Библиотека и пользователи - применение этнографического подхода для вовлечения пользователей в процессы обсуждения, формирования и развития библиотеченых сервисов

Abstract

Students Ethnography Research conducted at the American University of Central Asia (AUCA) in February-May of 2011. A specially organized group, which includes librarians, faculty and IT specialists of the AUCA, used ethnographic methods and approaches to study the effectiveness of the processes of providing information services to the University students. Using an ethnographic approach and methodology, called Participatory Design methods. The group conducted a study to gather detailed information, which helped to analyze the skills and habits of students, as well as exploring their approaches to search for information in preparing assignments and research papers. The following methods of the information gathering have been used during the research: observations, interviewing, photos, and mapping. In addition the research allowed studying what the students' real needs are in library services and how to use this information to improve the library performances and services. Ethnographic approach as an effective way of the users' involvement in the deliberative processes has shown its relevance and has opened new opportunities for identifying and evaluating user audience. In addition, the factual database can be used as an important basis for finding ways to improve academic processes' at the University as a whole.