Library Redesign by Tiffany

EUGENE PUBLIC LIBRARY REDESIGN

Table of Contents

4 Eugene Public Library 6 who uses the library? 8 Library Atmosphere 10 Library Staff 11 Checkout System 12 Searching for Items 14 Library Layout 18 Solving user interactions 20 New Navigation: Preliminary Concepts 23 Design and Execution 28 Project Outcomes 3

A Star Library

eugene public library

The Eugene Public Library has recently undergone both aesthetic and functionality changes to make it more accessible and improve its selection. In 2015, a measure was passed to increase the library’s budget. This five-year levy has allowed the library to have more hours, events, books, movies, eBooks and more, with even more growth expected in the next few years. This has made the already-award-winning library even more spectacular. • The library provides services for approximately 4,000 people every day, including online users.

• The Library sponsors more than 900 free events for all ages each year. • Many library services are available 24/7. • The annual budget for purchasing new materials is $1,160,000 this fiscal year (FY17) (Fig. 1). With this trend of upward growth, it makes sense to continue this progress and address a few areas that are lagging behind the rest of the system.

So What’s the problem? Multiple library users have reported having difficulty finding books on the shelves and unfamiliarity with library cataloging systems. How do we create a system to help users find

their titles without interfering with the existing infrastructure that people love?

“The Eugene Public Library supports an informed community, lifelong learning and the love of reading by providing access for all city residents to the universe of ideas and information.” – Eugene Public Library Website

The Solution We will create an additional element on the library website that will show the exact shelf the item is located on after a person searches for it on the library computers, in addition to signage to help patrons find specific shelves. Signs will be redesigned and color-coded to allow for better readability and differentiation from each other. This will be easily integrated into the libraryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s existing layout, without interfering with existing systems.

Who Uses The Library? Many guests visit the library, representing different ages, values, and needs.

Harold Age: 51 Gender: Male “I am a gypsy. I haven’t had a home for a long time. Call me a homeless person – I just throw everything in a bag and I’m good to go.” – Taylor Kinney Harold has been homeless for a couple years now and goes back and forth between sleeping in a local homeless shelter and camping in parks. He has recently finished rehab, and is working on staying clean and getting back on track. Some of his day is spent collecting cans and cardboard to turn in for money or helping out at a nonprofit, but when he finishes, he will often take public transportation to the library. There, he takes advantage of the library’s computers and non-fiction section. He has some experience as a mechanic, and uses the library’s resources to read up on newer car models and search for mechanics in town that may be hiring. He also will come to the library when the weather is bad and spend time reading inside.

He has had limited access to technology the last several years, so his ability is fairly low. He can navigate the library computers and generally find what he’s looking for online but would have trouble with a new interface.

Cynthia Age: 64 Gender: Female “Education is what remains after one has forgotten what one has learned in school.” – Albert Einstein Cynthia is a retired college professor who enjoys reading, gardening, and going for walks near her house. She has a PHD in European history. She is married and has three grown children. She likes to stay busy, but is currently in-between projects so is looking for something new to occupy her time. Although she likes reading fiction, she usually gravitates toward non-fiction. Specifically, she likes deepening her knowledge of world history, although she will also pick up a biography of a more recent figure if it catches her eye. Also, she enjoys learning new things so she sometimes checks out books on subjects she doesn’t know anything about. She has spent a lot of time getting her house to be the way she wants it, from the landscaping to the furnishings, so she prefers to check books out and bring them home to read rather than stay at the library.

She can navigate technology at a basic level, however she will often become frustrated if interfaces are not straightforward. Although she has a smartphone, she only uses its basic features and occasionally the Internet.

Zack Age: 8 Gender: Male “Nana nana nana Batman!” Zack is a grade school student that likes sports and superheroes. He plays baseball during the summer and part of the fall. He goes to school at a local public school. Generally, he does well in school but is not outstanding. He prefers to be outside or reading his favorite comics. He also likes video games, and is very technologically savvy. Although he doesn’t have his own smartphone, he is perfectly capable of working his family members’ devices and has little to no trouble navigating new computer interfaces.

When visiting the library with one of his parents, he generally gravitates toward the comic section or the computers. Occasionally, he will go to the library to pick out a book for school, but since his school has its own library, he generally uses the Eugene Library for personal reading. 7

The library is well lit with ample space. It is relatively clean for such a public place. Although some people find the library a great place for studying and getting work done, others prefer their own homes, stating that the library feels “sterile.”

