Design Your Discovery Infinite Learning (Inspiration Report)

Design Your Discovery pictured in one photo (Reference: DALL·E, 2025).

Hello everyone!

For my inspiration report, I wanted to bring together my current job as a librarian aide and design background to bring in a participatory program called, “Design Your Discovery”. I personally think if it were to come to fruition, it can benefit many libraries through its innovation and bring patrons as well as staff to participate in the program. I hope you all enjoy!

PS: Below is the structure of pretty much everything I have done for the assignment. I featured the PDF artifact, prototype, and final draft.

PDF Artifact: https://www.figma.com/design/2ybznpqqgui5wZBVsa5EMa/Design_Your_Discovery?node-id=10-79&t=ZTxDHDzFlQPtOihw-1 

Rough Prototype:
https://embed.figma.com/proto/2ybznpqqgui5wZBVsa5EMa/Design_Your_Discovery?page-id=10%3A79&node-id=60-2&p=f&viewport=96%2C480%2C0.25&scaling=min-zoom&content-scaling=fixed&starting-point-node-id=60%3A2&embed-host=share”

Final Draft:

1. Objective

Design Your Discovery: A Infinite Learning program to contribute towards SMCL’s website catalog

2. Executive Summary

Mission: San Mateo County Library will launch an initiative called Design Your Discovery, a collaborative, four module series that invites all SMCL patrons and staff to master the library’s BISAC (Book Industry Standards and Communications) genres, subject headings, keyword tags on our website (Book Industry Study Group, n.d.). Participants will earn digital badges and co-design enhancements that make every search swift, effortless, and open to everyone – a welcome experience that will benefit all. 

What will be built:

• Deliver a four module series in an efficient learning path to demonstrate BISAC genres, genre headings, and keyword tags.
• Train a group of peer coaches to lead quarterly metadata and UX design sprints.
• Maintain a living “Community Discovery” prototype that is refreshed seasonally with patron-driven insights and general feedback.

Impact: A rewarding experience through a self-renewed learning community that constantly refines San Mateo County Library’s discovery experience.

3. Introduction

Patrons often find constraints in book discovery intimidating and time-consuming. In a 2009 Library Journal survey, over 1,000 librarians reported that retrieving books that were in the Dewey Classification System made it difficult for patrons to locate specific titles quickly (Urban Libraries Council, 2024). To make the search experience more modern, San Mateo County Library overhauled their official website to use Book Industry Standards and Communications (BISAC) genres, language categories, language categories, and keyword tags to make searches more engaging and efficient (San Mateo County Libraries, 2013). Additionally, LINK+ was also introduced to widen a broader network to access materials from other public and academic libraries across all of California and Nevada (San Mateo County Libraries, n.d.).   

Despite the improvements, there still needs work to be done to improve the experience for patrons (Pew Research Center, 2021). Examples include tightening up the filters through format and subject as well as crafting unique queries when inputting keywords. Design Your Discovery fixes those issues. By creating an immersive, hands-on lab environment in the library, patrons can dive into facets, keyword optimization, and explore the catalog through experimentation and fostering joy (Laurersen, 2021). Each season’s cohort can pitch module topics for the next quarterly cycle that can build continued feedback revolving around skill building, peer mentorship, system refinement, and commitment towards the community, showcasing empathy and future proof for organizations seeking skills towards leadership and evolving needs (Gershon, 2017). Therefore, this approach through infinite learning shows that the website will never be outdated, and evolves through patron insight, making SMCL’s website all around better! 

4. Body

4.1 What is the technology? 

Design Your Discovery harnesses San Mateo County Library’s online catalog (OPAC)  through its current website structure driven by facets (clickable filters for formatting, language, date), BISAC genres, subject headings and keyword tags, such as user friendly labels like “COOKING” or “GRAPHIC NOVEL” (Library of Congress, n.d.). Digital Badges serve as hard earning credentials for being awarded through completing the modules. (Flynn et al., 2023). Together, these elements wrap it in an infinite learning environment where participants explore hands-on labs, peer-coaching through mentorship, and build skills. 

