Rodman Public Library: Information Architecture

Rodman Public
Library
USER EXPERIENCE RESEARCH FINDINGS
INFORMATION ARCHITECTURE
Brett Combs
Multi disciplinary designer integrating the

disciplines of visual communication, philosophy,
user experience design, user research and
information architecture.
Contact
13817 Cedar Road #102
University Heights, Ohio 44118
Phone 216-744-0908
bcombs1@kent.edu
www.bretcombs.com
Contents
01
Project Overview
Improving the usibility and user
experience of Rodman Library.com
02
Research Summary
Week by week breakdown of user
centered research and deliverables
03
User Personas
Research based expressions of Rodman
library target users
RODMAN LIBRARY
04
www.bretcombs.com
Task Analysis
Research based determination of
Rodman library users primary tasks
05
Site Map
Redesigned sitemap supporting users
with content labeling and taxonomy
BRETT COMBS USER EXPERIENCE DESIGN
10:12 PM October 13th

Open Until 9 PM
Home Catalog About Events Services | Children Teens Adults
06
Search Hours Location | Login
>
>
>
>
Recent Fiction •••••• Library Catalog Quick Links

Wireframes
Annotated mockups of pages supporting
Fiction Ask a Question
Sorts Most relevant | Alphabetical | Publication date | Call number | Most popular | Most rated / Ascending | Descending Search Catalog Search within results
Keyword
Non Fiction Get A Library Card
Subject Magazines Renew Materials
Author Reference Reserve a computer
Title
Databases Bookmobile
Rodman library users primary tasks

ISBN
Call Number Collections Newsletter

ISSN E-Books Programs
>
Rodman eBooks Online Training

eBooks for Kids Volunteer
Axis 360 ebooks Helpful Websites
Digital Magazines Configure Alerts
Audio Books Newsletter
Music Genealogy
Film & TV Streaming Media
Video Games Community Org’s
Crazy Rich Asians The Handmaid’s Tale Spy Master To All Boys I’ve Loved Before The Great Alone Little Fires Everywhere Children
Kevin Kawn Margret Atwood Brad Thor Jenny Han Kristan Hana Celeste Ng Teens
Adults
Project
Overview
RODMAN LIBRARY
www.bretcombs.com
Improving the usibility and
user experience of Rodman USER RESEARCH
library
User research conducted over the past six weeks
has informed the redesign of the Rodman Library
website information architecture to improve
the user experience. The primary goal of the

redesign has been to improve their experience by
attending to the various ways their primary tasks
can be supported with revised arrangements of
content, labeling, and taxonomy.
Research
Summary
Redesign research for rodmanlibrary.com was initiated
by learning and understanding about website users by
conducting interviews. In week two uncovered the various
ways the site is being used, the contexts of use and user
goals and needs by analyzing transcribed interviews and
relevant literature and producing user personas. In week
three we conducted further analysis and determined primary
user tasks and goals which informed a through content
analysis of the current site. In the final two weeks of the
project, we imagined solutions for a redesigned information
architecture, evaluated those solutions with user testing, and
revised and tested those revisions.
Activities Learn Understand Imagine Evaluate

Activities Learn Understand Imagine Evaluate

Conduct stakeholder & patron interviews
Create target user personas
Conduct information space survey
Produce a content analysis document
Re-interview stakeholders & discuss dynamic
content
Create a classification scheme and design rationale
Build a sitemap
Evaluate the classification scheme
Write tasks for and conduct taxonomy assessment
Interpret IA design assessment results
Document design revisions and rationale
Weeks 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
PROCESS
BRETT COMBS USER EXPERIENCE DESIGN www.bretcombs.com RODMAN LIBRARY
Rodman User Persona
Madelyn Madelyn’s Goals

Simplify my work as a researcher
27, Single
Graduate Student
Access the best possible resources
Market Researcher
(Ad Agency) Rely less on library staff
Become more confident in my research

Madelyn’s Life & Pain Points
Spend less time searching for resources
Madelyn is a busy grad student who works
part time. She is required to perform various
Pick up library materials from just one location
research activities to inform her work. Each
client requires the search for information
Help my team learn how to be better researchers
useful for informing any and all documents
and presentations she produces for others
on her team.
Madelyn’s Frustrations
Madelyn’s Questions
Tight Deadlines
• How much am I limiting my research by relying on
digital resources alone?
Too many different logins
I rely on library on-line collections • Is there one place to conduct searches that include
the largest number of resources and show the date
as much as possible. Tight resources would be available when they are Text only browsing for search results
deadlines leave little time for trips interlibrary loans?
to the library in person. Relying on library staff
Rodman User Persona
Markus Markus’s Goals

