Chicago Public Library Program Management
Photo by Albert Sung
A semester long group project mentored by George Aye of Greater Good Studio, which involved finding and solving a problem within the CPL system.
This involved observation, research, in-person interviews, brainstorming, collaboration, prototype creation and testing, and a final presentation to staff members from the CPL.
Research
We began by observing the CPL and current systems. We chose to focus on the Program systems of CPL such as YouMedia, Maker Lab, and Cultural programs.
We interviewed users...
1 Branch Manager
4 Program Staff
3 Librarians
And discovered that no library branch has a single set practice, time was often wasted through excessive communication between branches and the flagship Harold Washington Library, and that the most successful Programs keep a library branch's demographics in mind.
Synthesis
We sorted through our collected data to find the core problems with the Program system. From here, we discovered the key components were in lack of clear communication, difficulty in creating new Programs, and discrepancies between the needs of different demographics. From here we were able to create a solid problem to solve, and begin thinking of solutions.
Main
Problem:
Inconsistencies in translating programs from the Harold Washington flagship to the branch libraries limits the mission of the CPL system to provide access to all.
Photo by Dani Reis
How Might We Solve This?
We came together, read out simple prompts and generated as many ideas as possible, eventually filtering out "early ideas" and leaving the best.
Prototype and
Testing
We realized that a kind of modular system was needed, so we developed a low budget version of one of our solutions and tested it with staff members from the CPL.
Solution
We created an online interface which allows Programs to be thought of in modular components such as the kind of space, staffing, and supplies required to successful version of the Program. Librarians were then able to select not only which Programs were best suited for their library's demographic, but also which modules were needed. This was accompanied by Program ratings, as well as document sharing and contact information.