How do we utilize “public library” resources better ?
How do we utilize “public library” resources better ?
Why did we take this topic up ?
Why did we take this topic up ?
The Perception of public libraries
The Perception of public libraries
We chose to work on this project because we saw that Indian public libraries, which could be really important places for learning and community, weren't being used as much as they should be. People often think of them as old-fashioned and hard to use, even though they have a lot to offer. We wanted to figure out why this was happening and find ways to make them better.
Often there is lack of information and awareness about the public libraries in India. There is a difference between the perception and services provided by the libraries.
We chose to work on this project because we saw that Indian public libraries, which could be really important places for learning and community, weren't being used as much as they should be. People often think of them as old-fashioned and hard to use, even though they have a lot to offer. We wanted to figure out why this was happening and find ways to make them better.
Often there is lack of information and awareness about the public libraries in India. There is a difference between the perception and services provided by the libraries.
Role
Role
UX Designer
User Researcher
UX Designer
User Researcher
Timeline
Timeline
Sept 2024 - Nov 2024
Sept 2024 - Nov 2024
Team
Team
Freya Thakkar
Vritti Dagalia
Yashvi Kamdar
Vanshika Maheshwari
Freya Thakkar
Vritti Dagalia
Yashvi Kamdar
Vanshika Maheshwari
Who? Why? How?
Who? Why? How?
Understanding people who “go” to libraries
Understanding people who “go” to libraries
People from lower and middle-class backgrounds often visit public libraries in India. This includes students preparing for competitive exams who require research and some study material, as well as older individuals who enjoy reading a variety of topics and exploring new interests. Many visitors specifically utilize the reading rooms rather than the books available in the library.
People from lower and middle-class backgrounds often visit public libraries in India. This includes students preparing for competitive exams who require research and some study material, as well as older individuals who enjoy reading a variety of topics and exploring new interests. Many visitors specifically utilize the reading rooms rather than the books available in the library.
People from lower and middle-class backgrounds often visit public libraries in India. This includes students preparing for competitive exams who require research and some study material, as well as older individuals who enjoy reading a variety of topics and exploring new interests. Many visitors specifically utilize the reading rooms rather than the books available in the library.
who
how
who
why
how
When We
When We
Visited the Library for research
Visited the Library for research
We realized that the people visiting libraries are extremely satisfied. and do not have major painpoints.
After talking to the library staff the main painpoints were -
No proper resource utilization
Need for further digitalization
Lack of awareness
Wastage of books
Inventory Issues
All these painpoints are directed towards the library as a service.
We realized that the people visiting libraries are extremely satisfied. and do not have major painpoints.
After talking to the library staff the main painpoints were -
No proper resource utilization
Need for further digitalization
Lack of awareness
Wastage of books
Inventory Issues
All these painpoints are directed towards the library as a service.
Organization of books
Organization of books
Organization of books
Current system
Current system
Current system
RFID in every book
RFID in every book
RFID in every book
Newspaper reading room
Newspaper reading room
Newspaper reading room
Book Categorization
Book Categorization
Book Categorization
Self book issue system
Self book issue system
Self book issue system
Who? Why? How?
Who? Why? How?
Understanding people who “don’t go” to libraries
Understanding people who “don’t go” to libraries
People who don’t go to libraries include students, professionals, and elderly individuals who prefer digital resources, are unaware of library services, or find them outdated. Busy schedules and accessibility issues further discourage visits. Instead, they rely on online study materials, e-books, and co-working spaces, with many opting to study at home for convenience.
who
why
how
how
Users can borrow books online through "PICK A BOOK," a portal linked to the "e-granthalaya" library system. After requesting a book, a pickup slip is sent to the lending library. The book is then delivered to the user's chosen library for reading. Once finished, the user returns the book to a dropbox at any convenient library.
Users can borrow books online through "PICK A BOOK," a portal linked to the "e-granthalaya" library system. After requesting a book, a pickup slip is sent to the lending library. The book is then delivered to the user's chosen library for reading. Once finished, the user returns the book to a dropbox at any convenient library.
Gaps between customer and company
Gaps between customer and company
Identifying the expectation and reality gap
Identifying the expectation and reality gap
We understand that customers have different needs and expectations. Our goal is to identify these gaps and work towards providing a smooth and satisfying experience.
Key Takeaways :
Difference between customer expectation and perception
The Knowledge Gap indicates a potential lack of understanding by the company (library) of customer needs. This leads to Policy Gaps and Delivery Gaps.
We understand that customers have different needs and expectations. Our goal is to identify these gaps and work towards providing a smooth and satisfying experience.
Key Takeaways :
Difference between customer expectation and perception
The Knowledge Gap indicates a potential lack of understanding by the company (library) of customer needs. This leads to Policy Gaps and Delivery Gaps.