Set up notifications for reserved materials
62, Married
Retired Social worker
Learn how to build a personal website
Support the library as a volunteer
Read more non-fiction

Markus’s Life & Pain Points
Markus and his wife are now retired. They

I rely on the library for internet each use phones for internet access and have
access. It saves me $60 mo and an older home computer and printer that are
visiting the library keeps me reading. frustrating to maintain. They frequent the
Markus’s Frustrations
library for films and fiction titles and decided The cost of home wifi
to turn off their home wifi. Markus takes care
of any desktop publishing on days he visits the New release DVDs on reserve are often forgotten
library dropping off and picking up materials.
Using Lynda.com at home without wifi
Markus’s Questions
Computers in a study room are available less often
• How can I change a reservation for a library
computer on-line with my phone?
• Can I reserve a meeting room on-line with my
phone?
• Can I download a course from Lynda.com and take
it home to my PC
Primary User Personas

User
Personas
RODMAN LIBRARY
www.bretcombs.com
UNDERSTANDING USERS
Greg and Michaela were interviewed in person at the

information desk of Rodman Library. The total duration of
the session was 30 to 45 minutes. Additional research for
defining target users was collected in the form of Patron
demographic statistics from Pew Research, a reputable
publisher of demographic studies.
Task
Analysis
Secondary User Persona
Rodman User Persona
Robert Robert’s Goals

Keep informed about dates and times of events
43, Single
Retail Management
Make parenting support a priority
Feel more connected to our community
Foster strong reading habits for my son

Robert’s Life & Pain Points
Limit screen time and reward reading accomplishments
Robert is a single father who wants to keep
“I want to get out more, meet new his young son immersed in a culture of
Be a better role model by reading more myself
people and enjoy life more.” learning. He relies on library reading programs
to keep his son reading and balance their
Expand my son’s circle of friends beyond is classmates
participation in team sports
Robert’s Questions
Robert’s Frustrations
• I want my son to develop a sense of responsibility.
My public library’s events are a Are there any volunteer activities in which he can
Time management
great way for us to feel more support the library?

Feeling my son is safe at the library by himself
connected to our community and • How can I participate in the process of developing
new library events?
stay focused on learning.
• I struggle with the process of selecting books that Balancing sports and academic achievement
are challenging but not too difficult for an 8 year
old. Which library staff would I ask for advice? Schedule conflicts between school sports and library events
Task Priority Persona Table
Tasks Madelyn Robert Markus
Browse and reserve library materials
Reserve a computer
Find and save a library event to my google calendar
Remember to print something at the library
Check holiday library hours
Have materials loaned to my local branch
Become a library volunteer
Renew library materials
Update email or phone number in library account
Stay informed about library youth programs
User Persona's
Task Priority
RODMAN LIBRARY
Several functional requirements of the sites information architecture
should support the following tasks for those using Rodman library.
High priority user tasks
www.bretcombs.com
• Searching and browsing library holdings
• Account management for renewing borrowed materials updating
profile information such as phone number email and address
• Accessing information to plan for attending library events
• Making arrangements for in-person library use such as reserving
a meeting room
Medium priority user tasks

• Sharing library holding information via social media and email
• Checking library hours of operation & location
• Contacting library staff for assistance
• Lesser priority user tasks
• Become a library volunteer
• Borrow materials through interlibrary loan

Rational &
Recomendations
RODMAN LIBRARY
www.bretcombs.com
Increased scope, volume, and format types of present day
library holdings result in great content ambiguity, muddier
information retrieval performance, and therefore, place
additional pressures on system design.
• Shallow depth and greater breadth where possible

• Maintain consistent and persistent navigation site wide
• Support primary user tasks from the landing page
• Integrate all library accessible holdings into catalog
displayed on the site’s landing page
Schemes
Current Navigation Structure
The information architecture of the current site The library catalog is the primary context of use
leaves far too much information in pages three for library patrons visiting rodmanlibrary.com. Best
layers deep in subsets of sub category pages. practices for supporting catalog access are not
The About Us page leaves 21 pages as subsets. utilized. The catalog is not visual, does not occupy
Many of these pages have contextual links which the body of the landing page, and does not offer
constitute a fourth layer, and these pages also faceted navigation support browsing and searching
have links. library holdings.
• Bookmobile services (Secondary nav)

