Information Architecture And User Experience (ux) For Library Websites Training Course

Introduction

Transform your library's online presence into a user-centered and easily navigable platform with our comprehensive Information Architecture and User Experience (UX) for Library Websites Training Course. This program equips library professionals with the essential principles and practical techniques to design intuitive website structures and enhance the overall user experience. Mastering information architecture (IA) and user experience (UX) is increasingly vital for libraries seeking to effectively connect users with resources, services, and information in the digital age, ensuring high user satisfaction and engagement. Our library website UX training course offers in-depth strategies and actionable insights for creating user-friendly online environments.

This Information Architecture and User Experience (UX) for Library Websites training delves into the core concepts of IA and UX, covering topics such as user research, content organization, navigation design, wireframing, usability testing, accessibility, and mobile-first design. You will gain expertise in understanding user needs, structuring website content logically, creating intuitive navigation systems, and iteratively improving your library's website based on user feedback. Whether you are a web librarian, digital services manager, or library staff involved in website management, this Information Architecture and User Experience (UX) for Library Websites course will empower you to create a more effective and user-centric online presence for your library.

Target Audience:

• Web Librarians
• Digital Services Managers
• Library Website Administrators
• User Experience (UX) Professionals (New to Libraries)
• Systems Librarians
• Electronic Resources Librarians
• Library Staff Involved in Website Management

Course Objectives:

• Understand the fundamental principles of Information Architecture (IA) for library websites.
• Master core concepts and methodologies of User Experience (UX) design for libraries.
• Conduct effective user research to understand library website user needs.
• Develop logical and intuitive content organization structures for library websites.
• Design clear and effective navigation systems for easy website browsing.
• Create wireframes and prototypes to visualize website structure and user flows.
• Plan and conduct usability testing to gather user feedback and identify areas for improvement.
• Ensure library websites are accessible to users with disabilities (WCAG guidelines).
• Implement mobile-first design principles for optimal user experience on all devices.
• Utilize data and analytics to inform IA and UX design decisions.
• Apply user-centered design principles throughout the website development lifecycle.
• Understand the relationship between IA, UX, and overall library service delivery online.
• Evaluate and improve the IA and UX of existing library websites.

DURATION

10 Days

Course Content

Module 1: Introduction to IA and UX for Library Websites

• Fundamentals of Information Architecture (IA) and User Experience (UX) for libraries.
• Understanding the importance of IA and UX in the context of library services online.
• Exploring key principles of usability, accessibility, and user-centered design.
• Identifying the benefits of a well-designed library website for users and staff.
• Best practices for initiating IA and UX improvements for library websites.

Module 2: Understanding Library Website Users

• Conducting effective user research to understand library website user needs.
• Utilizing various user research methods (surveys, interviews, user stories).
• Developing user personas to represent key user groups and their goals.
• Analyzing user behavior and identifying pain points on existing websites.
• Best practices for gathering and synthesizing user insights for design.

Module 3: Content Organization and Structure

• Developing logical and intuitive content organization structures for library websites.
• Applying information architecture principles to categorize and structure content.
• Utilizing card sorting and tree testing to inform content organization.
• Creating clear and consistent labeling and terminology.
• Best practices for organizing library website content for discoverability.

Module 4: Navigation Design for Library Websites

• Designing clear and effective navigation systems for easy website browsing.
• Understanding different types of navigation (global, local, contextual).
• Creating intuitive menus, breadcrumbs, and site search functionality.
• Applying navigation best practices for usability and accessibility.
• Best practices for designing user-friendly library website navigation.

Module 5: Wireframing and Prototyping

• Creating wireframes and prototypes to visualize website structure and user flows.
• Understanding the purpose and different levels of fidelity in wireframing.
• Utilizing prototyping tools to create interactive mockups.
• Testing wireframes and prototypes with users to gather early feedback.
• Best practices for effective wireframing and prototyping for library websites.

Module 6: Usability Testing for Library Websites

• Planning and conducting usability testing to gather user feedback and identify areas for improvement.
• Developing usability testing tasks and scenarios.
• Recruiting and moderating usability testing sessions.
• Analyzing usability testing data and identifying key issues.
• Best practices for conducting effective usability testing in a library context.