4.2 Trend, Origins, & Global Impact

Design Your Discovery first developed its roots through UNESCO’s forum that took place in 2002 on Open Courseware (UNESCO, n.d.). In 2009, it was reinforced by Europe’s guidelines in informal learning (CEDEFOP & European Commission, 2009). For the digital badge initiative, in 2011, Mozilla introduced an initiative to earn credentials digitally through a portable metadata (Mozilla Foundation, n.d.). Eventually, libraries such as Delft’s DOK Library embraced those exact principles through the power of storytelling and making a difference where patrons can be autonomous and be a star in their role (Boekesteijn, 2020). Bring everything all together and Design Your Discovery is formed through an infinite learning cycle.   

The global impact of Design Your Discovery can be traced all the way to Finland where Helsinki Central Library Oodi hosts drop-ins where patrons explore digital tools, attend workshop sprints and develop community projects (Next City, n.d.). Its implementation and the inspiration of infinite learning shows how resources from the library are refreshed through participation and bringing new ideas to the table.

4.3 Affordances & Negative Issues

• Affordances: For affordances, earning digital badges and learning modules boost engagement and support (ALA Center for the Future of Libraries, n.d.; AISHE Journal, 2021). Because of the benefit that comes with earning digital badges, this can lead to potential opportunities to showcase those skills whether that be on a resume or social platforms (Flynn et al., 2023). For peer-coaching, it solidifies community and takes ownership by facilitating mentorship and teaching towards participants  (ALA Center for the Future of Libraries, n.d.). 

• Potential negative issues: Yet at the same time, there are potential roadblocks and negative issues that come with Design Your Discovery. For one, patrons that don’t have reliable access to the internet or technology are missing out on the opportunity to participate in the learning (Pew Research Center, 2021). It can also strain resources, add a big chunk of time for setting up, or even lack the participants can be a detriment (Carey, 2018). Finally, over a long period of time, earning digital badges starting off the Design Your Discovery may hit off on a positive, but in 5-10 years, how would that look? It may take innovation beyond earning those digital badge incentives. (Pew Research Center, 2017). 

4.4 Audience & Learning Goals

Audiences:

• Patron Power Users: Regular patrons and frequent searchers who want to go beyond the basics of searching. 

• Library Staff: From librarian aides to managers, community technology specialist, and supervisors, who troubleshoot catalog questions daily

• Student Interns, Aspiring Trainers, & Peer-Coaches: Upcoming leaders who are interested in technology or design who can teach future modules

Learning Goals:

• • Untangle Discovery Tools: Learners will identify and use at least three features on the SMCL site (facets, filters, subjects).
  • Hands on Tagging Exercise: In a structured exercise, participants will categorize at least 30 items using BISAC // keyword protocols and achieve a target of 80% or better for everything to be correct. 
  • Prototype UX Iterations: Teams will produce and present one mock-up of an improved, user-friendly catalog interface that will incorporate peer feedback. 

• Peer-Coaching: Plan and either lead a mini tagathon or in-lab for new learners.

4.5 Program Overview

• Module 1

Website Deep-Dive: Kick-off with a live walkthrough of the SMCL catalog interface. Interested patrons and staff will complete a scavenger hunt where they will find specific BISAC genre, filters, and similar subject links where they can earn their Discovery Explorer badge and build a clear foundation on how facets and headings operate.

• Module 2

Metadata Tag-Lab: In a sandbox version of the website, learners will engage and tag 20-30 pieces of library content using only approved BISAC codes and keyword tags. After comparing their work, they debrief into small groups to find gaps and propose two solutions to enhance metadata tags to solidify efficiency and feedback (At least 80%).

Scenario Case Walkthrough: Eva tags 30 records, scores a 93%, co-definies two new tags (“MEMOIR”, “ILLUSTRATED MEMOIR”), earns her digital badge, and volunteers to co-lead next quarter.  

• Module 3

UX Co-Design Sprint: Building on the insights tag-lab, participants will dive into the User Experience where card sorting, wireframing, and team sprints will be leveraged. Using paper, each group will prototype a more engaging experience – whether it be to browse or design a filter screen. After sketching, the group will present their findings and design solutions based on peer feedback.

• Module 4

Open-Call Labs and Peer Coaching: Each quarter, the SMCL “Design Your Discovery” participants will generate ideas for new module topics such as “Multi-Bilingual Discovery” to “Climate Change”, or “Best Practices for Mobile Search”. Trained peer-coaches then provide leadership to pop-up labs, collect gresh patron feedback, and fold it into a seasonal, quarterly update through a prototype called “Community Discovery”.