• Branch services (Services page)
• Policies (About Us)
• Library cards (Secondary nav)
• Memorials & Gifts (Delete)
• Services (Services page)
• Library Newsletter - The Buzz (Secondary nav)
• Friends of the Library (Volunteer)
• History (About Us)
• Mission statement (About Us)
• Board of Trustees (About Us)
• Staff directory (About Us)
• Employment (Secondary nav) New category
• Volunteer (Secondary nav) New category
• Using the catalog (FAQ)
• Hours & Locations (Delete)
• How Rodman Library has changed my life (Programs)
• Ongoing Programs (Programs)
• R.E.A.D. Alliance (Programs)
• Videos from past programs (Programs)
• Why I love Rodman Library (Programs)
• Select Reads (Add to main navigation)

• New Book Alerts / What's New (Delete What’s New &
• Research Databases (Catalog) add configure alerts to catalog nav)
• Community Organizations (Secondary nav) • Author Check (Add to set alerts)
• Ask a Question (Services & Secondary nav) • My Goodreads (Migrate to select reads)
• Information about Alliance (About Us)) • Featured lists of Rodman Library's newly cataloged titles
• Helpful Websites (Secondary nav) (Delete, sort by publication date replaces this page)
• NoveList Plus (Add to set alerts)
• Learn how to use ebooks (Add to secondary Nav)
• Downloadable audiobooks, eBooks & magazines (Delete
page, function included in catalog sorts)
• eBooks (Link to catalog with sorts activated for teens) • Axis 360 digital library - ebooks and more (Delete
• Author Check (Load page in Catalog location and page, function included in catalog sorts)
redesign to identical format) • Find Your Favorite Author (Delete
• New Book Alerts (Delete page, function included in page, function included in catalog navigation)
catalog sorts) • Getting a library eBook for your Kindle Fire (Rename
eBook resources & add to secondary navigation)
• My Good Reads - Reader's Help from Rodman Public
Library (Migrate to Select reads)
• New Book Alerts (Migrate to Set alerts page)
• OverDrive App for the Nook (Migrate to eBook
Alliance Memory (Migrate to • 4.1.8 About Alliance) resources)
The Alliance Review, 2002 & Sub-set pages (Migrate to • 4.1.8 About Alliance) • Hoopla digital comes to Rodman Library (Rename
Alliance Index (Migrate to • 4.1.8 About Alliance) “Streaming Media” & add to secondary navigation)
Recreational News (Migrate to • 4.1.8 About Alliance) • One Book - One Community for 2017-18 (Migrate to
Oral Histories of Alliance (Migrate to • 4.1.8 About Alliance) Select reads)
Red and Blue (Migrate to • 4.1.8 About Alliance)
Alliance High School Yearbooks (Migrate to • 4.1.8 About Alliance)
City of Alliance Ordinances and City Council Minutes and Proceedings,
1854-1924 (Migrate to • 4.1.8 About Alliance)
The Alliance Genealogical Society (Migrate to • 2.3.14 Genealogy)
Sanborn Fire Insurance Maps (Migrate to • 4.1.8 About Alliance)
Ancestry Library Edition (Migrate to • 2.3.14 Genealogy)
• Axis 360 ebooks and audiobooks African American Heritage (Migrate to • 2.3.14 Genealogy)
• Hoopla movies, TV shows, audiobooks, music, ebooks, and comic books HeritageQuest Online (Migrate to • 2.3.14 Genealogy)
• The Ohio Digital Library, ebooks, audiobooks, videos, and magazines Additional Sites for Genealogists (Migrate to • 2.3.14 Genealogy)
• RB Digital, magazines
• Trumbule Books eBooks for Kids All links (Migrate to • 6.0.17 Stark County Resources)
• Artist Works For Libraries (Duplicate in • 6.1.12 Artist Works) • Map of Cemetery Locations in Stark County, Ohio
• Lynda.com (Duplicate in • 6.1.10 Online Training) • Stark County Chapter of the Ohio Genealogical Society
• Transparent Language (Duplicate in • 6.1.10 Online Training) • Stark County Auditor - Real Estate Search
• Stark County Clerk of Courts - Naturalizations
• Stark County Probate Court - Marriages and Estates
• Stark County Recorder's Office
Newspaper Indexes to Obituaries in Northeast Ohio:

