User studies on library research support services planning: A case of study

Abstract

Knowledge about users must be at the basis of planning, designing, and modifying new or pre-existing library services. The new environment of academic libraries implies changes in many aspects, including the creation or reorganization of research support services. In this paper it is analyzed the interest in user studies at the context of the research support services planning at university libraries. A model is proposed to accomplish the studies on researcher users, exemplified in the case of the University of Coruña, combining techniques of bibliographic research, interviews and surveys. As conclusion, a set of recommendations and thoughts that support this approach from the methodological point of view is given.