Library Bar
An experience design that leads patrons to unexpected library resources by connecting them to librarians.
The Problem
Patrons are unaware of the resources librarians curate for them.
Today's libraries hold a massive variety of resources outside of books, but they're not being used by patrons.
So why is that? For the most part, because patrons don't know about the resources.
Librarians talked about dozens of diverse resources. Patrons almost exclusively talked about books. Patrons believed if they didn't need books, they didn't need the library.
So how do we help patrons understand that the library and its resources are there for their needs?
We generated dozens of ideas from ad campaigns to traveling pop-ups.
We decided it was most important to center librarian-patron interaction in our final concept.
The Research
How can a space connect patrons to librarians?
We designed user tests to validate our theory that a bar environment would make patrons and librarians more comfortable chatting.
Each "patron" received a coloring activity. They would need to ask a "librarian" for an additional pencil or a pencil sharpener in order to complete the task.
Our first test was uncomfortable. Silence in the room made patrons feel awkward speaking up, patrons isolated themselves and worked independently, and patrons struggled making first eye contact with librarians.
Our second test was based on how we were envisioning the library bar. There was a little more talking this time, but this time patrons talked about a panopticon effect that made them uncomfortable lingering.
In our third test, we finally started seeing groups chatting a lot. Higher tables made patrons feel more comfortable starting conversations with the librarian (now at their eye level.) A semi-circle layout meant the librarian's back was never turned to any patron. We moved forward with heightened tables and the new semicircle layout.
The Solution
Design a space that puts patrons close to librarians.
The Library Bar is at the center of the library, drawing in patrons as they walk in the door.
Patrons work across from librarians at their eye level. Librarians, like bartenders, chat with patrons and suggest and direct them towards resources.
It was nice to meet you!
Come back soon.