Abstract
Electronic rare book repository development provides users with convenient and practical accessibility, and may lead to future frontier research. This study aims to design and develop a rare book repository using the concept of Design Thinking and to assess the rare book repository system of the national library in Thailand. Ratchamangkhalaphisek National Library Chiang Mai was chosen as the case study here because of the uniqueness of its rare book characteristics - palm leaf manuscripts - and because of its lack of an online portal for rare books. The Design Thinking concept of Stanford d.school was applied in this research and development study (R and D research) in order to develop a more effective rare book repository. Interview forms and evaluation were used as the research tools to collect data. The results show that the overall satisfaction level of the users was at a high level in terms of content and at a very high level in terms of system. That is because the menu is well-designed, easy to use, and can be easily viewed. Moreover, the information searching system is accurate according to user needs. The concept of Design Thinking, in the way that it focuses on human-centered design, creates a system that answers the users’ requirements, as well as generates new perspectives. Also, the Design Thinking concept might be applied to other processes in the system development cycle since it could enhance the efficiency of a rare book repository system and be appropriate to the needs of users.
Keywords
Introduction
National libraries play a vital role in safeguarding the cultural heritage of a nation and passing it down to future generations. Established by government, such institutions are tasked with the collection and preservation of a country's publications. A rare book repository is a convenient source for collecting and organizing rare books for further educational purposes because rare books are important as intellectual heritage. Therefore, it is a valuable resource for advanced research that utilizes difficult-to-find sources. Moreover, it reflects the historical and developmental picture of the country from the past to the present (Rungruangsilpa, 2009; Wright, 1957). As the repository provides services for rare books in volume format in the library, as well as in closed form, users cannot borrow and remove texts from the library and must be cautious about handling the originals to prevent damage due to the fragility of the paper, unlike general books that can be borrowed and taken outside the library. Therefore, many libraries have started digitizing rare books and providing services in electronic format on their websites. Most of these rare books are stored in national libraries, university libraries, and specialized libraries. In addition, international libraries also present information on rare books on their websites as special collections, with the preparation of descriptions and tools to assist in retrieval. They also employ finding aids and use standards for document and note management EDA (Encoded Archival Description) (Dowell, 2008).
Ratchamangkhalaphisek National Library, Chiang Mai (NL-CNX) is the national library of the northern region, with a significant role in exploring, collecting, conserving, and preserving intellectual property heritage, and disseminating the wisdom of the people in the northern region to prevent dispersal, disappearance, or destruction (Ratchamangkhalaphisek National Library, Chiang Mai, 2019). It houses rare collections including books, manuscripts, and palm leaf manuscripts. Moreover, it provides services for rare books in the ancient document room, keeping original copies separated in wooden cabinets, with content related to law, history, traditions, culture, literature, education, religion, linguistics, and local tales. The number of rare books provided in volume form is 2070 titles in its closed system, while electronic rare books number 9 items from 2070 items supplied on the website (data as of July 2023) (Ratchamangkhalaphisek National Library of Chiang Mai, 2022).
However, there are issues facing this library and many others. The development of rare book repositories in digital format is something that every relevant organization should pursue. However, budget constraints in many places limit the extent of digitization compared to the volume of books available. Additionally, digitization itself takes time and human resources, such as scanning and converting to digital format. For instance, at the National Szechenyi Library, they chose to digitize a subset of manuscripts feasible with the available time and resources, but, even though digitization has been done, there is still no online portal to make them widely accessible (Correa, 2017).
National Library websites (Australia, India, Japan, and the United States) and other online resources provide an overview of the standard libraries follow (Latte and Bankapur, 2022). For research on rare books, studies cover two areas: (1) that of rare book collections, such as the study by Supvichitr and Jaruwan (2022), and (2) that of management, such as the studies by Jarusawat (2009) and Juntalun (2017), although these have not yet had much impact in terms of developing rare book repositories in Thailand. Furthermore, the development of information resource libraries in general often uses circuit development for system design and development, focusing on the sequence and key points of creating new ideas in the design and development analysis process (Van Petegem et al., 2021). Because librarians are frequently tasked with developing service tools and addressing information management challenges (Clarke, 2018), they have increasingly adopted design-oriented concepts. These concepts, which extend from enhancing user experiences to establishing a library's brand identity (Bell, 2008), have become critical in shaping how libraries evolve. Today, assessments of library services should prioritize ‘customer-oriented guidelines’ over ‘service-oriented guidelines’ (Belton et al., 2022), reflecting the growing emphasis on user needs. Design-oriented approaches, which generate fresh ideas during problem-solving (Plattner, 2019), further underscore this shift toward more innovative and user-focused library services.