• R.E.A.D. Alliance Mystery Readers (Add content to (Migrate to • 2.3.14 Genealogy)
“Select Reads” and migrate content to “Kids” page) • Akron Beacon Journal Obituary Index (1937-current)
• Dial a story (Migrate to “Kids” page) • Cleveland Necrology File
• eBooks (Link to catalog with sorts activated for Kids) • Massillon Independent Obituary Index
• Book club reading lists (Migrate to “Kids” page & • Index To Notices In The Ohio (Canton) Repository
duplicate of “Select Reading” page)
• Early literacy stations (Migrate to “Kids” page & • Alliance History Blog (Migrate to • 4.1.8 About Alliance)
duplicate on services page) •Alliance Memory Timeline of Alliance History Events (Migrate to • 4.1.8 About
• Have you read (Migrate to “Kids” page & duplicate lists Alliance)
for Babies & Toddlers Ages 4-8 Ages 9-12 on Select • Alliance Room (Migrate to • 4.1.8 About Alliance)
reads page) • Alliance, Ohio, Frequently Asked Questions (Migrate to • 4.1.8 About Alliance)
• Accelerated Reader (Migrate to “Kids” page) Brief history of Alliance (Migrate to • 4.1.8 About Alliance)
• Classroom Collection Request (Migrate to “teachers”) • Brinton Turkle (Migrate to • 4.1.8 About Alliance)
• Teacher services (Rename as “teachers” add to • Digitized Alliance City Council Records Available from 1854-1924 (Migrate to •
secondary navigation) 4.1.8 About Alliance)
• Books too good to miss (Migrate to “Kids” page and • Glamorgan Castle (Migrate to • 4.1.8 About Alliance)
duplicate on “Select Reads”) • Historic summer reading program (Migrate to • 4.1.8 About Alliance)
• Oral histories of Alliance (Migrate to • 4.1.8 About Alliance)
• Ordering Alliance Index articles (Migrate to • 4.1.8 About Alliance)
• Red and Blue Missing Issues (Migrate to • 4.1.8 About Alliance)
• St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery Burial Database
The Scarlet Carnation (Migrate to • 2.3.14 Genealogy
Recommendations
Success in supporting the primary tasks of users

can be accomplished by presenting content with
a scheme that equally accommodates those
browsing the catalog, seeking audience specific
event information or making arrangements for a
future visit to the library in person.
RODMAN LIBRARY
Ambiguous Topics Audience Specific
www.bretcombs.com
Open Until 9 PM
Home Catalog About Events Services | Children Teens Adults Search Hours Location | Login Task Oriented
>
>
>
>
Recent Fiction ••••••

Primary Task Sorts Most relevant | Alphabetical | Publication date | Call number | Most popular | Most rated / Ascending | Descending Search Catalog
Keyword
Search within results Library Catalog Quick Links
faceted search & sort

Subject
Author Fiction Ask a Question

Title Non Fiction Get A Library Card
ISBN
Magazines Renew Materials
Call Number
ISSN
Reference Reserve a computer
Collections Newsletter
E-Books Programs
Music Digital Media
Film & TV Online Training
Video Games
Children
Volunteer
Helpful Websites
Primary Task
Teens Configure Alerts Ambiguous

Crazy Rich Asians The Handmaid’s Tale Spy Master To All Boys I’ve Loved Before The Great Alone Little Fires Everywhere Adults Newsletter
Categories
Kevin Kawn Margret Atwood Brad Thor Jenny Han Kristan Hana Celeste Ng Genealogy
Community Org’s
Audience-specific
Global Primary Nav
Sitemap
1. Children
2. Teens
3. Adults

Ambiguous Topical
Global Primary Nav
1. Catalog
2. About
Primary Persistent Global Navigation
3. Events
4. Services
1.0 Header 2.0 Home 3.0 Catalog 4.0 About Us
Audience-specific
Secondary Nav
• 1.2.3 Configure Alerts for
1. Children 1.3 Social materials 4.1 About Us
2.1 Slider
2. Teens Media Links Gallery
3.1 Catalog
3. Adults Gallery
• 2.1.1 Good Reads • 4.1.0 Mission
1.1 Search • 2.1.2 Online Training • 4.1.1 History