4.6 Research & Evaluation

Research on earning digital badges shows that it can be highly motivating because it is a two-way street from participants and the library that can boost the learners engagement and increase completion rates by up to 30% (Gibson et al., 2015; Flynn et al., 2023). Additionally, an evaluation from Helsinki Central Library Oodi’s Learning Cafe reported that there was an increase in year to year participants by 25% from launching a quarterly, user-oriented lab that showcases the power of making a difference and engaging in collaboration (Igarashi et al., 2022). In the Infinite Learning guide from Michael Stephens, looking at prior events of programs such as Design Your Discovery can be beneficial towards relevancy, transparency, accountability, and adaptability towards the future, especially when it comes to being in a learning environment where you learn a lot from your participants (Stephens, 2021). 

4.7 Implementation & Timeline

• Phase 1 (Months 1-2): Starting small through testing and learning 

• • • Launch a website deep-dive through two selected library branches
    • Track who attends, who earns badges, and what type of feedback they give
    • Revise the facilitator instructions and practice catalog

• Phase 2 (Months 3-6): Expanding & Training

• • • Launch the Metadata Tag-Lab and UX Co-Design Sprint at participating branches
    • Recruit and coach peer-leaders to help run the labs
    • Keep an eye on completion rates, tagging accuracy, and any open prototype ideas

• Phase 3 (Months 7-12): Sustainability & Refresh 

• • Have previous cohorts co-lead at least one module each to welcome new learners
  • Each quarter, invite participants to suggest topics for upcoming modules
  • Update the “Community Discovery” prototype each based on patron insights

5. Conclusion & Timeline

Design Your Discovery transforms the catalog into a collaborative learning lab where it empowers every participant – from staff to patrons – to master discovery tools, earn digital badges, and evolve continued website improvements. There are four modules to follow and a peer-coaching network to establish an infinite learning cycle that keeps SMCL’s discovery adaptation inclusive. We want to request approval for a two-branch library selection in the first 2 months with a small badge earning platform license and facilitating time to see where Design Your Discovery goes. If you are all in, let’s start investing in this model, make a difference in our neighborhood branches across San Mateo County Library, and scale a dynamic, community driven catalog experience!  

References

American Library Association. (n.d). Badging. Center for the Future of Libraries. Retrieved April 26, 2025 from https://www.ala.org/future/trends/badging 

Boekesteijin, E. (2020). A culture of innovation at DOK and Doklab. CultureHive. Retrieved April 26, 2025 from https://www.culturehive.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/A-culture-of-innovation-at-DOK-and-Doklab-final-2.pdf

Book Industry Study Group. (2024). Complete BISAC Subject Headings List. Retrieved April 26, 2025 from https://www.bisg.org/complete-bisac-subject-headings-list 

Book Industry Study Group. (2024). BISAC Subject Headings List: Computers. Retrieved April 26, 2025 from https://www.bisg.org/computers 

Book Industry Study Group (n.d). BISAC FAQ. Retrieved April 25, 2025 from https://www.bisg.org/BISAC-FAQ#:~:text=What%20does%20BISAC%20stand%20for,in%20the%20manner%20described%20below

Carey, C.R. (2018). Instilling Purpose and Value in the Implementation of Digital Badges. International Journal of Educational Technology in Higher Education, 16(1). Retrieved April 26, 2025 from https://educationaltechnologyjournal.springeropen.com/articles/10.1186/s41239-019-0175-9  

Cedefop. (2009). European Guidelines for Validating Non-Formal and Informal Learning. European Centre for the Development of Vocational Training. Retrieved April 26, 2025 from https://www.cedefop.europa.eu/files/3073_en.pdf 

Flynn, S. Wylie, N. Murphy, H. M. (2023). Micro Credentials & Digital Badges: Definitions, Affordances, and Design Considerations for Application in Higher Education Institutions. All Ireland Journal of Higher Education, 15(1), 1-18. Retrieved April 26, 2025 from https://ojs.aishe.org/index.php/aishe-j/article/download/709/1061/4057 

Gershon, L. (2017, June 22). The Key to Jobs in the Future is not College but Compassion. Aeon. Retrieved April 27, 2025 from  https://aeon.co/essays/the-key-to-jobs-in-the-future-is-not-college-but-compassion 

