I’m Michael Aguilar and I am the faculty advisor for UXSG @ the iSchool, and also the User Engagement + Insights Librarian at the SJSU Library.
 

I first developed an interest in user experience during graduate school, which led to an interest in supporting the creation of products and services that center user voices and lived experiences. Prior to my current position, I performed user experience and engagement work with non-profit organizations, startups, and a research center. My recent work with user experience in libraries has additionally led to a co-edited book Creating an Inclusive Library, which was published earlier this year by the Association of College & Research Libraries. As the faculty mentor for the UXSG @ the iSchool, I hope my academic and professional background allows me to provide insight and knowledge on the centering of user voices in the design of systems and spaces.

My overarching interest lies in how role design plays in addressing our most pressing social issues, and my current work examines the role of design in the formation of relationships with library resources, services, and spaces. This current research examines belonging and othering in education spaces, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on student engagement and perceptions of the library, and how both of these impact academic performance.