NEWS

In a bid to enhance the user experience (UX) for research libraries, a workshop was conducted today at the University of Rwanda-Rukara Campus. The workshop which took place on the 23rd January 2024 at UR Rukara Campus aimed 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.

UR Rukara Campus Library Staff during the workshop training

The workshop, led by Linda Vidlund from SLU and co-facilitator Veronica Trépagny from the University of BORAS, Sweden, was organized under the University of Rwanda-Sweden Programme for Research, Higher Education, and Institutional Advancement. This program supports the development of research capacity and the use of research for poverty reduction in Rwanda.

Linda Vidlund and Veronica Trépagny facilitated the workshop training

As highlighted by Mr.Gonzalve Nzeyimana, the Director of the Campus Library Service and a participant in the workshop noted that the workshop aimed to address a key challenge related to efficiently locating specific books or keywords within a continually expanding library. He added that it is because librarians need to explore methods to assist users in their daily activities.

Mr.Gonzalve Nzeyimana, the Director of the Campus Library Service and a participant in the workshop

The workshop had six main objectives :
1. Introduction to various research methods used by UX researchers.
2. Understanding the difference between attitudinal and behavioral UX research methods.
3. Facilitating knowledge and experience sharing through innovative processes.
4. Identifying qualitative and quantitative UX research methods suitable for the library’s needs.
5. Applying UX design principles to physical and virtual library services.
6. Enhancing the usage of e-resources to elevate the quality of education and research output at the University of Rwanda.

The desired outcomes included applying users’ behavior and attitudes to services, evaluating and improving library websites, services, and systems, and studying the motivations, behaviors, 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 during the workshop.

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 lives of service and leadership, fostering solutions and enhancing skills in academic research, writing, citation styles, and online self-regulated learning.

Facilitators posing for a group photo with the participants