Course contents
Unit 1: Who uses your library?

What is observation research? | |
What this research can and cannot do | |
Why is it worth doing? | |
Data collected in your library | |
Visible and invisible customers | |
Which age groups use small libraries? | |
Which age groups use a central library? | |
Visitor flow by time of day | |
Combining age group and time of day | |
Is this a breach of privacy? | |
Preparing for Task One | |
Task One: Observation of age and gender | |
Task One: Results |
Unit 2: Observing book display

Effective book displays | |
Observation methods | |
Tips for observers | |
Recording and collating results | |
Sample sizes | |
Keeping it simple | |
Observing display and merchandising | |
How physical factors affect choice | |
How can displays work harder? | |
Recruiting observers | |
Training observers | |
Preparing for Task Two | |
Task Two: Observation of a specific display before and after changes | |
Task Two: Results |
Unit 3: Observing routes and length of visit

Which routes do visitors take through the library? | |
Tracking customer routes | |
Destination flow | |
Comparisons between branches | |
Framing your research question | |
Working alone or with others | |
What is the average length of visit? | |
Planning for Task Three | |
Prepare for the unexpected | |
Uncovering bigger challenges | |
Observing staff procedures | |
Example raw observation notes | |
Task Three: Results | |
Thank you | |
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