CX DESIGN
Nonfiction Collection Reorganization
for the Richfield Branch of the Akron-Summit County Public Library
Goal: Increase circulation of the library’s nonfiction collection.
BACKGROUND
Starting in 2014, I collaborated with co-workers to reimagine & redesign our nonfiction collection layout. We wanted to know:
Would putting cookbooks near home improvement and decor help circulation in all those areas?
What about putting technology, business, and finance books together?
Would putting popular nonfiction books in the rows closer to the entrance result in more cross-pollination with Fiction browsing, because of proximity?
We were interested in seeing if people who didn’t know the Dewey Decimal system would be able to find more books for themselves, and discover new topics they maybe never would have thought to look for.
PROCESS
We read up on other libraries that had implemented BISAC categories or other bookstore models.
We visited the Berea Branch of the Cuyahoga Public Library, who’s collection had been reorganized into “glades”, alcoves intended to create a sense of place and group similar subjects together to encourage browsing, to see it for ourselves and talk to staff about what worked and what didn’t.
We watched our patrons interact with the collection, what they were drawn to and what they avoided, when they came up to the desk to ask for help, and when they left with nothing.
Action:
Reorganized the collection under broad subject headings that reflected the language patrons used when asking for materials,
Arranged the sections in a flow that encouraged browsing within similar interests,
Made room for facing books out to show off the cover in each section, and
Created clear signage and maps to encourage self service
INSIGHTS
Many people went into the collection looking for specific titles, or books on specific topics. Often, they had the library’s catalog pulled up on their phone, and were fairly confident the book they sought was on the shelf
Patrons were more likely to leave without the materials they wanted than to ask for help at the desk, even when there was no wait
Patrons who went back into the collection checked out more books than patrons who just picked up holds at the desk, so pulling people back into the stacks was the way to drive engagement and circulation