Designing the Future-proof Library:  Here's How We Do It!
  Steven J. Bell, Ed. D., Associate University Librarian for Research & Instructional Services, Temple University

While describing what it means to "future-proof," Dr. Bell included several examples of companies that have thrived for decades and continue to have strong customer support.  One of the common threads among companies, such as Eastman Kodak, is that they have focused not so much on their products, but on the user experience.  Bell stated, "The experience is the product."

In order to maintain future relevance, libraries must engage in design thinking.  Besides having the expected resources, libraries need to add value by creating meaningful experiences for patrons. To do that we need to understand who our patrons are, how they use the library and its resources (or how they would like to use them), and give them outstanding service.

Bell suggested ten steps to incorporate while future-proofing our libraries with improved user experiences (UX): 

• Be creative/innovative (listen to your users)
• Go local (know your users)
• Engage your users where they're at (get away from the reference desk)
• Fix what is broken (a process, a service)
• Master adaptability (be ready to change...quickly)
• Keep up (what's the next big thing, social trend, technology)
• Create passionate users (it's all about the experience)
• Be a problem finder (be a proactive, future thinker)
• Build relationships (with your patrons - students, faculty, staff, & community)
• Know your core values

Related web sites include:

Steven Bell's Keeping Up website - http://www.stevenbell.info/keepup/
Design/UX section of Steven Bell's website - http://stevenbell.info/design
Designing Better Libraries - http://dbl.lishost.org

  Photo and Report by Judy Mitchell

Small-group brainstorming and discussion

Immediately after the keynote address, the audience met in small groups to brainstorm issues regarding future-proofing our libraries.

Photo by Dan Gall