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International Symposium on User Experience: Building Human-Centred Libraries
(19 - 21 September 2023)

The application of user experience (UX) in libraries has become an established practice over the last few years, as librarians worldwide have recognized the importance of putting users at the centre of the design and improvement of library spaces, products, and services.

The Department of Library Services at the University of Pretoria is pleased to announce its 2nd Symposium, the International Symposium on User Experience, following the successful International Symposium on Robotics. This symposium is focused in the theme of building human-centred libraries, and it will take place at the Groenkloof Campus in Pretoria from 19 September to 21 September 2023.

A pre-symposium workshop will take place on 19 September, and the two day symposium will take place on 20 an 21 September 2023. Please note that seats are limited for the pre-symposium workshop.

The symposium will examine the application of user experience (UX) in libraries, an area of growing importance in libraries worldwide. While libraries in the global North have been active in the field of UX, African libraries are still under presented. Therefore, this symposium aims to provide a platform for learning, knowledge exchange, and interactive discussions to address this gap.

We invite libraries, researchers, scholars, and professionals from around the world to Pretoria, South Africa, to come and share their research and the best practices. The symposium will feature various networking opportunities and participants are encouraged to submit abstracts for presentations and proposals for workshops. The focus will be on celebrating UX work in libraries across the globe, and the following themes have been conceived to inspire thought, although they are not exhaustive:

  • Design thinking and libraries 
  • UX and Emerging Technologies 
  • Interaction and Visual Design 
  • Usability studies of physical and virtual library spaces 
  • User research and design 
  • Leading UX projects within libraries 
  • UX in public and/ or school libraries
  • UX in academic libraries

We encourage you to participate and share your research and best practices. Join us in Pretoria, South Africa, for an enriching and engaging symposium.

Important Dates: EXTENDED !!

  • Registration opens - 24 April 2023
  • Call for abstracts open - 24 April 2023
  • Abstract Submission Deadline - 11 August 2023
  • Notify submitters of selection - 18 August 2023
  • Registration closes - 25 August 2023
  • Final registration fee payment date - 1 September 2023

 

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