Therefore, to make rare books more accessible in electronic form and applicable for further educational purposes, the researcher is interested in studying the development of rare book repositories and takes NL-CNX as a case study. Design Thinking concept is used since it can be iteratively processed by incorporating feedback into the design process to deliver impressive user experiences and increase efficiency in storage, retrieval, and access for users.
Research objectives
To design and develop an online repository of rare books at the national library level
To assess the usage of the online repository of rare books at the national library level
Literature review and related research
Rare books of National Library of Thailand
The National Library of Thailand (2021) indicates that rare books are valuable documents considered to be intellectual heritage assets of the nation in terms of content and printing. Typically aged between 50 and 150 years old, these materials may not be readily available in general libraries and are often absent from the market. Presently, the National Library conserves rare books of significant value as a national intellectual heritage through established library science principles. The collection comprises over 50,000 items. Based on the aforementioned history of rare books at the National Library, the institution has defined 12 characteristics of rare books together as follows:
Books bearing the seal of the Phra Nakhon Library 7 different designs, indicating ownership from inception to the present. Books with a provenance history, including those donated to the National Library, such as those received from royal relatives, such as from the Bureau of the Royal Household, Prince Chula Chakrabongse, and personal collections of His Majesty King Rama IX. Books with interesting content, including fictional works. Books printed by early-era Thai publishers, such as those from Kamol Suksamit Publishing, Akson Phim Karn Publishing, Wat Bowonniwet Printing, Phra Thep Phanlue Printing, and Moradabad Press. Books first printed in volume form, typically translated from Thai manuscripts or historical knowledge. Books with bookplates or ownership marks, displayed in various patterns inside the front cover or on the title page, such as the seal of the Royal Library in the Grand Palace or the personal seal of His Majesty King Mongkut. Books released on special occasions, commemorating birthdays, royal cremations, or royal ordinations. Books with beautiful covers, printed on high-quality paper and costly. Books with interesting vintage illustrations, such as letters from the first European tour in 1763, etc. Biographical books of individuals, discussing well-known or important figures. Original handwritten documents or royal decrees, such as daily royal gazette letters from King Rama VI's reign or lineage registers from the Department of Royal Medical Service. Books printed in various languages, such as Sanskrit books, Tevranakri language books, Burmese language books, etc.
The National Library of Thailand, especially for NL-CNX, collects rare books mainly donated to the library. These books often appear in the form of commemorative publications, such as funeral memorial books. Unique to the collection is the presence of books in the Lanna language and those printed by local publishers, reflecting the culture, knowledge, and linguistic identity of the Lanna region. According to Pawino (2021), a librarian at NL-CNX, the appearance of printing presses is important because it signifies the evolution of communication from central Thailand to the northern region. Many of the books printed by Thai presses originated from missionary efforts to spread Christianity. However, rare books from the period when the impact of the printing press became more widespread cover a number of different topics. Moreover, the advent of Thai printing had various benefits: (1) broad dissemination of knowledge, (2) freedom of expression, (3) timely transmission of new information, (4) dissemination of government documents to the public, a crucial factor in national development, and (5) broadening the horizons of Thai residents, providing access to diverse knowledge, including news from abroad. In this sense, an appreciation of the development of the reasons behind the printing of these books is helpful in understanding their importance especially for NL-CNX which was established to serve as a significant cultural and educational resource for the local community and visitors.
Rare book metadata description standards on international websites
Most libraries use the Dublin Core standard for cataloging, especially those with manuscript documents and correspondence. However, libraries with archival materials typically adopt the DACS (Describing Archives: A Content Standard) to ensure comprehensive documentation. Collaborative networks of libraries, such as ASEAN Digital Library, Europeana, and Trove, have prepared various standards to enhance digital accessibility, including Dublin Core, MARC21, METS, MODS, EAD, ISAD(G), HTML, XML, CSV, RSS. They also adhere to interoperability standards for data exchange with other systems, such as OAI-PHM, (Dooley et al., 2017; Dressler, 2000) as outlined in Table 1.
Rare book metadata standards on international websites.
