Learning Libraries – Building an open network for sharing cases on customer-centered research

Learning Libraries -network was started in the Spring of 2011. The aim of the network is to support developing library services by sharing experiences and ideas on user-centered/driven methods and various forms of action, also to increase awareness about them. The network is open to everyone interested across the organization boundaries.

What is user-centered design?

User-centered design is both a design philosophy and a variety of methods. The core is to understand the end users’ actual needs, wants and limitations, and thus by reflecting on these, to develop better services and products. The activities include observing users, listening to their views and ideas, and involving them in the entire cycle of the development process. The views and experiences of users are valuable when evaluating services as well as when creating new or improving existing ones. This process includes identifying and defining what to develop, choosing the relevant tools and methods, analyzing the gathered information, implementing results to practice and evaluating the effects – together with users.

The first Learning Libraries workshop in November 2011 attracted 40 participants representing different library sectors; however, the interest in participating was higher. Kirjastokaista (Libraries web service broadcasting videos) produced a video summary of the workshop. Since then two other workshops have been held and the interest in user-centered methods is increasing.

If you are interested in Learning Libraries Network, please contact hanna.lahtinen(at)laurea.fi.