Evolution of Library Ethnography Studies :: Susan Gibbons, Yale University
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Transcript of 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
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Helicopter_WikiWorld.png
FRESHMEN ORIENTATION
flickr.com/photos/tompagenet/2288339121/
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