Development of rare book repositories and customized digital software
Outside Thailand, a study on rare book collections on websites was conducted by Dressler (2000). The study focused on analyzing and recommending rare book collections on websites. The study identified problems in design due to a lack of user research, no exploration of user types, and information usage behaviors, which impacted website design. For example, the George A. Smathers Libraries at the University of Florida had design flaws such as cluttered page layouts, unnecessary use of multiple colors on pages, non-standard font styles, and backgrounds. Additionally, an analysis of archival websites in 12 states in the United States by Yakel and Kim (2003–2004) found that most websites lacked clarity and consistent navigation systems, making it difficult for users to know where to start searching and providing excessive information on each webpage.
Therefore, customized digital software is often required for specific libraries to address unique needs and challenges that off-the-shelf solutions may not fully meet. For example, Tailored Functionality: Customized software can be designed to include specific features and workflows that align with the library's unique requirements, such as specialized cataloging systems, user interfaces, or integration with other institutional systems (Pierce, 2023). Scalability and Flexibility: Custom solutions can be scaled and adapted as a library's needs evolve, ensuring long-term usability and relevance. This flexibility allows libraries to modify and enhance the software as new technologies and user needs emerge (Ross, 2024). Enhanced User Experience: By focusing on the specific needs of their user base, libraries can create more intuitive and user-friendly interfaces, improving accessibility and engagement for all patrons (Arora and Patel, 2018). Data Management and Security: Custom software can offer advanced data management and security features tailored to the library's specific requirements, ensuring that sensitive information is protected and managed efficiently (Ashikuzzaman, 2023). There are several industry-leading software solutions available in both open-source and proprietary domains, each with its own strengths: Dspace: An open-source repository software that supports digital archiving and access to various types of digital content. It is widely used for institutional repositories and offers robust metadata management and interoperability. EPrints: Another open-source repository software that is highly customizable and supports a wide range of digital content. It is known for its ease of use and flexibility. CONTENTdm: A proprietary digital collection management software that allows libraries to store, manage, and provide access to digital collections. It is particularly strong in handling multimedia content and offers extensive support and customization options (Castagane, 2013; Pierce, 2023). These solutions provide a range of functionalities that can be tailored to meet the specific needs of different libraries, but customized software ensures that all unique requirements are fully addressed.
By employing MySQL, the system can be customized to meet the specific preferences of users, allowing for personalized display and design options. This user-centric approach encourages active participation in the system's development, resulting in a more efficient and intuitive interface. The system is specifically designed to address the unique needs of rare book services, offering comprehensive functionalities. Future adaptations, such as menu adjustments or user-defined displays, can be easily incorporated into the system, demonstrating its adaptability. MySQL is a versatile database that can effectively handle various media types, including images, audio, video, and data, supporting a wide range of digital formats. Moreover, the system supports digital format conversion, ensuring wide accessibility to various materials. The underlying database structure aligns with the National Library of Thailand, promoting consistency and interoperability nationwide. Built upon the open-source platform Omeka and leveraging MySQL, the system adheres to M2 M standards, such as OAI-PMH Repository. As a pilot project, the Rare Book Repository at NL-CNX, serves as a specialized collection, offering flexible database customization and design capabilities. The project involves creating rare book digitization and gathering new metadata for integration. This integration-friendly approach allows for seamless connection with the central database or the National Library's digital resource repository, fostering a unified and comprehensive digital library ecosystem. By using a centralized database and adhering to industry standards, this project aims to create a scalable and sustainable solution for managing rare book collections.
Design thinking with practice-based, and innovation approach
Design Thinking is a creative approach that focuses on user-centered design to solve problems and innovate through products and services. It emphasizes deep understanding of problems through user-centric design, bringing creative ideas and perspectives from various sources to generate ideas, testing and developing them into solutions or innovations that meet user needs and situations. Design Thinking consists of five steps: Empathy, Define, Ideate, Prototype, and Test; it is an iterative process and highly flexible (Plattner, 2019). Design Thinking is often used in industries and businesses. In the library sector, this approach has been applied to develop work in academic libraries since 2007 (Bell and Shank, 2007). For example, library spaces such as the John A. Prior Health Sciences Library at Ohio State University (Bradigan and Rodman, 2008) and the Chicago Public Library have used Design Thinking concepts to create co-working spaces (Miller and Schwartz, 2014). Additionally, alternative designs for categorization systems have been developed to assist users in browsing and finding books (Lynch and Mulero, 2007).