The target audience
The target audience
User Persona group
User Persona group
Overwhelmed
Overwhelmed
Overwhelmed
Anxious
Anxious
Anxious
Stressed
Stressed
Stressed
Current Feelings
Current Feelings
Current Feelings
Independent
Independent
Independent
STRESSED
STRESSED
STRESSED
Analytical
Analytical
Analytical
Procrastination
Procrastination
Procrastination
Cautious
Cautious
Cautious
Personality
Personality
Personality
Activity
Activity
Activity
Youtube
Youtube
Youtube
Frustrations
Frustrations
Frustrations
Specific books she needs for research are unavailable, especially if she needs them urgently for her thesis.
Specific books she needs for research are unavailable, especially if she needs them urgently for her thesis.
Specific books she needs for research are unavailable, especially if she needs them urgently for her thesis.
EBooks or journals, are limited or have restricted access.
EBooks or journals, are limited or have restricted access.
EBooks or journals, are limited or have restricted access.
Goals
Goals
Goals
Finds specific academic books for research, access resources efficiently.
Finds specific academic books for research, access resources efficiently.
Finds specific academic books for research, access resources efficiently.
She wants to use advanced search features on the library website or app to easily filter through a vast collection of resources.
She wants to use advanced search features on the library website or app to easily filter through a vast collection of resources.
She wants to use advanced search features on the library website or app to easily filter through a vast collection of resources.
AGE
AGE
AGE
21
21
21
OCCUPATION
OCCUPATION
OCCUPATION
Graduate Student
Graduate Student
Graduate Student
STATUS
STATUS
STATUS
Single
Single
Single
LOCATION
LOCATION
LOCATION
Gandhinagar, India
Gandhinagar, India
Gandhinagar, India
About
About
About
Manya is a focused graduate student working on her environmental studies thesis. With looming deadlines, she relies on the library for resources and frequently uses the hold service when books are unavailable.
Tech-savvy, she expects a smooth digital experience and values timely notifications to keep her research on track.
Manya is a focused graduate student working on her environmental studies thesis. With looming deadlines, she relies on the library for resources and frequently uses the hold service when books are unavailable.
Tech-savvy, she expects a smooth digital experience and values timely notifications to keep her research on track.
Manya is a focused graduate student working on her environmental studies thesis. With looming deadlines, she relies on the library for resources and frequently uses the hold service when books are unavailable.
Tech-savvy, she expects a smooth digital experience and values timely notifications to keep her research on track.
Demographics
Demographics
Demographics
Manya Kumar
Manya Kumar
Manya Kumar
Categorizing various problems
Categorizing various problems
Affinity Mapping of the problems
Affinity Mapping of the problems
To bridge the gaps between customers and public library services, we ideated extensively.
With this mapping we defined the exact problem statement then moved towards the solution.
This process helped us out to narrow down to the main issue
To bridge the gaps between customers and public library services, we ideated extensively.
With this mapping we defined the exact problem statement then moved towards the solution.
This process helped us out to narrow down to the main issue
Problem Statement
Problem Statement
Public libraries in India face declining relevance and user engagement due to outdated information & systems. Despite their potential as community knowledge hubs, libraries struggle to cater to modern users who seek convenience, accessibility, and efficient resource management.
Public libraries in India face declining relevance and user engagement due to outdated information & systems. Despite their potential as community knowledge hubs, libraries struggle to cater to modern users who seek convenience, accessibility, and efficient resource management.
The improvement
The improvement
Opportunities
Opportunities
The government has introduced modern services in public libraries, but many users struggle to utilize them due to disorganization and lack of awareness. This has resulted in underutilization of valuable resources. Hence after ideation we narrowed down to 3 possible solutions :
The government has introduced modern services in public libraries, but many users struggle to utilize them due to disorganization and lack of awareness. This has resulted in underutilization of valuable resources. Hence after ideation we narrowed down to 3 possible solutions :
Understanding the final
Understanding the final
Solution
Solution
Users can borrow books online through "PICK A BOOK," a portal linked to the "e-granthalaya" library system. After requesting a book, a pickup slip is sent to the lending library. The book is then delivered to the user's chosen library for reading. Once finished, the user returns the book to a dropbox at any convenient library.
Understanding the solution via
Understanding the solution via
Story Board
Story Board
The user will be able to request book online via a portal called PICK A BOOK. That portal will be connected to the existing library management system called e-granthalaya. Further there will be a pick up warrant sent to the respective library, the book will be picked and dropped of at the library selected by the user. the user will get a chance to read the book and then return it to the drop box at the nearest library.
1/12
Search for a book
2/12
Librarian gets notified
3/12
Librarian finds the book
4/12
Scans the book
5/12
Keeping the book in delivery box
6/12
Delivered to another library
7/12
User comes to pick a book
8/12
Gets msg that book is issued
After 5 days...
