Usability and User Experience: The State of Research

Abstract

This entry investigates the current state of usability and user experience (UX) research across libraries, with a special focus on North American institutions. Originating within the domain of business, computer science, and the corporate sector, usability and UX research have progressively made inroads into the library setting, especially within major academic libraries leading the way. At the heart of library UX research lies the intersection of people, technology, collections, programs, services, and space, with the library website and search and discovery systems emerging as primary areas of focus. Employing various indicators to gauge the state of usability and UX research in libraries, this entry includes a review of literature over the past decade to ascertain research trends, methodologies, and the entities conducting this research. Additionally, an evaluation of library staffing and infrastructure revealed that only large academic libraries currently have the dedicated departments and staffing levels—defined as two or more professionals—necessary to support focused usability and UX research efforts. Further examination of ALA-accredited LIS/IS programs identified course offerings and career pathways related to usability and UX, alongside an analysis of job openings in the library sector over a six-month period. The research also identified very few dedicated scholarly journals, conferences, and communities engaged in library usability and UX. The findings underscore that, outside of well-resourced academic libraries with specialized units, usability and UX research remains emergent within the broader library sector. Emerging trends such as affective computing and the application of AI technologies are identified as influential forces shaping the future trajectory of usability and UX research in libraries. Employing various indicators to gauge the state of usability and UX research in libraries, this entry includes a review of literature over the past decade to ascertain research trends, methodologies, and the entities conducting this research. Additionally, an evaluation of library staffing and infrastructure revealed that only large academic libraries currently have the dedicated departments and staffing levels—defined as two or more professionals—necessary to support focused usability and UX research efforts. Further examination of ALA-accredited LIS/IS programs identified course offerings and career pathways related to usability and UX, alongside an analysis of job openings in the library sector over a six-month period. The research also identified very few dedicated scholarly journals, conferences, and communities engaged in library usability and UX. The findings underscore that, outside of well-resourced academic libraries with specialized units, usability and UX research remains emergent within the broader library sector. Emerging trends such as affective computing and the application of AI technologies are identified as influential forces shaping the future trajectory of usability and UX research in libraries.