User Research And Needs Assessment In Libraries Training Course

Introduction

Deepen your understanding of your library users and their needs with our comprehensive User Research and Needs Assessment in Libraries Training Course. This program equips library professionals with the essential methodologies and practical skills to effectively conduct user research and needs assessments, providing valuable insights to inform service development, resource allocation, and strategic planning. Mastering user research is increasingly vital for libraries seeking to remain relevant, responsive, and impactful in serving their diverse communities. Our library user research training course offers in-depth strategies and actionable techniques for understanding your users.

This User Research and Needs Assessment in Libraries training delves into key research methods such as surveys, interviews, focus groups, usability testing, observation, data analysis, and the application of findings to library services. You will gain expertise in designing effective research instruments, recruiting participants, conducting ethical research, analyzing qualitative and quantitative data, and translating research findings into actionable recommendations for improving library services and resources. Whether you are a public services librarian, assessment librarian, digital services staff, or library administrator, this User Research and Needs Assessment in Libraries course will empower you to gather and utilize user data to create more user-centered and impactful library services.

Target Audience:

• Public Services Librarians
• Assessment Librarians
• Digital Services Librarians
• Library Administrators
• User Experience (UX) Librarians
• Research Support Staff
• Library Staff Involved in Service Planning

Course Objectives:

• Understand the fundamental principles and importance of user research in libraries.
• Master various user research methodologies relevant to library contexts.
• Develop skills in designing effective surveys and questionnaires for data collection.
• Learn how to conduct insightful interviews and focus groups with library users.
• Apply usability testing techniques to evaluate library resources and services.
• Utilize observation methods to understand user behavior in library spaces.
• Analyze and interpret qualitative and quantitative data gathered from user research.

DURATION

5 Days

Course Content:

Module 1: Foundations of User Research in Libraries

• Understanding the fundamental principles and importance of user research in libraries.
• Exploring the benefits of user-centered approaches to library service design.
• Identifying different types of user research questions and their applications.
• Understanding ethical considerations in conducting user research with library patrons.
• Best practices for planning and implementing effective user research projects.

Module 2: Quantitative Research Methods (Surveys)

• Developing skills in designing effective surveys and questionnaires for data collection.
• Understanding different types of survey questions and their strengths and weaknesses.
• Crafting clear, concise, and unbiased survey instruments.
• Implementing effective survey distribution and data collection strategies.
• Best practices for designing and administering impactful library surveys.

Module 3: Qualitative Research Methods (Interviews and Focus Groups)

• Learning how to conduct insightful interviews and focus groups with library users.
• Developing effective interview protocols and guiding questions.
• Facilitating engaging and productive focus group discussions.
• Employing active listening and probing techniques to gather rich data.
• Best practices for conducting and analyzing qualitative user research.

Module 4: Usability Testing of Library Resources

• Applying usability testing techniques to evaluate library resources and services.
• Understanding the principles of usability and user experience.
• Planning and conducting usability tests for websites, databases, and physical spaces.
• Identifying usability issues and gathering user feedback on design and functionality.
• Best practices for improving library resources based on usability testing.

Module 5: Observational Research in Library Spaces

• Utilizing observation methods to understand user behavior in library spaces.
• Developing systematic observation protocols and data collection tools.
• Analyzing user interactions with library spaces, resources, and staff.
• Identifying patterns of use and areas for potential improvement.
• Best practices for conducting and interpreting observational user research.

Module 6: Data Analysis and Interpretation

• Analyzing and interpreting qualitative and quantitative data gathered from user research.
• Employing basic statistical techniques for quantitative data analysis.
• Utilizing thematic analysis and other methods for qualitative data interpretation.
• Identifying key trends, patterns, and insights from research findings.
• Best practices for making sense of user research data.

Module 7: Applying Research Findings to Library Services

• Translating user research findings into actionable recommendations for improving library services.
• Developing data-informed strategies for service development and resource allocation.
• Communicating research findings effectively to stakeholders.
• Implementing changes based on user feedback and evaluating their impact.
• Best practices for utilizing user research to create more user-centered libraries.

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.