9/12
After some time
10/12
Return in the Dropbox
11/12
Librarian Scan books
12/12
Keeps it in library
Solution
Solution
How will this benefit the library
How will this benefit the library
Implementing the
Implementing the
Solution
Solution
To effectively implement the proposed solutions, a centralized system will be crucial. This system will serve as a vital mediator, streamlining communication and operations between the public and library management. Over here a new stake holder "Librarian" is added.
How will the service work
How will the service work
Service Blueprint
Service Blueprint
The book hold service streamlines access to library resources by enabling users to request books from any branch within the network. This system ensures that patrons receive their desired books efficiently, reducing wait times and enhancing overall satisfaction. By optimizing inter-branch coordination, the service not only improves resource availability but also enriches the user experience, making library visits more convenient and effective.
Service Blue Print
How will the system work
How will the system work
System Architecture
System Architecture
There will be one central system who's access will be with The Indian Library Foundation. They will have majority of the statistical data. Further all the libraries will be connected via the system and have information like Inventory, book list, book card delivery status. This is a conceptual system designed for the same.
There will be one central system who's access will be with The Indian Library Foundation. They will have majority of the statistical data. Further all the libraries will be connected via the system and have information like Inventory, book list, book card delivery status. This is a conceptual system designed for the same.
How will the service work
How will the service work
Concept Dashboard
Concept Dashboards
This dashboard could be integrated within existing library system Koha n E-Granthalaya used by Indian public libraries. Designed for our Pick A Book service, it features a home screen summarizing all relevant data. It also provides detailed views of books on hold, overdue returns, and hold statuses, along with options to send reminders and notifications to members with pending returns.
This dashboard could be integrated within existing library system Koha n E-Granthalaya used by Indian public libraries. Designed for our Pick A Book service, it features a home screen summarizing all relevant data. It also provides detailed views of books on hold, overdue returns, and hold statuses, along with options to send reminders and notifications to members with pending returns.
A demo showcasing how will the service work
A demo showcasing how will the service work
Interactive Prototype
Interactive Prototype
It is preferred to view the prototype on a desktop
Home
Books on Loan
Accounts
Total User
40,689
Total Orders
10,238
Pending requests
12
Pending returns
7
5k
10k
15k
20k
25k
30k
20%
40%
60%
80%
100%
Borrower and visitor stats
Jay Roy
Admin
Search
Stock
Books in inventory
2,00,000
Books in inventory
50
Connection to branches
Afternoon
40%
Evening
32%
Morning
28%
From 1-6 Nov, 2024
Order Time
Pending
23689
Harsh Shah
Twisted Tales
29 Oct 2024
06 Nov 2024
Completed
94758
Preeti Desai
Last 10 years solved papers UPSC
28 Oct 2024
05 Nov 2024
Completed
87503
Karan Patel
Challenging Minds
28 Oct 2024
05 Nov 2024
Pending
79304
Alaya Joshi
768 Destiny Lake Suite
28 Oct 2024
05 Nov 2024
Completed
00005
Alan Sharma
CLAT in 70 mins
27 Oct 2024
04 Nov 2024
Completed
00006
Alfred Murray
543 Weimann Mountain
15 Aug 2019
Processing
00007
Maggie Sullivan
New Scottieberg
21 Dec 2019
Watch
On Hold
00008
Rosie Todd
New Jon
30 Apr 2019
Medicine
In Transit
00009
Dollie Hines
124 Lyla Forge Suite 975
09 Jan 2019
Book
ID
NAME
BOOK
ISSUE DATE
RETURN DATE
STATUS
PICK-A-BOOK
Reflection and
Reflection and
Conclusion
Conclusion
In conclusion, our public library service design project has reimagined how libraries can better serve their communities by embracing modern technology, streamlining user experiences, and ensuring accessibility for all. By addressing key challenges and creating efficient systems like PICK A BOOK, we are paving the way for a more user-centric, connected, and inclusive future for public libraries in India. The end outcome over here is the system designed by us. A mock dashboard is designed to support the project outcome.
A Project by : Freya Thakkar, Vanshika Maheshwari, Vritti Dagliya, Yashvi Kamdar
In conclusion, our public library service design project has reimagined how libraries can better serve their communities by embracing modern technology, streamlining user experiences, and ensuring accessibility for all. By addressing key challenges and creating efficient systems like PICK A BOOK, we are paving the way for a more user-centric, connected, and inclusive future for public libraries in India. The end outcome over here is the system designed by us. A mock dashboard is designed to support the project outcome.
A Project by : Freya Thakkar, Vanshika Maheshwari, Vritti Dagliya, Yashvi Kamdar
Selected Work
Let’s Connect
Selected Work
Let’s Connect