• 2.1.3 Events • 4.1.2 Policies
Task-oriented • 2.1.4 Streaming Media 3.2 Catalog • 4.1.3 Board
Global Secondary Nav • 2.1.5 Get A library card Navigation • 4.1.4 Staff Directory
• 2.1.6 New Non-Fiction • 4.1.5 Testimonials
1.2 Login
1. Ask A Question • 3.2.1 Fiction • 4.1.6 Awards
• 3.2.2 Non Fiction • 4.1.7 Employment
2. Get A Library Card 2.2 Catalog • 3.2.3 Magazines • 4.1.8 About Alliance
3. Reserve A Room 1.4 Account Gallery • 3.2.4 Reference • 4.1.9 Videos from
4. Good Reads Information • 3.2.5 Databases past programs
• 3.2.6 Collections
2.3 Catalog • 3.2.7 E-Books 2.3 Quick
• 1.2.1 Preferences
Navigation • 3.2.8 Music Links
Ambiguous Topical • 1.2.2 Due Dates
• 3.2.9 Film & TV
Global Secondary Nav • 1.2.3 Alerts
• 3.2.10 Video Games
• 1.2.4 Holds • 2.3.0 Ask a Question
• 3.2.11 Children
• 1.2.5 Fees 2.3 Quick • 2.3.1 Get A Library Ca
1. Online Training • 3.2.12 Teens
Links • 2.3.2 Renew Material
• 3.2.13 Adults
2. Computer Courses • 2.3.3 Good Reads
1.5 Hours
3. Genealogy (Displayed)
• 2.3.4 Bookmobile
• 2.3.0 Ask a Question 3.3 Catalog
4. Local History • 2.3.5 Newsletter
• 2.3.1 Get A Library Card Search • 2.3.6 Programs
5. Bookmobile • 2.3.2 Renew Materials
• 2.3.7 Digital Media
6. Newsletter 1.6 Locations • 2.3.3 Good Reads
• 2.3.8 Online Training
• 2.3.4 Bookmobile 2.3 Quick
7. Programs • 2.3.9 Volunteer
• 2.3.5 Newsletter Links
8. Digital Media • 2.3.6 Programs
• 2.3.10 Helpful Websit
• 2.3..11 Configure Aler
9. Online Training • 2.3.7 Digital Media
• 2.3.12 Newsletter
10. Volunteer • 2.3.8 Online Training • 2.3.0 Ask a Question
• 2.3.13 Genealogy
• 2.3.9 Volunteer • 2.3.1 Get A Library Card
11. Helpful Websites • 2.3.14 Community
• 2.3.10 Helpful Websites • 2.3.2 Renew Materials
12. Configure Alerts • 2.3.3 Good Reads
Organizations
• 2.3..11 Configure Alerts
13. Community Orgs • 2.3.12 Newsletter • 2.3.4 Bookmobile
• 2.3.13 Genealogy • 2.3.5 Newsletter
• 2.3.14 Community • 2.3.6 Programs
Ambiguous topical (catalog) Organizations • 2.3.7 Digital Media
Secondary Nav
• 2.3.9 Volunteer
• 2.3.10 Helpful Websites
1. Fiction
2. Nonfiction • 2.3.12 Newsletter
3. Magazines • 2.3.13 Genealogy
4. Databases • 2.3.14 Community
5. Reference Organizations
6. Collections
7. E-Books
8. Magazines
9. Film & TV
10. Video Games
Primary Task Navigation Dynamic Content
5.0 Events 6.0 Services 7.0 Adults 8.0 Children 9.0 Teens 10.0 FAQ
5.1 Events 6.1 Services 7.1 Adults 8.1 Children 9.1 Teens
10.1.0 FAQ
Gallery Gallery Gallery Gallery Gallery
• 5.1.0 All Events Facilities • 7.1.0 Adult Events • 8.1.0 Children's events • 9.1.0 Teen Writing Club • 10.1.0 Using The Catalog
• 5.1.1 Adult • 6.1.0 Wi-Fi Access • 7.1.1 Computer classes • 8.1.1 Dial a story • 9.1.1 Teen Gaming Day • 10.1.1 Search Tips
