Evaluating User Experience and Access Data to Reveal Patrons’ Print and Digital Serials Preferences

Abstract

ABSTRACTThis article presents user experience data collected through surveys and interviews at an art museum library to offer a comprehensive picture of a diverse population of patrons’ print and digital access preferences for serials. The results of this study show that the line between digital and physical research preferences is incredibly nebulous, as patrons who start with digital sources often print out a copy for taking notes, and patrons who begin with physical resources often make a digital copy for future reference. Patrons do not necessarily prefer one format over the other in all cases, but rather realize that each new project requires a customized approach to research. This type of user experience data informs library services and empowers librarians to curate access to electronic and print serials in response to patrons’ specific research habits, impacting collection development, acquisitions, and outreach efforts.