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Billings Public Library
Embracing, empowering, enriching the community
Role:
Research, UX/UI, Information Architecture
Timeline:
March - May 2022
PROBLEM STATEMENT
The Billings Public Library serves the Billings, Montana community by providing access to information, literature, events, and more. There is an abundance of information within the library’s website that can be better organized for users to intuitively and efficiently access.
Background
HYPOTHESIS
A thorough analysis and redesign of the information architecture will effectively improve the user experience of the Billings Public Library website.
WHY
Libraries have always held the purpose of storing information, but they also play a fundamental role in learning. They provide visitors with the information they are looking for, while ensuring it is accurate and truthful. Libraries provide resources and services for literacy and education while also serving as shared community-centered spaces.
Improvements in several aspects of the Billings Public Library’s website organization can not only provide users with a more efficient experience, but also improve awareness and encourage involvement in the library’s mission to provide education, resources, and community.
COMMUNITY OPPORTUNITIES
A website that encourages the community to get involved with the public library and its efforts gives them access not only to powerful information but also to additional services that aid in the mission of community involvement, making this a great opportunity for local companies who provide:
Research
I interviewed one librarian from Skokie Public Library and one library user from Kent State University. I also conducted a literature review, providing several key resources.
INSIGHTS
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Libraries and their websites are “faced with the challenge of developing and updating collections and services to meet the needs of multiple generations of users with differing approaches to information seeking” (Connaway, 2015).
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Users differ by age, socioeconomic status, occupation, education level, and more. Not only do these different types of users have different goals, but they actually seek information in contrasting ways.
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Library “jargon” is one of the most reported issues identified because unfamiliar terms are barriers to fully utilizing resources (“7 Best Practices,” 2015).
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Search is often a primary action a user takes on library websites (“7 Best Practices,” 2015).
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The most commonly attended page of a library website is typically the electronic catalog.​
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Many users access library websites to learn about events and event registration.
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While users are typically already aware of the tasks they are trying to complete, many admit that they lack awareness of library offerings, including materials, technology, and services (Connaway, 2015).
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Across all devices, users are most familiar with search engines. Library website systems “need to emulate Internet search engines” in order for users to access the information they seek quickly and easily.
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Website users not only want easy access to answers and documents but also full gratification of their information requests on the spot (Connaway, 2015).
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Many users are interested in personalized online accounts that provide customized experiences (“What People Want,” 2020).
USER PERSONAS
Progress
SITEMAP
SKETCHES
WIREFRAMES
Design
HOMEPAGE
At a glance, see the resources the library has to offer and easily navigate to a source of information .
View upcoming events, search for a book, or get a library card from the home page. Explore the research tools, digital media, or services the library provides by diving deeper into the site navigation.
Visual System
COLORS & TYPOGRAPHY
Typeface: Karla
Headings
SUBHEADINGS
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Outcome
DELIVERABLES
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Information architecture audit
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Revised sitemap
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Wireframes
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High fidelity designs
VALUES
Many people are aware that libraries are a great resource for information, yet library websites do not typically make access to these resources easy or delightful. By restructuring the information architecture of the Billings Public Library website, users are able to more effectively navigate the offerings available to them.
A redesign of the interface further encourages users to interact with the library’s offerings and feel the sense of community that it supports.
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