Services design in academic libraries and its impact on university community
Date
2020-09
Authors
Mammadova, Vafa
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Nazarbayev University Library
Abstract
Purpose. The purpose of the paper is to study how service design is developed
and implemented in academic libraries in order to meet the requirements of the
university community in their educational, research and/or personal activities.
Methodology. The author aims to bring clarification to modern concepts,
such as design thinking principles, process and methods to make them more
understandable for the readers, and describe planning stages of the services
design in academic libraries. The paper was compiled based on related literature
review, observations, and findings from case studies
Findings. Detailed services design planning allows the libraries to foresee
all possible difficulties and shortcomings of the planned library services, and
thus sidestep these problems by considering all conditions in the initial stage.
The primary goal of the services design activity in academic libraries is mostly
connected to meeting library and information needs of the university community,
and creating new library services for all situations (such as the current pandemic)
that might be in great demand by library patrons, though they might not even
realize it. Therefore, a special and in-depth study of the user behavior and
feedback in certain library services is essential in terms of understanding patrons’
requirements, and developing more innovative user-centered services for them.
Originality/value. The services design process and design thinking principles
and methods are broadly discussed topics in modern librarianship, which make
this paper competitive enough to analyze different points of views and find out
one can be applicable in certain circumstances and/or environments. In this
regard, the suggested tools and techniques can be practical for most young
library specialists working in public services units of academic libraries.
Description
Keywords
design thinking, academic libraries, service design