBN 9798884727816

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Abstract

This paper covers two UX projects conducted at Manchester Metropolitan University Library in 2021 and 2022. Students were recruited to lead the projects. They designed questions and testing processes, with training and guidance from Library staff. Working with students presented challenges but was interesting and surprising. Different pages on the Library website were tested for their effectiveness at satisfying user tasks. Video interviews were used to gather the data. Students analysed results and presented these to Library staff. The research revealed that many students do not start their search for information on Library webpages, find them confusing and do not make use of guidance. Students also requested more personalisation. them confusing and do not make use of guidance. Students also requested more personalisation.