UXSG@SJSU iSchool x SJSU REFORMA Student Chapter – Creating Inclusive UX in Libraries Panel Highlights & Insights

In partnership with the SJSU REFORMA Student Chapter, UXSG co-hosted a virtual panel discussion, Creating Inclusive User Experiences in Libraries: Addressing the Needs of Latinx and Diverse Communities. As part of the panel organizer group, I wanted to share highlights and insights from these professionals that stood out to me.

You Can (And SHOULD) Apply UX to Whatever You Do:

•  When Sharesly Rodriguez was working as a Course Reserve and Circulation Specialist, the team she was on redesigned a request form and this was an opportunity to use her knowledge of UX principles to suggest improvements.
• April Ibarra Siquieros first learned about UX from a coworker/classmate while a graduate assistant getting her MLIS. The other student was following a UX concentration through their grad program. In a prior role as a Research and Instruction Librarian, April still applied UX knowledge to student interactions, and when the university opened a new UX Librarian position, she had examples of UX skills to get the job.
• Edwin Rodarte worked with a student who created a redesign plan for the LAPL website as a profile piece for a UX design portfolio.

 “Apply what you learn to school, work (even if you don’t work as a librarian), and teach. Talk about it because UX applies to all types of librarians.” – Sharesly Rodriguez

People-Oriented Services:

In this panel there were some great discussions of user experience, access and outreach, accessibility, and inclusivity.

• Concerning a library website redesign, April said, “We want to make the website accessible and compliant, but that doesn’t feel like enough anymore. We want to exceed the minimum requirements because that’s what folks should have and deserve. We don’t want to just check off some boxes, so we don’t get sued.” She advocates for universal design principles embedded in the library website redesign, and not just as afterthoughts for the sake of compliance.
•  Kay Ming Cardena gave advice that has helped her in outreach work, recognizing the difference between an announcement and an invitation. “’We want everybody to participate in this’—that’s not really an invitation. It’s an announcement. An invitation is when somebody feels their presence is actually noticed– that people will notice if they’re there or they’re not there.” Building relationships with students or student groups helps to build engagement.
•  Outreach and UX can overlap and support overall library services.

“Ask to join additional teams at work and join professional associations to gain professional experience you will not get from your current position.” – Mario Ascencio

Conclusion

Ultimately, the discussion highlighted that creating inclusive and effective user experiences in libraries is an ongoing journey that benefits from the application of UX principles in every facet of library service. As the field continues to evolve, librarians are empowered to innovate and advocate for practices that truly reflect the diverse needs of their communities.

Advice to MLIS Students:

– “Find mentors. Reach out to people and learn what they do. Be Bold. Not every connection will turn into mentorship, but it will get you more comfortable with reaching out.” – Kay Ming Cadena

– “UX Librarianship is still emerging, and it’s not important to have UX in your title to do UX work as a librarian. Maybe you will find a UX Librarian role, but there are many other situations with opportunities to apply UX knowledge to your role.” – April Ibarra Siquieros

–  “You don’t have to have an official title to be doing this work if it is a passion project of yours. Find projects, find institutions, or find other places to showcase your work and build a portfolio.” – Edwin Rodarte