Down the Rabbit Hole 2.0

摘要

I LI 2019 was a timely reminder of the importance of user experience in an age when users have so many choices. We often lament that, with Google and social media, users are not using libraries and library resources. How can we attract users? We believe adopting a user-centered approach and listening to the voice of the customer are critical to the success of any service. Hence, we encourage designers of libraries and information services, both physical and digital, to pay special attention to the desires and needs of users and stakeholders. BACKGROUND ON THE NEW UNIVERSITY In 2009, the Singaporean government supported the establishment of SUTD as the fourth autonomous university in Singapore. This was in response to industry concerns that newly hired graduates were not able to apply what they learned in school and instead had to be trained on the job. Much thought was given as to how to shape the university to ensure it met expectations. SUTD was therefore designed to offer a distinctive program. It differed from established universities, having a unique structure, pedagogy, and curriculum aimed at ensuring that what was learned could be applied in industry. Its focus is on engineering, innovation, and design. The university adopted a hands-on, interactive, and collaborative learning approach so its facilities and services had to be aligned to support this approach. For instance, first-year students were assigned, in groups of 50, to classrooms that had to be accessible 24×7. These classrooms were equipped to support teaching and learning and, for easy reference, included "red spot" books, those designated by instructors as recommended or required reading.