Evolution of Library Ethnography Studies :: Susan Gibbons, Yale University

EVOLUTION OF LIBRARY ETHNOGRAPHY STUDIES

Susan Gibbons

University Librarian &

Deputy Provost

Yale University

BEGINNINGS: UNIVERSITY OF ROCHESTER

Anthropologist in the Library

Work-Practice Methodology Xerox PARC (David Lindahl) Anthropologist (Nancy Fried Foster)

2003-04: Faculty work practices (institutional repositories)

2004-06: Undergraduate students (research & writing papers)

2006-08: Graduate students (dissertations)

2008-09: How people search (eXtensible Catalog)

2009-10: Science library buildings in digital age

2010-12: Undergraduate students

ANTHROPOLOGIST IN THE LIBRARYGoalsReal vs. Perceived User Needs

How can we improve our services, digital presence and physical facilities?

Adapt to the changing needs of our usersQuestio

n

Methods

Data

Gatherin

g

Findings

Change

2 EXAMPLES

UndergraduatesPaper research and writing

Graduate studentsDissertation process

BLACK BOX QUESTION

Improve library support of undergraduatesWhat makes an “A” paper? Faculty angle.

What happens between assignment of research paper and completed paper?

METHODS

Retrospective InterviewsVolunteer students

“Shadowed” throughout semester

Interviews

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FRESHMEN ORIENTATION

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WRITING & RESEARCH

Not a linear process

Student can’t always recognize where their problem is

Research Write Polish

Paper

Tools

Research

Writing

YALE- PERSONAL LIBRARIAN PROGRAM

2 EXAMPLES

UndergraduatesPaper research and writing

Graduate studentsDissertation process

DISSERTATION QUESTION

Improve library support of graduate studentsWhat are the barriers to successful dissertation completion?

Rochester- all disciplines

Yale- humanities focus

METHODS

InSitu InterviewsShow us where and how you work

SIMILAR FINDINGS (ROCHESTER & YALE)

Magical summer

Timing of introduction to research tools

Human networks•How can librarians be a part of the network?

ROCHESTER FINDING- SPACE

Ideal library space for graduate studentsNo undergraduate students

Solitary, but with others

Variety of seating/tasks

Lots of outlets, good lighting

METHODS

Design charettesDraw in detail your ideal library space

YALE FINDING- SPECIAL COLLECTIONS

Understanding archival research

Paleography challenges

How to use other special collections/archives

NEW UNDERSTANDINGS

Barriers to entry need to be lowered

Blending of academic & social

Importance of physical spacesSymbolic

Neutral

Technology & literature intertwined

Defined by our services

Embrace experimentation

Tolerance of change & failure

MORE INFORMATION

ANTHROLIB