Library Atmosphere Observations

• The library is very clean, although it does still feel like a public place. There are a few random specks on floors, tabletops, etc. Some chairs also have scuffs, as do a few parts of the floor. Overall, however, things feel neat, as if they are cleaned regularly but simply have a large volume of people come through and utilize the facility regularly. • The general smell of the library is fairly neutral. No floral air fresheners or otherwise noticeable scents. This means that some areas smell like the people that occupy them, which is not always pleasant. Some areas of the library, such as the adult fiction and nonfiction sections that have taller shelves, smell faintly of old books. • The library is generally very quiet. People seem to respect the low noise level expectation of libraries. One usually hears muffled voices floating through the library, especially on the ground level where several information desks and the checkout desk is located. The sound of muffled footsteps is the other common sound. Most floors are carpeted, although the stairs

and front entry area have hard floors. This means that one usually hears a muffled shuffling sound because of the carpets, but in some places there is the sharper sound of people walking on a hard floor. Also, one sometimes hears the sound of carts being pushed along, taking books and media to be re-shelved. • All of the aisles seem to have enough space between them. Seating is generally fairly spread out, with the exception of computer desks and cubicles that have stations right next to each other. • The majority of the library feels very open. Even with a lot of people there, it still doesn’t feel crowded. On the second floor seating area, everything is very spread out. Perhaps even a bit too spread out. Things feel very academic and perhaps a little cold. • The library contains a variety of seating options. Plastic chairs are placed around worktables. Padded benches are placed along many walls. There are also armchairs placed in the children’s area and several other places. The second floor has a large section with armchairs,

tables, and booths. All seating is relatively comfortable but not quite at the level one might want in their house. The armchairs are fairly soft but couldn’t be called fluffy. • The furnishings and décor feel reasonably new, as though they have been purchased within the last 5 years or so. Even with a few minor signs of wear, such as a few scuffmarks on some of the plastic chairs, there aren’t any broken or obviously worn items. No rips are seen on the cushioned benches or armchairs. • Tables and chairs feel reasonable clean, considering how much use they get. They aren’t sticky but they don’t feel like they were cleaned 5 minutes ago. • All of the books, movies, and other media are put away on their appropriate shelves or onto carts at the end of some aisles marked for re-shelving. • The water fountains only produce a tiny stream of water.

what people say Question: Do you often use the library to read or study or do you prefer other places such as your own home or a coffee shop? Why? I do both. When I need to focus, I come to the library. Also when I have my kids with me the library is a good place to bring them. I can also bring my coffee into the library so I’m pretty much set! It’s nice how quiet the library is, especially the adult section. - Lara I prefer my own house. I usually come to check out books, not to hang out. I’m a loud talker to the library feels too restrictive. I’m afraid of disturbing people. I don’t really go to coffee shops either. I prefer hanging out at home. - Yasmin I usually checkout the books I want and go home. I like my personal space and I’ve spent a lot of money on my house so why not use it!? Also, the library feels a little sterile. - Dennis I do both. I go other places because it’s nice to have the portability of checking things out. But if I have something to do in town I will stay at the library for a while. It’s in a good, central location. - Ran

Additional Comments The library is really great! I love the atmosphere! - Lara I love the variety of this library! There is a library closer to me but I like the selection of this one much better. - Yasmin I love the library! I actually live out of the city limits and have a tiny library nearby but I don’t use it. I pay my hundred-or-so dollars a year and drive into town just to use this one. It’s worth the money. - Dennis I’m pretty content with the library. - Ran

Library Staff The library staff members are all kind, helpful, and easily accessible. They can be found at one of many service desks dotted throughout the building or will approach people and ask if they need assistance.

Observations The staff are very nice and helpful. They will occasionally ask if you need assistance, particularly if you are walking around looking lost, but otherwise will be at the help desks placed throughout the library. When looking for a particular kind of children’s book, one person gave me many great suggestions and helped me find each one. They all are dressed in business casual. Most have button down shirts.

What People Say Question: Are staff members easily accessible if you need assistance with something? Is it clear where to go to find someone? Yes. They’re great! - Lara It’s easy to find someone to get help from. - Yasmin Yes and yes. - Dennis. The staff are very good. I ask them questions a lot and it’s easy to locate someone. - Ran

Checkout System The checkout system is well liked, getting only positive feedback.

Observations The checkout counter usually has one person standing behind it to assist anyone with questions. However, the checkout process is actually automatic. One simply scans their card then places books one at a time on a device that reads the book’s information. I found it very simple and intuitive.

What People Say Question: Is the book checkout system easy to use or not? It’s very easy. It’s great! My kids actually checkout most of the time. - Lara It’s really easy. - Yasmin Super easy. - Dennis It’s pretty easy. - Ran

There are multiple computers on each floor available for library patrons to utilize. Some can be used for word processing and searching the web, but there are also many that are just for searching the library’s catalog. The online catalog is simple to use, but many people have trouble finding the books on the shelves. Although some people ask staff members, others prefer to browse until they come across the title. This area will be the main focus of the more specific item location system and signage.

Searching For Items Observations

The computers are easy to look up books on. In order to find books on one of the various computers scattered throughout the building, one can simply type in the title or opt for a more advanced search, which can include author’s name, series, published date, genre, etc. Once the book is found online, its information will say how many copies the library has and how many are in. The only thing I might change would be to have a simple way to clear your latest search other than just typing in a new one but that is a minor thing. However, finding the physical book in the library can be a little tricky for anyone not up to date on their library codes. I once was looking for a book that should be either in the teen or children’s section but I wasn’t sure which. I couldn’t find anywhere on the digital interface that told me specifically which section I should look in.

