This document summarizes the evolution of library ethnography studies from their beginnings at the University of Rochester. It describes early studies that examined faculty work practices, undergraduate research and writing, and graduate student dissertations. Key findings included identifying nonlinear research and writing processes, the importance of human networks and physical library spaces for students. The document outlines methods like retrospective interviews and design workshops. It concludes that these studies provided new understandings about lowering barriers to entry, blending academic and social needs, and embracing experimentation in libraries.

1. EVOLUTION OF LIBRARY
ETHNOGRAPHY STUDIES
Susan Gibbons
University
Librarian &
Deputy Provost
Yale University

2. BEGINNINGS: UNIVERSITY OF
ROCHESTER
Anthropologist in the Library
Work-Practice Methodology
 Xerox PARC (David Lindahl)
 Anthropologist (Nancy Fried Foster)
2003-04: Faculty work practices (institutional repositories)
2004-06: Undergraduate students (research & writing papers)
2006-08: Graduate students (dissertations)
2008-09: How people search (eXtensible Catalog)
2009-10: Science library buildings in digital age
2010-12: Undergraduate students

3. ANTHROPOLOGIST IN THE
LIBRARY
Goals
 Real vs. Perceived User Needs
 How can we improve our services, digital
presence and physical facilities?
 Adapt to the changing needs of our usersQuestio
n
Methods
Data
Gatherin
g
Findings
Change

4. 2 EXAMPLES
Undergraduates
 Paper research and writing
Graduate students
 Dissertation process

5. BLACK BOX QUESTION
Improve library support of
undergraduates
What makes an “A” paper? Faculty
angle.
What happens between assignment of
research paper and completed paper?

6. METHODS
Retrospective Interviews
Volunteer students
“Shadowed” throughout semester
Interviews

8. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Helicopter_WikiWorld.png

9. FRESHMEN ORIENTATION
flickr.com/photos/tompagenet/22883

10. WRITING & RESEARCH
Not a linear process
Student can’t always
recognize where their
problem is
Research Write Polish
Paper
Tools
Research
Writing

11. YALE- PERSONAL LIBRARIAN
PROGRAM

12. 2 EXAMPLES
Undergraduates
 Paper research and writing
Graduate students
 Dissertation process

13. DISSERTATION QUESTION
Improve library support of graduate
students
What are the barriers to successful
dissertation completion?
Rochester- all disciplines
Yale- humanities focus

14. METHODS
InSitu Interviews
 Show us where and how you work

15. SIMILAR FINDINGS (ROCHESTER
& YALE)
Magical summer
Timing of introduction to
research tools
Human networks
•How can librarians be a part of the
network?

16. ROCHESTER FINDING- SPACE
Ideal library space for
graduate students
No undergraduate students
Solitary, but with others
Variety of seating/tasks
Lots of outlets, good lighting

17. METHODS
Design charettes
 Draw in detail your ideal library space

18. YALE FINDING- SPECIAL
COLLECTIONS
Understanding archival research
Paleography challenges
How to use other special
collections/archives

19. NEW UNDERSTANDINGS
Barriers to entry need to be lowered
Blending of academic & social
Importance of physical spaces
Symbolic
Neutral
Technology & literature intertwined
Defined by our services
Embrace experimentation
Tolerance of change & failure

20. MORE INFORMATION

21. ANTHROLIB