Better Research, Better Decisions, Better Impact

Libraries do a lot of listening. The challenge is making sure you’re hearing from the whole community. Traditional surveys disproportionately reach current patrons, engaged supporters and people who already know what the library offers. Our research helps libraries look beyond those familiar voices to understand awareness, behavior, barriers, unmet needs and opportunities across the broader community.

Libraries collect a wealth of data about their collections, patrons, programs, spaces and services. But the most valuable insights often go beyond the numbers in standard reports. We dig deeper to understand how effectively your resources are meeting community needs. We uncover patterns, identify opportunities, and reveal where your library can increase usage, strengthen services, and make the most of its space, staff and funding.

​Some of the people who could benefit most from library services can be difficult to reach through traditional surveys and listening sessions. People facing economic, mobility, language, access or other barriers are often underrepresented in the feedback libraries receive. We work with local community connectors — educators, public servants, nonprofit leaders and social-service providers — to uncover challenges, barriers and emerging needs that may not otherwise show up in library research.

​You can’t really understand your library until you see it from your community’s perspective. Our immersive UX research follows real people as they explore the library, complete everyday tasks, and share their experiences through first-person video and interviews. We uncover the often-overlooked details—from finding books and navigating signage to choosing a comfortable place to work—that shape how people experience your space. The result is practical insight to help make your library easier, more comfortable, and more welcoming for everyone.