Intro with logo E X PA N D IN G T H E FR O N T IE R S O F S PA C E A S T RO N O M Y 1
User Engagement: Strategies, Methods, and Applications for any Library at any Scale Morgan Black, Hilary Hargis, and Eden Parks EXPANDING THE FRONTIERS OF SPACE ASTRONOMY 2
3 Space Telescope Science Institute (STScI) •Established in 1981 •Operated by AURA •Hubble, Webb, and Roman space telescopes and MAST data archives STScI Library •Historically a small staff •Hiring since 2017 focused on collection management skills •New User Engagement position was created in 2024
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Enabling Remote Access 5
STScI – Systems Improved infrastructure to meet users where they are •Enabled extended authentication via OpenAthens •Switched to OCLC Discovery for catalog access •Staff can manage holds, ILL, and accounts •More powerful and user-friendly 6
STScI – Internal Website Platform limitations: Innerspace (Confluence by Atlassian) •Not designed for appearance, but for information delivery •Updates include: -Restructured layout -Alt text added to images -Use of Expand for content containers Focus: Improve UX using tools within our control and budget 7
STScI – Innerspace 8
USNO – Trust Building 9
STScI – Outreach for New Hires Collaborated with HR to improve onboarding materials Old format: •Brochure on HR’s Innerspace •Non-mandatory module on UKG (HR's training platform) Researched best HR practices for redesign 16
STScI – Outreach for New Hires Created: •Concise brochure with essential info •Intro video to humanize staff and services Hosted on library’s innerspace for autonomy and updates Aim: Provide point-of-need info without overwhelming new hires 17
STScI – Keep it Simple! 18 High level information only: •Contact •Basic information about: •Mission •Collection •Services •Important links
USNO – Getting on the list -Get on the check-in/check-out sheet -Create new hire folders with library hand-outs and giveaways -Give new staff list of urls to bookmark -Get on the new hire tour agenda -Give new hires a place to work while their desk connectivity gets set up 19
Application in Your Library How can you improve user experience at your library? •What systems do you have within your control? What systems do you have to work with, regardless of your preference? •What communication channels exist within your institution that can shed light on gaps in needs? •What methods or processes can you utilize for to reach out to new members of your institution/outreach efforts? Is this something you do independently, or is collaboration necessary? How to start, revamp/revive, extend your efforts 20
Contact Info •Morgan Black, United States Naval Observatory Library,
[email protected] •Hilary Hargis, STScI Library Deputy Branch Manager,
[email protected] •Eden Parks, STScI User Engagement Librarian,
[email protected] 21