Design Thinking is a practice-based approach focusing on learning through doing and reflecting on experiences. This iterative process involves continuous improvement based on feedback and real-world application. It prioritizes experiential learning acquiring knowledge through hands-on experience. Additionally, reflective practice encourages ongoing reflection on actions and outcomes to inform future and sustainable practices. Collaboration is key, involving working with others to share insights and develop better solutions (Helyer, 2015; Hoolohan and Browne, 2020). Another core element of Design Thinking is fostering innovation. Innovation entails creating new and valuable solutions, whether they are products, services, processes, or business models. It requires creativity, the ability to think outside the box and generate novel ideas. Furthermore, implementation is essential—turning ideas into practical and marketable solutions. Lastly, adaptability is crucial; being flexible and responsive to changes and new information is key (Jain, 2023).
Integrating Design Thinking, practice-based approaches, and innovation covers four key areas. 1. Human-Centered Focus: Design Thinking ensures that innovation is user-centric, addressing real needs and problems. Practice-based approaches reinforce this by involving users in the development process and iterating based on their feedback (Liedtka, 2018). 2. Iterative Process: Both Design Thinking and practice-based approaches emphasize iteration. Prototyping and testing in Design Thinking align with experiential learning and reflective practice in practice-based approaches (Han, 2022). 3. Collaboration and Diversity: Innovation thrives on diverse perspectives and collaboration. Design Thinking encourages multidisciplinary teams to ideate and prototype, while practice-based approaches foster collaboration through shared experiences and collective reflection (Bender-Salazar, 2023). 4. Practical Implementation: Practice-based approaches ensure that the innovative solutions developed through Design Thinking are practical and feasible. Continuous feedback and real-world testing help refine and improve these solutions (Magistretti et al., 2021). By integrating these methodologies, organizations can create a robust framework for developing innovative solutions that are not only creative and user-centered but also practical and effective in real-world applications.
Methodology
This research is a Research and Development (R&D) study with steps and methods as follows:
Research procedures
The researcher applied the Design Thinking process as a stage in the research and development process, a process consisting of six steps (D. School, 2010): understanding the problem, defining the problem, generating ideas, selecting and creating digital collections, developing prototype systems, and testing prototype media. The research is divided into three phases: problem understanding phase, idea development phase, and innovation delivery phase (Figure 1).
Application of the design thinking process by Stanford d.school.
Phase 1: problem understanding phase
In this phase, the researcher deeply understands the problem through empathy and defines clear and accurate problem statements as follows:
Step 1: Empathy
This involves studying and gathering data on needs from various sources. In this case, in-depth interviews were conducted with three target groups: (1) users of rare books (four people), (2) librarians from the National Library and other libraries (eight people), and (3) technical experts (four people). The interviews aimed to understand the problems in different contexts related to needs concerning the rare book library system, content desired for dissemination, search formats, and website design. Additional interviews were conducted with the librarians to explore issues related to usage, selection, and storage for users. The technical experts were also interviewed on topics such as format conversion, digital book development, and software use. Additionally, the researcher studied documents, articles, and related research on rare book collections, information development, search, and digital collections.
Step 2: Define
This involves collecting data from interviews and analyzing them, as well as analyzing documents through triangulation analysis. From the interviews, the researcher categorized data and summarized user, librarian, and technical expert requirements as follows:
A rare book library system should have a user-friendly, relaxed, and simple interface, similar to Google's search function. It should include basic search, advanced search, facet search, and browse search functions. Searching should be possible by year, publisher, and language. Tagging should facilitate cross-referencing. Doblin Core Metadata format entries should be included. Cover images should be displayed.
From document analysis, the researcher decided to develop their own system using the MySQL database management system and PHP language program due to its flexibility compared to open-source software. This system was suitable for the analyzed user requirements.
Phase 2: idea development phase
This phase involves idea generation to innovate and solve problems further.
Step 3: Ideate
This involves brainstorming by the research team to make decisions on system development or prototype components. Here, principles of innovation were applied. Components related to requirements were identified (1) Efficient data processing and storage system, and (2) Display adaptability for computers, tablets, and mobile devices.
Prototypes were sketched on paper to visualize various work components, then designed using Microsoft PowerPoint to organize clear groupings for development in the next step.
