UR Library staff get tips to enhance user experience to elevate research and effective learning

In an effort to enhance the user experience (UX) for research libraries, a workshop was organized at the University of Rwanda-College of Education to equip library staff with efficient methods to navigate an expanding library and assist users in their daily activities such as learning, teaching, and research.

Under the framework of the UR Sweden Program, the workshop seeks, among others to explore the application of User Experience (UX) design principles to both physical and virtual library services, while identifying qualitative and quantitative UX research methods suitable for the library’s needs. Additionally, the workshop facilitated knowledge and experience sharing through innovative processes. It was conducted by Linda Vidlund from SLU and Veronica Trépagny from the University of Boras, both from Sweden.

Workshop participants during the workshop

Speaking during the workshop, Gonzalve Nzeyimana, the Director of the Campus Library Services, noted that the workshop aimed to address key challenges related to efficiently locating specific books or keywords within a continually expanding library. He emphasized the workshop’s significance in equipping librarians with skills to explore methods to assist users in their daily activities.

The desired outcomes included applying users’ behavior and attitudes to services, evaluating and improving library websites, services, and systems and needs of users during UX research. Various approaches, such as facilitator-led methods, interactive demonstrations, small group tasks, and discussions, were utilized to ensure active participation and effective learning.

Participants pose for a group photo with facilitators

Facilitators Linda Vidlund and Veronica Trépagny brought their expertise from Sweden to enrich the learning experience. The sustainability of the training lies in supporting Rwanda’s development by discovering and advancing knowledge. The goal is to prepare library users for leadership, fostering solutions and enhancing skills in academic research, writing, citation styles, and online self-regulated learning.

Overall, the workshop aligns with UR policy regarding online education to enhance the usage of e-resources, thereby elevating the quality of education and research output at the University of Rwanda.