Markham Public Library
Reimagine public library experience for neurodiverse community
About MPL
Markham Public Library (MPL) is a municipal government-run library system in Canada, it comprises eight branches across the city, serving around 250,000 residents of Markham. MPL's mission is to provide a comprehensive range of resources for informational, educational, and recreational needs, fostering a welcoming environment for the community.
My duties
My responsibilities for the project involve examining the demographics report of the Markham area, extracting relevant insights to build a foundation for and support research, and conducting on-site research at all eight branches of MPL.
Primary Research
I conducted on-site research at the branches listed below, encompassing site audits, focus groups, and individual user interviews. My specific emphasis was on neurodiverse customers and their potential difficulties when navigating the library environment. This aligns with MPL's goal of promoting inclusivity and improving the library environment.
Aaniin Library
Markham Village
Cornell Library
Unionville Library
Angus Glen Library
Milliken Mills Library
Thornhill CC Library
Thornhill Village Library
Secondary Research
My main sources for secondary research comprise the demographic report of the Markham area, along with historical data and reports obtained from the library branches. Due to the Non-Disclosure Agreement governing my participation in this project, I am limited to discussing the project's scope, methodologies, and outcomes within the NDA's constraints.
Outcomes & Reflections
Outcomes: 1. Branch experience data (an Excel file) 2. Neurodiverse People in Public Library Spaces (a Report)
Reflections: This project I completed at MPL was an incredibly valuable learning experience. It marked the first time I conducted research purely based on physical spaces, focusing on user experiences beyond digital platforms. One of the most unique and enlightening experiences was conducting an interview with a library enthusiast who is visually impaired. Her perspective shed new light on accessibility considerations and allowed me to understand the importance of diverse perspectives in shaping design solutions.