Gibson, D. Ostashewshi, N. Flintoff, K. Grant, S., & Knight, E. (2015). Digital Badges in Education. Education and Information Technologies, 20(2), 403-410. Retrieved April 26, 2025 from https://doi.org/10.1007/s10639-013-9291-7 

Igarashi, T., Watanabe, M., Tomita, Y., Sugeno, Y., Yamagishi, M., & Koizumi, M. (2022). Public library events with spaces and collections: Case analysis of the Helsinki Central Library Oodi. Journal of Librarianship and Information Science, 55(3), 681-693. https://doi.org/10.1177/09610006221097405 

Lauersen, C. (2021, September 2). The PubliC library is the Haven where we can rediscover the ability to immerse. Retrieved April 27, 2025 from https://christianlauersen.net/2021/09/02/the-public-library-is-the-haven-where-we-can-rediscover-the-ability-to-immerse/?fbclid=IwAR1vkzaOnZihEXoA0Xtzh_njckIq_HcpJTfzMQbcC8khiTUI3tJM8eTu0nQ

Library of Congress (n.d). Library of Congress Subject Headings: Module 2.1 Structural Overview. Retrieved April 25, 2025 from https://www.loc.gov/catworkshop/lcsh/PDF%20scripts/2-1-Structural-Overview.pdf

Mozilla Foundation. (n.d). Posts tagged with “Open Badges”. Mozilla Foundation Blog Archive. Retrieved April 25, 2025 from https://blog.mozilla.org/foundation-archive/tag/open-badges/

Next City. (n.d). Helsinki Built a Library that brings a whole city together. Next City. Retrieved April 25, 2025 from https://nextcity.org/urbanist-news/helsinki-built-a-library-that-brings-a-whole-city-together 

Pew Research Center. (2021, February 18). Experts say the ‘new normal’ in 2025 will be far more tech-driven, presenting more big challenges. Retrieved April 26, 2025 from https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/2021/02/18/experts-say-the-new-normal-in-2025-will-be-far-more-tech-driven-presenting-more-big-challenges/ 

San Mateo County Libraries. (2012). 2013 Annual Report. Retrieved April 25, 2025 from  https://smcl.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2016/04/2013-Annual-Report.pdf   

San Mateo County Libraries. (n.d). Library Resources & Services. Retrieved April 25, 2025 from https://smcl.org/resources/library-resources-services/ 

Stephens, M. (2021). Infinite Learning: A guide for continuous skills development in libraries. Retrieved April 27, 2025 from https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/4zt1yliwb2ffzr8euix2p/YLibraryInfiniteLearning.pdf?rlkey=m0v6lkd43ufilkp5aktawhlpr&e=1&dl=0 

UNESCO. (n.d). Open Educational Resources. UNESCO. Retrieved April 25, 2025 from https://www.unesco.org/en/open-educational-resources

Urban Libraries Council. (2024). FindIt! Word-Based Classification System. Urban Libraries Council. Retrieved April 25, 2025 from https://www.urbanlibraries.org/innovations/findit-word-based-classification-system

Image Reference:

DALL·E (2025). Illustration of participants collaborating in “Design Your Discovery” with badges awarded and peer-coaching in a library setting (AI-generated image). OpenAI.

PDF Artifact (from Figma) Reference
Feather Icons. (n.d.). Feather: Simply beautiful open source icons. Retrieved May 1, 2025 from https://feathericons.com/ 

Flaticon. (n.d). Medal (Icon). Flaticon. Retrieved May 1, 2025 from https://www.flaticon.com/free-icon/medal_744922

Flaticon. (n.d). Shuttle (Free Transportation Icon). Flaticon. Retrieved May 1, 2025 from https://www.flaticon.com/free-icon/shuttle_2285485?k=1746122949324&log-in=email

SMCLibraries [@smclibraries]. (2024, March 20). (Image of a library event) (Instagram Photo). Instagram. Retrieved May 1, 2025 from https://www.instagram.com/smclibraries/p/C4wXoBnK-YK/?img_index=4

Stephens, M. (2021). Infinite Learning: A guide for continuous skills development in libraries. Retrieved April 27, 2025 from https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/4zt1yliwb2ffzr8euix2p/YLibraryInfiniteLearning.pdf?rlkey=m0v6lkd43ufilkp5aktawhlpr&e=1&dl=0