Academic libraries are increasingly advocating local user studies as a way to provide the library services that are relevant to the culture and user population of the institution. Good methods for studying user behavior and user needs can and should be shared; however, user needs are shaped by a variety of local factors. Replicating user studies at the local level can provide information for improving existing services or developing new ones. Training and experience of library staff in planning and implementing these studies varies widely, and good studies require collaboration and participation from many individuals. In response, our 2009-2010 User Studies Initiative seeks to build the capacity of Duke University Libraries to conduct valid studies of user needs and behaviors and use these findings to improve our efficiency and effectiveness. Our primary strategy is a staff development series aimed at increasing the awareness and skills of staff in good research practice that will also build collaborative relationships and provide a support network for staff as they embark on user studies. Events are free of charge to all Duke Libraries staff, pending discussion with their supervisor. Staff are also encouraged to include participation in this series in their professional development ("PEP") plan. Staff who attend a minimum of 4 events during the year and contribute to the planning or implementation of a user study will be eligible to receive a certificate of participation from Library HR. 

Goals

• Increase knowledge and skills of library staff about social science research methods and best practices for studying user behavior
• Provide a forum for discussing important findings from major studies of library user behavior and implications for our services
• Foster collaboration among librarians to conduct user studies
• Build a support structure and network for librarians interested in conducting user studies
• Support at least one user study that results in a report suitable for publication via the library web site and/or local event by June 2010

Activities

1. Introductory brown bag sponsored by Library Instruction & Outreach (March 25) - reactions and response to TRLN March event
2. John Law (Proquest) presentation on  “Observing Student Researchers in Their Native Habitat”  (March 27)
3. Social science research methods overview - Alexandra Cooper, Associate Director for Education and Training at SSRI
   
   • Part I June 5 - 22 attendees from Perkins, Law and Fuqua
   • Part II Aug 14
4. Training sessions on focused topics (~1 per month Fall '09 - Spring '10).

• IRB and Human Subjects Review – Why? When? How? (Sept 18)
• Interviews and focus groups (Oct 16)
• When Excel isn't enough: Using JMP for data management (Nov 3)
• Ethnographic methods for studying users (Nov 20)
• Designing and implementing surveys (Dec 18)
• Using existing research (Web analytics and log analysis) (Feb 19)
• Using N-Vivo software to organize and analyze qualitative data (Mar 19)
• Disseminating your results - reporting and scholarly writing promoting action (Apr 19)

The series will also include periodic brown-bags to discuss works-in-progress and a final wrap-up event in June 2010.

Examples of active user studies in 2009-10

Assessing researcher needs in Cultural Anthropology Modeled after University of Minnesota's Mellon-funded project to study the needs of academic researchers, Shawn Miller (CIT) and Linda Daniel (Reference) are assessing the research needs and strategies used by faculty and graduate students in Duke's Cultural Anthropology Department. They gathered information about what materials they use, collect, and preserve; what services and technology tools they find useful; and the role the library plays in their research.  The ultimate goal of this study is to better understand the key challenges for researchers in this department and determine how the Libraries can provide better support. (IRB justification waiver)

Study materials

Understanding Behavior of Honors Researchers at Duke University Emily Daly, Diane Harvey and Yvonne Belanger are conducting a study of nine undergraduates from four targeted academic programs -- history, biology, public policy and program II -- who are completing honors theses in order to graduate with distinction in May 2010.  Students are being interviewed at the beginning of the thesis process, mid-way through their research and then after their theses are completed and submitted.  The goal of this study is to gain a more complete understanding of students' research habits in order to improve library services for students conducting extensive research projects.  (IRB Protocol Number: 2852)

Interview questions Consent Form

Organizers/contacts

• Diane Harvey (Instruction & Outreach)
• Yvonne Belanger (Assessment)
• Catherine Shreve (Reference)

Further information & resources (Duke Libraries staff only): https://intranet.lib.duke.edu/groups/assessment/user-studies-initiative