Somers Library Research Debrief

Find the books, movies, and other pieces of media one would expect to find at a library
Be informed of library events
Know how to access all of the other resources the library may offer

One user said that she hasn’t gotten a physical library card (she has one for eServices) because she doesn’t know why it would be worth it-
One user said that she hasn’t gotten a physical library card because by the time she’s looking at a book she wants to read, she’s already bought it on Amazon and she just hasn’t remembered to make getting a card and looking at the library part of her workflow.

One user mentioned wanting to see more information about a book than was currently offered by her library- she wants to be able to see the book’s cover, read the first page, and read reviews from both professional critics and other readers.
One user mentioned requesting books for her library to add to its collection but expecting nothing to happen.
Two users mentioned that they uses the book list feature frequently- but one was frustrated that she can’t do mass actions with the list (like select a number of books to remove at one time)
One SME mentioned how she spent time directing users to similar research resources, and that a tagging system within the catalog could help those users find more of what they need.
One SME mentioned how users expect to be able to do certain tasks online, like see and pay fines.

One SME mentioned how librarian time is wasted forwarding e-mails from users around to each other and suggested an intake system that would allow them to serve their user’s needs more accurately and quickly.
Both SMEs mentioned how they field a lot of questions about services they do not offer but that people may expect to find at a library- like whether there is a notary service.

One SME mentioned how frequently childrens’ nannies come to events without knowing that they needed to register or lacking some other piece of vital information
One user mentioned how the Somers library calendar of events was very difficult to use because of its tiny font sizes
One user mentioned how she would bring her kids to library events all of the time because it is one of the few free things available for small children

One user said that she’s apprehensive to go into her local library because she hasn’t been in one in so long, she’s afraid she won’t know what to do. She mentioned the need for a “library sherpa” to show her around. Another user said that she would go to an event or webinar to learn about the library’s services.
One user mentioned how it’s difficult to do work in a library because she can’t reserve a table or bring in food or drinks.
One user mentioned the difficulty of booking rooms
One user mentioned the idea of late fees “anxiety inducing.”

Three users discussed how the library helps them save money, especially since the beginning of the pandemic and/or leaving their full-time jobs
Two users mentioned how the library had been serving as a sort of second home since their childhoods and that they have a strong emotional bond to the library.
One user mentioned how she would go to the library almost everyday when she lived closeby to just browse and discover new things to read or watch
One user mentioned how the library helps her keep her home uncluttered.

The library’s hours and the catalog search bar are the most important elements for users and must be listed prominently on the homepage
A filtering system for user questions and requests
The events need to be able to be viewed by date, and sortable by audience. They need to be removed from the upcoming list as soon as they happen. Important information about the event (i.e. is registration needed?) needs to be listed prominently.
One SME said that a library should be “Mr. Rodgers” [i.e. calming, simple] and not “Sesame Street” [i.e. constantly stimulating]- this should be reflected in the UI decisions.
Room reservations need to be easy to make- look at how other applications do this function well. Reservable rooms also need pictures and specs for users to be able to easily make decisions about booking them.
A “library sherpa” system- this could be a guide to using the library featured on the homepage.