Observation research

To improve the library experience for your customers, you need objective evidence about how people are using your space and resources.  Observing and recording anonymous customer behaviours is a powerful way to gather this.  This course will introduce the basic methods with easy exercises to build your experience and the opportunity to design your own observation too. Use these techniques to get beyond a familiar workspace and staff assumptions to what your customers actually see and do. Suitable for both public and college libraries.

The course is structured in three units, each with a practical task at the end. Unit 1 introduces observation methods and focuses on customer visits - age and gender profile and flow through the day. In Unit 2 you will consider how to use observation to help you plan, locate and merchandise collection displays so that they perform well. Unit 3 considers physical routes and how long customers stay at the library, together with some advice on how to deal with what your observations uncover. 

On our courses for Library Managers, you will develop a personal relationship with your mentor who will support and stretch your learning every step of the way. Your mentor will help you adapt the course content to your own workplace and shape your coursework so it is relevant to your individual professional situation.

Before you make a decision about taking a particular mentored course, perhaps you know a colleague who might also be interested in taking it?  In our courses for Library Managers, we offer every learner the opportunity to pair up online with a colleague who is also taking the course and throughout the course you’ll be invited to share ideas, swap plans and keep each other motivated.