• 5.1.2 Children • 6.1.1 Public computers • 7.1.2 Online Training Groups • 9.1.2 Teen Advisory • 10.1.2 Reserving Materials
• 5.1.3 Teens • 6.1.2 Scanning • 7.1.3 Streaming Media • 8.1.6 Wee Read • 9.1.3 Gaming Unplugged • 10.1.3 Setting Up Notifications
• 5.1.4 Parents • 6.1.3 Public fax Groups • 8.1.7 Story-time • 9.1.4 Anime Club • 10.1.4 Setting Up Alerts
• 5.1.5 Programs • 6.1.4 Early literacy • 8.1.8 Lego Splash • 9.1.5 Movie Premieres
• 7.1.4 Branch Book Club
• 6.1.5 Home delivery • 7.1.5 Writers' Alliance • 8.1.9 Boys’ Book Club for Teens
5.1 Events 2.3 Quick
RODMAN LIBRARY
• 6.1.6 Notary Public • 7.1.6 Caregiver Support • 8.1.9 Girls’ Book Club
Calendar Links
• 6.1.7 Photocopy Machine • 7.1.7 "KnitWits" Knitting • 8.1.10 Tales for Tails
2.3 Quick
• 6.1.8 Voter Registration Circle Reading Lists
Links • 2.3.0 Ask a Question
• 6.0.9 Public Assistance • 8.1.3 Have you read
• 2.3.1 Get A Library Card
2.3 Quick Access, Food, Utilities ... • 8.1.0 R.E.A.D. Alliance
Links 2.3 Quick • 2.3.0 Ask a Question • 2.3.2 Renew Materials
Training Mystery Readers
Links • 2.3.1 Get A Library Card • 2.3.3 Good Reads
• 6.1.10 Online Training • 8.1.2 Book club
www.bretcombs.com
• 2.3.2 Renew Materials • 2.3.4 Bookmobile
• 2.3.0 Ask a Question • 6.1.11 Computer classes reading lists
• 2.3.0 Ask a Question • 2.3.3 Good Reads • 2.3.5 Newsletter
• 2.3.1 Get A Library Card • 6.1.12 Artist Works • 8.1.4 Accelerated
ard • 2.3.1 Get A Library Card • 2.3.4 Bookmobile • 2.3.6 Programs
• 2.3.2 Renew Materials Reader
ls Online Services • 2.3.2 Renew Materials • 2.3.7 Digital Media
• 2.3.3 Good Reads • 2.3.5 Newsletter
• 6.0.13 Rodman App • 8.1.5 Books too good
• 2.3.3 Good Reads • 2.3.6 Programs • 2.3.8 Online Training
• 2.3.4 Bookmobile to miss
• 6.0.14 Text-a-librarian • 2.3.4 Bookmobile • 2.3.9 Volunteer
• 2.3.5 Newsletter • 2.3.7 Digital Media
• 6.0.15 Mobile Hot-spots • 2.3.5 Newsletter • 2.3.10 Helpful Websites
• 2.3.6 Programs • 2.3.8 Online Training
• 6.0.16 Library Calendar • 2.3.6 Programs
2.3 Quick • 2.3..11 Configure Alerts
• 2.3.7 Digital Media • 2.3.9 Volunteer
• 6.0.17 Library Notifications Links
• 2.3.7 Digital Media • 2.3.10 Helpful Websites • 2.3.12 Newsletter
• 6.0.18 Search Ohio • 2.3.8 Online Training • 2.3.13 Genealogy
• 2.3.9 Volunteer • 2.3..11 Configure Alerts
• 6.0.19 Stark County • 2.3.0 Ask a Question • 2.3.14 Community
• 2.3.9 Volunteer • 2.3.12 Newsletter
tes Resources • 2.3.1 Get A Library Card Organizations
• 2.3.10 Helpful Websites • 2.3.13 Genealogy
rts • 2.3.2 Renew Materials
• 2.3..11 Configure Alerts • 2.3.14 Community
• 2.3.3 Good Reads
2.3 Quick • 2.3.12 Newsletter Organizations
Links • 2.3.13 Genealogy
• 2.3.14 Community
Organizations
• 2.3.6 Programs
Organizations
• 2.3.0 Ask a Question
• 2.3.1 Get A Library Card
• 2.3.2 Renew Materials
• 2.3.9 Volunteer
• 2.3.3 Good Reads
• 2.3.6 Programs

