First Announcement THEME: Smarter libraries: User experience (UX) in action The Library and Information Service, Stellenbosch University, is pleased to announce the theme for its 15th Library Symposium. User Experience (UX) design is based on the idea that products and services are designed with the user in mind. Many libraries have undertaken research that falls under the umbrella of UX. Ethnographic research is a popular method in UX research. It includes, for example, the study of user behaviours related to information searching, how users engage with a library website and how they use and interact with library spaces. The research could be done by observation, photo diaries and/or journal studies. The Horizon Report 2017, Library Edition, lists trends which accelerate technology adoption in academic and research libraries, and one of them is the User Experience: The term is applied to assess exchanges with websites, mobile devices, and operating systems, but libraries are also applying the same usability principles to physical spaces. Companies such as Amazon and Google are identifying patterns in users' online behaviours to better tailor search results at the individual level. The result is a more efficient and personal experience for users. UX is an ongoing process. The job of the UX researcher is never done. Smart libraries therefore need to prioritise and implement changes according to the level of ease, time requirement and importance. Applying UX research means finding a balance between the library's goals and the opinions of its users. Three different sessions will focus on the following themes, all related to the user experience: - Smarter libraries through technology - Smart library design: Spaces and facilities - Using UX research for smarter services and resources The programme, speakers and other relevant information will become available in forthcoming announcements. Please find more information on the symposium website (Preferred browsers: Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox). Venue: Stellenbosch Institute for Advanced Study (STIAS) Enquiries: Marié Roux (mr@sun.ac.za), tel: 021-8082623 | 
