Introduction

Libraries have a long history as the information source in their community, and this goes beyond the book shelves. Librarians have a valuable and unique skill set in engaging the public, acting as a neutral convener, collecting, structuring, and improving access to information that defines and benefits their community.

This module describes the specific skills and values that librarians should leverage to lead the design of information tools that address civic problems. Lessons explore the ways that civic problems are information problems, the strengths of libraries in addressing civic information challenges, and introduce design thinking as a framework for libraries to approach these complex challenges.
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In this module, you will learn how to:

  • Communicate why libraries should get involved in civic information problems and designing information solutions
  • Understand the role of the patron as a citizen of their local community
  • Translate civic problems with the lens of information needs

Lessons

These four lessons introduce the role. They will be most helpful if you take time after each lesson to complete the related step in the activity below.
Two case studies provide examples of applying UX design from student projects.

Lesson on Why public libraries are positioned to be civic tech hubs

Many civic challenges are rooted in information challenges. This lesson highlights the attributes of libraries that make them uniquely suited to be conveners of community efforts to address civic challenges with information solutions.

Lesson on Library services and skills that support civic technology

Librarians are archivists, conveners, and data managers for their communities. This lesson identifies the skills and values that librarians bring to civic tech challenges, including examples of how they have been applied in student projects.

Lesson on Civic problems as design problems

Civic challenges are often complex problems that are interwoven and difficult to untangle. This lesson introduces design as a way to approach these “wicked” problems.

Lesson on Intro to design thinking

This lesson introduces design thinking as a framework for developing innovative solutions for ambiguous and complex challenges. It walks you through the phases and values of the design thinking process.

CASE STUDY: Information students share insights on working with city government

Information students describe their experiences applying an information design approach to civic challenges with local government partners.

CASE STUDY: Applying archiving fundamentals to support city services

Archive and Library students work with city staff to improve the organization of collections of public works information.

Activity

This activity asks you to frame and define a challenge that you might work on in future modules. It might even lead to new projects, tools, or programs at your library! So we encourage you to write or type out your thoughts.

Identify a problem facing your local community.

  • Describe the problem in your own words.
  • Who is impacted, and how?
  • What do you think the root cause of the problem is?
  • What information is connected to this problem?

Additional Resources

Here are a few additional resources for examples and guidance on designing civic tech for libraries.

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