One thought about this: if we used more user focused shelving systems, would it be easier for folks to find things they don’t want to ask for?
This is making the rounds on social media.
Inspiration: Nervous About Asking…
Written by Michael Stephens
7 thoughts on “Inspiration: Nervous About Asking…”
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I wish this didn’t feel remotely subversive because it shouldn’t be. So simple but incredibly powerful, with real potential for helping people who are scared, stressed, or just plain need some facts and want to find them out on their own terms. Thank you for sharing!
@rpage so agree about the potential for helping folks.
I agree that findability is very important. Anythink libraries uses a word based classification system called WordThink that allows people to locate topics using words/topics rather than using numerals. A system similar to WordThink could be helpful to people looking for topics that they are nervous asking about.
@caking Absolutely! Also a friendlier system would make for better browsing.
@caking that’s an interesting suggestion. I was actually thinking I like the way the library did it in the picture, because with the way my library’s stacks are, it’s not obvious to others why I’m browsing the 360’s if they’re just passing by. I don’t know what WordThink looks like laid out, but I’d feel self-conscious browsing under a sign that said “ANXIETY” or “ABORTION.” I’m sure there’s a way to cut down on the need for patrons to ask for help and make things easier to find, while still balancing privacy.
@jrogoff I would be interested to see more about some of the systems that use words because you make a good point. Maybe the categories are broader and then you can scan the shelf, but that kind of takes away from actually knowing exactly where to go for a certain type of subject.
That is a great point. I hadn’t thought about searching under “anxiety” or “abortion”. That gives me more to think about.