Scholarly Works - FutureLib
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Item Open Access Futurelib Student Learning Journey project report(2018-09-01) Marshall, D; Marshall, David [0000-0002-1629-3552]The Futurelib 'Student Learning Journey project' (October 2017 to May 2018) was an in-depth qualitative research study examining the needs, behaviours, motivations and approaches of Cambridge undergraduate and taught postgraduate students. It provided an opportunity to conduct a proactive, exploratory piece of research with those students, with the aim of developing Cambridge library services that continue to be tailored to the needs of their users. In the latter stages of the project there was a focus on exploring student perceptions, approaches and experiences related to academic skills and information literacy, to support work being undertaken by CILN (Cambridge Information Literacy Network). There was an emphasis on working with taught postgraduate students, students in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Medicine), as well as students who, for Cambridge, might sometimes be considered ‘non-traditional’, for example, distance learners, part-time students and students who had taken varied routes to higher education.Item Open Access Futurelib iDiscover user experience project report(2017-10-02) Marshall, D; Marshall, David [0000-0002-1629-3552]The Futurelib iDiscover project focused on the user experience of the iDiscover platform, the University of Cambridge interface for the Ex Libris Primo Discovery and Delivery service. The project employed UX research techniques, with a focus on observing people using iDiscover as well as talking to them about their experiences of the platform, and the place it had within their wider lives studying, conducting research and teaching at the University.Item Open Access Futurelib Intraloan project report(2017-08-01) Marshall, D; Marshall, David [0000-0002-1629-3552]The Futurelib Intraloan project (December 2016 to May 2017) was an in-depth research study looking at current experiences of library users at the University of Cambridge, specifically focusing on their use of and access to printed library resources. Although the Intraloan name is taken from a pilot book delivery service trialled during the project, it is important to note that the research was far broader than this, interested in the ways in which people access and use printed library content in the widest sense.Item Open Access Futurelib Protolib II project report(2017-05-01) Marshall, D; Marshall, David [0000-0002-1629-3552]The Futurelib 'Protolib II' project was conducted in order to supplement the findings of the first Protolib project, which examined study space provision at the University of Cambridge through prototyping distinct types of library environments. The aim of the Protolib II project was to find out what spaces might be needed at each of the three main University sites: the Sidgwick site, the West Cambridge site and the less distinct but identifiable site in the Cambridge city centre.Item Open Access Futurelib Tracker project(2017-05-01) Marshall, D; Marshall, David [0000-0002-1629-3552]The Futurelib Tracker project examined the ways in which library users approach and navigate physical library spaces and collections. This was achieved through prototyping signage and other navigational aids in four of Cambridge University’s libraries, testing the usability of these through eye-tracking, shadowing, observation and interviews with library users.Item Open Access Published version Peer-reviewed WhoHas? project report(Cambridge University Library, 2015-09-30) Priestner, AThe WhoHas? project is part of the Futurelib innovation programme which is actively seeking to uncover and then design for the genuine needs of today’s students, researchers and academics at Cambridge University. WhoHas? was the name given to the first Futurelib project to be tested in the field by real users. It explored the potential value of a peer-to-peer sub-lending service and was named after the common phrase used by students on Facebook to initiate sub-lending interactions with other students: ‘Who has...?’ The project would examine whether the legitimising of what is effectively a black market activity would be welcomed or rejected.Item Open Access Futurelib original concepts document(Cambridge University Library, 2016-10-27) Marshall, D; Priestner, A; Marshall, David [0000-0002-1629-3552]Since 2012 Cambridge University Library has been actively involved in user-centred design research. Between October 2012 and May 2014 a team headed up by Paul-Jervis Heath conducted a significant programme of ethnographic research. This report details the original 2012-14 research findings and the subsequent September 2014 interviews with library experts, as well as the concepts that Modern Human tabled to the University Library in December 2014. These concepts kick-started the Futurelib Programme into life and several of them became specific Futurelib projects in their own right, such as 'WhoHas?' and the successful 'Spacefinder'.Item Open Access Published version Peer-reviewed Spacefinder project report(Cambridge University Library, 2016-10-10) Marshall, D; Priestner, A; Marshall, David [0000-0002-1629-3552]When a range of ethnographic research techniques such as study diaries and contextual interviews revealed that Cambridge students were regularly struggling to find spaces matching their study needs and preferences, Futurelib set about developing a solution. Named ‘Spacefinder’ this new web-based service which would seek to match students with appropriate study spaces was tested in a rough prototype form with students, while co-design workshops offered further proof of concept. It was always intended that Spacefinder would not only include library spaces but also other places where students work such as cafés and common areas around the University, in this way the service would recognise Cambridge’s wider learning landscape. The end result, still in its pilot form, is a product comprising over 180 spaces that can be searched by a variety of preferences and criteria. Users can search for spaces that are extremely quiet and disciplined or alternatively, informal spaces where discussion and groupwork can take place. Facilities and features are also listed such as WIFI, food and drink, natural daylight, while the use of GPS technology means that if you are using Spacefinder on a phone or a tablet you will be alerted to study spaces nearby. Launched at the 2015 Freshers’ Fair Spacefinder was an immediate hit with new and existing students, quickly finding 1000 users in its first month alone. The Cambridge Student hailed it as ‘the website that will change your studying life forever’ while the Student Union’s Welfare and Rights representative expressed gratitude for the creation of a service that is ‘so up-to-date and relevant to student life!’ The service continues to be developed with new spaces added every month. Recent enhancements to the product include different coloured pins to denote different types of spaces and improved disability and access information.Item Open Access Published version Peer-reviewed Protolib project report(Cambridge University Library, 2016-04-28) Marshall, D; Priestner, A; Marshall, David [0000-0002-1629-3552]Protolib, literally prototyping libraries, set out to explore new models for library spaces at locations across the University of Cambridge. The project involved the creation and regular iteration of a range of prototype library environments over a period of several months. A large volume of data was collected from a variety of user experience research methods including ethnographic observation, behavioural mapping, short and in-depth interviews, and graffiti walls. During the project's analysis phase several key findings emerged: the discovery of a hierarchy of working activities; the importance of the provision of library spaces offering different degrees of intensity; and a set of specific design suggestions. Although Protolib's findings specifically focus on libraries at the University of Cambridge they are likely to be relevant and applicable to other libraries in the Higher Education sector.Item Open Access Published version Peer-reviewed Snapshot project report(Cambridge University Library, 2016-09-09) Marshall, D; Priestner, A; Marshall, David [0000-0002-1629-3552]This explorative cultural probe project set out to learn about the information and research behaviours of postdoctoral researchers and PhD students at the University of Cambridge. Nine participants from a number of AHSS and STEM disciplines completed a research diary over two weeks and a number of additional research methods were used, including a photo study and cognitive mapping exercise. The majority of the large and varied qualitative data set was gathered during debriefing interviews with participants, during which the materials they produced were examined and areas of interest were explored further. The projects findings led us to a variety of service design suggestions, both for new services which could be trialled and prototyped and ‘quick-fix’ suggestions that could be implemented more immediately. Potential new services included: Expertisefinder, a sister service to the successful Spacefinder which would list and promote library staff and their areas of expertise; an inter-disciplinary support network facilitated by library staff; the introduction of Library Envoys sitting within a research group or close knit group of PhDs students, acting as a conduit for information about library services and developments; and a means of increasing the visibility of training, support and information relating to statistical software at the University.Item Open Access Published version Peer-reviewed North Star project report(Cambridge University Library, 2016-10-10) Marshall, D; Priestner, A; Marshall, David [0000-0002-1629-3552]This scoping project explored the potential value of a new research platform, North Star, for the University of Cambridge’s academics and researchers which could simplify the publication process for academics and help them promote themselves and their research output via a single profile, while also acting as a shopfront for the University’s world-leading research. It was thought that such a platform might remove the complexity of the bewildering array of platforms and processes with which academics and researchers currently have to engage. Over 20 Cambridge University academics from a variety of disciplines were interviewed in depth about their research processes. Previous research into academic behaviour and a series of design workshops also fed into the final prototype which was tested with academics. An ‘Experience Blueprint’ was also created as part of the project to define how the platform would work for different user groups. Although the research showed that academics and research staff involved in the project were open to the concept there are no current plans to pursue North Star further.