CITATION AND COPYRIGHT INFORMATION:
Cite as: Dervin, B. (2005). Building big user studies out of small encounters: Making every user contact a micro-user study. Presentatation at Web-Wise 2005: Teaching and Learning with Digital Resources, Pre-Conference 2: Planning and Implementing User Studies, Institute for Museum and Library Services & University of Illinois-Chicago, Washington, D.C., February 16.
© Brenda Dervin (2005)

ABSTRACT:
This presentation was one of four at a workshop on Planning and Implementing User Studies presented at Web-Wise 2005. The presentation focused on applying user-oriented approaches to intersections with users in both library and museum settings and then systematically compiling the results as a means of developing large-scale portraits of user needs and how library/museum services make a difference in user lives. The presentation focused on the primary gap between systems and users -- expert knowledge structures -- and the ways in which expertise is grounded in world-views alien to non-experts. The presentation emphasized that this is a gap that is beyond cultural differences and even education/income differences. Drawing on Sense-Making Methodology, the presentation concluded by presenting ways of intersecting with users that allow the bridging of gaps between expert worlds and lay person worlds.

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<http://communication.sbs.ohio-state.edu/sense-making/artdirect/artdervin05ww.ppt>

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