Organizations
• 2.3.9 Volunteer
Organizations
Information
Spaces
Header
global persistant primary navigation
Home About Events Services | Children Teens A
Library sites can be distinctly separated

into two primary categories of Slider
dynamic content navigation links
information. Information related to animates up and out upon selection
of any link
library holdings, and everything else.
Information on library holdings can
be organized under a single category
such as “library catalog” where an
organization system allows users to
quickly browse categories or search for
matches for an exact title, ISDN
Main Content
gallery grid of image and captions with sorts
number animates up to fill page aUpon selection of any link
or a more flexible series of keywords.
These organization systems are now
common and familiar for most users.
They allow for fast and granular sorting
of large collections of information. A
user could, for example, browse all
non-fiction and quickly sort all results
by publication date, most recent first.
They could then add, by selecting a
Below The Fold “Main content”
sort, gallery grid of image and captions with sorts
animates up to fill page aUpon selection of any link
results for most popular. Once the user
has gotten a sense of what they are
interested in from their browsing, they
may choose to search for results from
within their current sorted results for
Adults Parents Teachers Hours/Location Login
most recent, most popular, non-fiction.

This form of information architecture,
Minimized Slider faceted navigation, offers users a
dynamic content navigation links
simple
immediately understandable
•••••• conceptual
RODMAN LIBRARY
model accommodating those who
Main Content Quick Links
Navigation global persistant
know exactly what they are looking for
secondary navigation
as well as those who are interested in
www.bretcombs.com
Fiction
Non Fiction
Ask a Question
Get A Library Card
browsing. By offering filters for different
Reference Reserve a computer user groups and topics this solution
Collections Newsletter can
E-Books Programs
Music
Film & TV
Digital Media
Online Training
easily accommodate a large number
Video Games Volunteer
Children Helpful Websites of audience specific and task-oriented
Teens Configure Alerts
Adults Newsletter navigation options such as adults,
Genealogy
Community Org’s
children, teens and subjects like auto
mechanics, home decorating, or
baking. BRETT COMBS USER EXPERIENCE DESIGN
1 2 3 4

Open Until 9 PM
Home Catalog About Events Services | Children Teens Adults Search Hours Location | Login
>
>
>
>
Recent Fiction •••••• Library Catalog
Fiction
Quick Links
Ask a Question
5
Keyword

Title
ISBN

>
Music Genealogy
Adults
LANDING PAGE
6
The Catalog “People do not browse library

websites for enjoyment but
instead to gain the information
they need. To library end users,
the catalog is the website and the
website is the catalog: They are
one and the same”
Nielson Norman Group.
Open Until 9 PM
>
>
>
>
Recent Fiction
Keyword
Subject
Author
Title
ISBN
Call Number
ISSN
••••••
Crazy Rich Asians The Handmaid’s Tale Spy Master To All Boys I’ve Loved Before The Great Alone Little Fires Everywhere Library Catalog Quick Links
Kevin Kawn Margret Atwood Brad Thor Jenny Han Kristan Hana Celeste Ng
Fiction Ask a Question

E-Books > Programs
Music Digital Media
RODMAN LIBRARY
Children Helpful Websites
Teens Configure Alerts
Adults Newsletter
Genealogy
Spark Joy Passenger Sin & Suffer Up From The Sea The Bitter Season Inventology
Community Org’s
Emily Kotch Alexander Ratgins Pepper Winters Liza Louis Tami Hoag Pagan Kennedy
www.bretcombs.com
CATALOG SELECTED
This mockup demonstrates an information Events Quick Links

architecture solution following from the
observations above. It utilizes dynamic 2: An audience-driven area providing 5: An audience-driven area providing
content in the form of a slider displaying categories for all events or events for space for communicating information
feature content links in graphic form. This children, teens, adults, parents and frequently requested by alibrary patrons.
solution also offers users access to the programs. The events page also allows
library catalog in graphic form with faceted for users to teggel back and forth from
gallery to calander view.
Catalog Navigation
search navigation and list of ambiguous
category links allowing both browsing and 6: Secondary navigation of topical and
searching within results. audience specific categories paried with
Service sorts, search and search within results.
3: Information about the Library as an

Catalog organization
1: A central point from which to connect to
information resources including catalogs, Audience Specific
databases, collections, e-journals, and films.
4: An audience-driven area providing
space for communicating information
frequently requested bychildren, teens,
and adults.
Events & Login

Open Until 9 PM
>
>
>
>
Events
Gallery View | Calander
Kent State Nurses

11/1/2018 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Storytime at the Main Library
11/1/2018 10:30 AM - 11:15 AM
Teen Gaming Days
11/1/2018 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM
••••••
LibraryEvents
Library Catalog Quick Links
AllFiction
Events Ask a Question
Non Fiction
Adults Get A Library Card
Children
Teens
Parents
E-Books >
Programs Programs
Music Digital Media
Children Helpful Websites
Family Movie Morning Monday Book Club Minecraft Monday Teens Configure Alerts
11/3/2018 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM 11/5/2018 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM 11/5/2018 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM Adults Newsletter
Genealogy
Community Org’s
EVENTS PAGE
1
Events Login
1: Selection of events loads all events in 2: Dropdown menu allowing login from the
gallery view in an expanded main content landing page.
area. Secondary navigation populates with
all links for the events page.
RODMAN LIBRARY
Open Until 9 PM
Home Catalog About Events Services | Children Teens Adults Search

>
Hours Location | Login
>
>
>
Username
Password
2
www.bretcombs.com
Account
Hours
Locations
Recent Fiction •••••• Library Catalog

Fiction
Quick Links
Ask a Question
Keyword
Title
ISBN

>

Music Genealogy
Adults
LOGIN DROPDOWN
Services & Wifi

Open Until 9 PM
>
>
>
>
1 Services / All Services
Library Services Quick Links
Facilities Ask a Question