Module 7: Accessibility for Library Websites (WCAG)

• Ensuring library websites are accessible to users with disabilities (WCAG guidelines).
• Understanding the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1.
• Implementing accessible design principles for content, navigation, and multimedia.
• Utilizing accessibility evaluation tools and techniques.
• Best practices for creating inclusive and accessible library websites.

Module 8: Mobile-First Design for Library Websites

• Implementing mobile-first design principles for optimal user experience on all devices.
• Understanding the importance of responsive design and mobile usability.
• Prioritizing content and functionality for mobile users.
• Testing website responsiveness across different screen sizes.
• Best practices for creating effective mobile experiences for library websites.

Module 9: Data and Analytics for IA/UX Improvement

• Utilizing data and analytics to inform IA and UX design decisions.
• Understanding key website metrics and analytics tools (e.g., Google Analytics).
• Tracking user behavior, navigation patterns, and content engagement.
• Identifying areas for website improvement based on data insights.
• Best practices for using data to drive IA and UX enhancements.

Module 10: User-Centered Design Principles in Libraries

• Applying user-centered design principles throughout the website development lifecycle.
• Emphasizing user needs and goals in all design decisions.
• Iterating on designs based on user feedback and testing.
• Fostering a user-centric culture within the library web team.
• Best practices for embedding user-centered design in library website development.

Module 11: IA, UX, and Online Library Service Delivery

• Understanding the relationship between IA, UX, and overall library service delivery online.
• Designing intuitive pathways to online resources, databases, and services.
• Optimizing the user experience for key library tasks (e.g., searching the catalog, requesting interlibrary loan).
• Ensuring seamless integration between the website and other online library systems.
• Best practices for aligning website design with online service delivery goals.

Module 12: Evaluating and Improving Existing Library Websites

• Evaluating and improving the IA and UX of existing library websites.
• Conducting heuristic evaluations and expert reviews.
• Identifying usability issues and areas for redesign.
• Developing prioritized recommendations for website improvements.
• Best practices for continuous evaluation and optimization of library websites.

Module 13: Content Strategy and IA/UX

• Understanding the crucial role of content strategy in effective IA and UX.
• Planning for content creation, governance, and maintenance.
• Ensuring content is findable, usable, and engaging.
• Aligning content strategy with user needs and website goals.
• Best practices for integrating content strategy with IA and UX design.

Module 14: Collaboration and Communication in Web Teams

• Fostering effective collaboration and communication within library web teams.
• Establishing clear roles and responsibilities for IA and UX tasks.
• Utilizing collaborative design tools and workflows.
• Communicating design decisions and rationale to stakeholders.
• Best practices for teamwork in library website development.

Module 15: The Future of Library Website UX

• Exploring emerging trends and the future of user experience on library websites.
• Understanding the impact of artificial intelligence, personalization, and new technologies.
• Anticipating evolving user expectations and behaviors online.
• Planning for the ongoing evolution and adaptation of library websites.
• Best practices for staying ahead in library website IA and UX.

Training Approach

This course will be delivered by our skilled trainers who have vast knowledge and experience as expert professionals in the fields. The course is taught in English and through a mix of theory, practical activities, group discussion and case studies. Course manuals and additional training materials will be provided to the participants upon completion of the training.

Tailor-Made Course

This course can also be tailor-made to meet organization requirement. For further inquiries, please contact us on: Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Training Venue

The training will be held at our Skills for Africa Training Institute Training Centre. We also offer training for a group at requested location all over the world. The course fee covers the course tuition, training materials, two break refreshments, and buffet lunch.

Visa application, travel expenses, airport transfers, dinners, accommodation, insurance, and other personal expenses are catered by the participant

Certification

Participants will be issued with Skills for Africa Training Institute certificate upon completion of this course.

Airport Pickup and Accommodation

Airport pickup and accommodation is arranged upon request. For booking contact our Training Coordinator through Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Terms of Payment: Unless otherwise agreed between the two parties’ payment of the course fee should be done 7 working days before commencement of the training.