What People Say Question: How easy or difficult is it to search for a title using one of the library computers? Very easy. And there are plenty of computers. - Lara

More than 100 computers are available throughout the library, offering Internet access, Info Hub online resources, and Microsoft Office products.

It’s easy to find the title on the computer. - Yasmin It’s easy. - Dennis I’m dyslexic so I don’t usually use the computers. I ask a staff member to help me. My daughter uses the computers though, and she seems to do well with them. - Ran Other Comments I often have a hard time finding the book in the library. The numbering system is confusing. Finding books is just confusing in general unless you ask someone. But I like to find things myself so I don’t like to ask. - Yasmin Finding things in the library is usually ok and I can always ask. I do have some trouble finding things in the cd section though. And the code letters the library uses take some time to figure out but you get used to it. - Dennis

What People Say It is very easy to find each part of the library. Each section has its own place. I like that the kids’ section is separate from everything else so I can bring my work in here and know that my kids are nearby. - Lara I don’t really know about finding things in many parts of the library. I usually just head to my spot in the teen section. When I was new to the library, I found it a bit confusing to navigate. It might help if the signs for each section were bigger. - Yasmin It’s very simple to navigate the library. - Dennis It’s pretty easy to navigate the library. - Ran

The library has well-defined sections, with adult fiction and nonfiction each getting their own floors. The children’s section also has its own wing on the first floor. Parents particularly appreciate having a place their kids can be let loose to explore. Most people found it easy to navigate, although not everyone. This well established layout will make it simple to provide additional signage to help users navigate to the specific row where their book is located.

Library Layout 14

FIRST FLOOR

Movies

Movies/Holds

Spira l Stair case

Restrooms

Book Return Children

Teen Elevators

Entrance SECOND FLOOR Print Station Magazines/Newspapers l Stair case

Computer Cubicles

Spira

Seating Area

Non-fiction

Business Print Station Language

Magazines/Newspapers

Elevators

Computer Room THIRD FLOOR Print Station

Stairc a

Fiction

Seating

Spira l

Overlook of Seating Area

Audio Books Large Print Overlook

Helpdesk

Elevators

Overlook

Checkout 15

Shelves and Computer Desks

helpdesk

magazines

seating 16

stairway

Solving User Interactions Currently, users that donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t wish to consult a staff member must guess which section their title falls under, then navigate to that location and potentially back to a different section if their guess is incorrect. Signs are numerous but are in a consistent shade of green with small type, making it less obvious where sections are located.

Current Interactions

Each section of the library will have a designated color that will appear on the signs in that area. This will allow signs to stand out more clearly and be easily differentiated from other sections. Signs will also have larger, easier to read type. When people first enter the library, there will be a large sign that details the libraryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s layout, displaying the color for each section and how to get there.

Proposed Interactions

Initial Ideas • At the entrance to the library, there will be a large sign indicating the locations of each section of the library, bathrooms, stairs, elevators, book return and checkout. This will be made in either a map or list format. The design of this sign will correlate with the design of signage throughout the library, which will provide further directions toward sections.

• Library signage will display each section’s color next to its name in order to further differentiate sections in patrons’ minds.

• Bookshelf signage will match a color scheme for each section to allow them to be more eye-catching and stand out from other sections.

• Additionally, dividers will be placed between letters, so patrons can tell where books categorized under the next letter begin and end.

• Each bookshelf will have a number, allowing patrons to clearly see the order books are arranged in and locate results they get on the book search page.

New Navigation: Preliminary Concepts

New Traffic Flow and Sign Locations 22

Design and execution In addition to the library catalog not showing what section books are in, new people to the library say it can be a bit difficult to find each section. Better computer search results will list the book’s section, row, and shelf number, making it simpler to locate books. Then, new signage will help users navigate to the correct location.

Final Solutions • A new directory will be placed at the entrance to the library, allowing patrons to more easily locate their desired section through the use of color-coded arrows. • Signage throughout the library will follow the section color codes to help orient readers and point them in the direction they wish to go. • Library shelves will have simple signs with readable text and a pop of color. • Computer search results will now list the library section and row number where each book can be found.

New Directory will help direct patrons from the moment they walk in with its simple layout and color coding

Brighter, color coded signs will be more visible and aid in library navigation

bookshelves will have simple signs with large, easy to read type

new dividers will show where new letters begin and shelf numbers will correspond with book search results

projected Outcomes Because of the new signs and directory, library patrons will now be able to find their destination more quickly and easily. They will also find books more quickly.

Simple Navigation • The new directory will list library sections, help desk, computer, and accessibility locations by level. • Color coded arrows on the directory will point the direction of each location. • These colors will be used on corresponding signs throughout each library section, to create a sense of harmony while still allowing signs to be visible and recognizeable.

easily found books • New search results will list the library section and shelf number to make finding books a breeze. • Each shelf will have its number clearly displayed. • Signage on shelf ends will have larger, easier to read type as well as color coding. • Dividers between the books will show exactly where each section changes to the next letter.