Wi-Fi Access Get A Library Card
Public computers Renew Materials
Scanning Reserve a computer
Public fax Bookmobile
WI-Fi Access Public Computers Scanning Early literacy Newsletter
>
Home delivery Programs
Notary Public Digital Media
Photocopy Machine Online Training
Voter Registration Volunteer
Public Assistance Helpful Websites
Training Configure Alerts
Online Training Newsletter
Computer classes Genealogy
Artist Works Community Org’s
Online Services
Rodman App
Text-a-librarian
Mobile Hot-spots
Library Calendar
Public Fax Machine Early Literacy Stations Home Delivery Library Notifications
Search Ohio
Stark County Resources
SERVICES PAGE
2
/ All Services / Wifi

Library Services Subset Pages
1: Breadcrumbs orient the user with the 2: Subset pages are both browsable and
category of sub-set pages displayed in directly selectable from the secondary
graphic form for intuitive fast browsing navigation menu. Category headings set in
bold allow for browsing categories.
RODMAN LIBRARY
Open Until 9 PM
>
>
>
>
www.bretcombs.com
Services / All Services / Wifi
Wifi Access
Rodman Public Library offers free wireless internet access at both the
main library and the Carnation City Mall Branch. Patrons may bring their Library Services Quick Links
personal laptop computers or PDAs into the library to connect to the Facilities Ask a Question
Wi-Fi Access Get A Library Card
Internet.
Public computers Renew Materials
Patrons must supply their own equipment, wireless card and Internet Scanning Reserve a computer
Public fax Bookmobile
browser. Users are responsible for setting up their equipment to access Early literacy Newsletter
>
Home delivery Programs
Rodman Public Library’s Wi-Fi network. Printing access is not available via the Wi-Fi network. Patrons wishing to print must save Notary Public Digital Media
Photocopy Machine Online Training
information on a flash drive or email it to themselves to print from a public computer. Like most public access “hotspots”, the
Voter Registration Volunteer
library’s Wi-Fi network is not secured and therefore it is not recommended to transfer personal information using this network. Public Assistance Helpful Websites
Training Configure Alerts
Wi-Fi access is provided as a free public service on an “as is” basis with no guarantee of service. Online Training Newsletter
Computer classes Genealogy
Artist Works Community Org’s
An informational pamphlet is available at the main library or on the library’s website. For more information contact the library at Online Services
Rodman App
330-821-2665. Text-a-librarian
Mobile Hot-spots
Library Calendar
Library Notifications
Search Ohio
Stark County Resources
WIFI PAGE
Rodman Library Information
Architecture www.rodmanlibrary.com

Rodman Public Library: Information Architecture

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Description:

Original Title

Copyright

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Rodman Public Library: Information Architecture

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Rodman Public

Multi disciplinary designer integrating the

10:12 PM October 13th

Home Catalog About Events Services | Children Teens Adults

Recent Fiction •••••• Library Catalog Quick Links

Rodman library users primary tasks

Call Number Collections Newsletter

Rodman eBooks Online Training

the user experience. The primary goal of the

Activities Learn Understand Imagine Evaluate

Create target user personas

Conduct information space survey

Produce a content analysis document

Re-interview stakeholders & discuss dynamic

Create a classification scheme and design rationale

Evaluate the classification scheme

Write tasks for and conduct taxonomy assessment

Interpret IA design assessment results

Document design revisions and rationale

Madelyn Madelyn’s Goals

Become more confident in my research

Rodman User Persona

Markus Markus’s Goals

Support the library as a volunteer

Read more non-fiction

Markus and his wife are now retired. They

Primary User Personas

Greg and Michaela were interviewed in person at the

Secondary User Persona

Rodman User Persona

Robert Robert’s Goals

Feel more connected to our community

Foster strong reading habits for my son

great way for us to feel more support the library?

Task Priority Persona Table

Tasks Madelyn Robert Markus

Browse and reserve library materials

Find and save a library event to my google calendar

Remember to print something at the library

Check holiday library hours

Have materials loaned to my local branch

Become a library volunteer

Renew library materials

Update email or phone number in library account

Stay informed about library youth programs

High priority user tasks

Medium priority user tasks

• Borrow materials through interlibrary loan

• Shallow depth and greater breadth where possible

• Bookmobile services (Secondary nav)

• Select Reads (Add to main navigation)

Newspaper Indexes to Obituaries in Northeast Ohio:

Success in supporting the primary tasks of users

Recent Fiction ••••••

faceted search & sort

Author Fiction Ask a Question

Teens Configure Alerts Ambiguous

1.0 Header 2.0 Home 3.0 Catalog 4.0 About Us

1.1 Search • 2.1.2 Online Training • 4.1.1 History

• 2.3.7 Digital Media

Home About Events Services | Children Teens A

Library sites can be distinctly separated

most recent, most popular, non-fiction.

10:12 PM October 13th

Subject Magazines Renew Materials