Phase 3: innovation delivery phase
This phase involves translating ideas into action, selecting, and creating digital collections, developing prototypes, and testing with the target groups to refine and prepare for actual use.
Step 4: Prepare
The researcher selected rare books stored at NL-CNX, as a case study, based on the criteria established by the National Library, totaling 36 books. 16 books were digitized, while the remaining 20 books had their covers scanned to create electronic files. A BookDrive Mark2 Lite Mid-range, A3 scanner was used to scan rare books into digital format with high-quality images. This prepared them for dissemination in the rare book library in the future.
Step 5: Prototype
This involves translating ideas into tangible forms. The researcher developed and improved the rare book library website using a combination of HTML, CSS, and JavaScript frameworks (Bootstrap 5). They chose to use PHP language (CodeIgniter 3.1.1 framework) with MySQL database management system for the backend. The website was designed to be responsive across various screen sizes.
Step 6 Testing Prototype
Testing prototypes involves matching them with users to receive feedback for improvement. In this case, the researcher conducted two testing sessions with the archive. In the first session, the librarians and technical experts tested the archive and suggested adding (1) a feature to segment book titles for better searchability, and (2) data linking on the display page for each item, such as author names and publisher names. After incorporating these suggestions, the second round of testing involved users evaluating the archive and providing feedback, suggesting (1) displaying the number of books in each listing, (2) improving mobile screen readability, and (3) allowing free access without user accounts and passwords. The researcher took these suggestions into account for further refinement, preparing the system for actual use.
Tools used in development
The researcher used tools in two phases of development: (1) Understanding the Problem Phase: Deep interviews were conducted to gather user requirements. (2) Delivering Phase: In developing the prototype system, the researcher used computers for book archive development and database management using MySQL, Navicat for database connection, Atom version 1.63.1 for coding, and Notepad++ for coding as well. Additionally, Bootstrap was used for aesthetic design, and testing prototypes involved assessing the archive's searchability for librarians and experts (six individuals) and user satisfaction with the archive (35 individuals), considering content and system aspects using a Likert scale with five levels and analyzed using IOC (Index of Item Objective Congruence).
The data collection was conducted to study opinions regarding the information system for rare book searching. The process involved the following five steps: 1. User Needs Assessment: The researcher conducted interviews with both system operators and users to understand their needs. This data was then analyzed to inform system development, such as website design and the selection of metadata formats for recording detailed information about rare books in the database. 2. Development of the Rare Book Repository: The Rare Book Repository of NL-CNX was developed following the Stanford d.school design process. 3. Expert Testing: Six experts (three librarians and three technologists) tested the rare book repository (information system for rare book searching). 4. User Testing: A sample group of 35 users tested the revised repository after expert testing. Feedback was used to further refine the information system. And 5. Documentation and Evaluation: User manuals were prepared, and the system's processes and data processing accuracy were evaluated. Data Analysis: The data from user satisfaction surveys was analyzed using statistical methods. Data was collected from November 2021 to January 2023. Descriptive statistics were used for data analysis with including frequency, percentage, mean, median and standard deviation.
The interview questions focused on understanding users’ experiences and preferences related to the rare book search service at NL-CNX. Key areas covered in the questions included: 1. Usage: Frequency of use, alternative methods of accessing rare books, 2. Purpose: Reasons for using rare books, 3. Interests: Specific topics or subjects of interest, 4. Electronic versions: Prioritization of rare book digitization, 5. System improvements: Suggestions for enhancing the search system, 6. Challenges: Difficulties encountered while using the system, 7. Comparison: Experiences with other libraries’ rare book search systems, and 8. Additional features: Desired services and features for the database. The questions aimed to gather insights into user needs, preferences, and potential areas for improvement in the rare book search system.
Research results
The research results are divided into two points: Design and Development of the Book Archive, and Evaluation of User Satisfaction.
Design and development results
User needs results
User requirements were studied during the Understanding the Problem phase through interviews. The study found that users wanted (1) web-based search capability, (2) digitization of rare books from various sources, (3) diverse search formats (Basic, Advanced, Faceted, and Browse), (4) presentation in alphabetical order, and 5) presentation in full-text and summary formats. Librarians and technical experts also wanted digitization of rare books, adherence to Dublin Core Metadata standards, and artistic design in green and orange tones, reminiscent of the Department of Fine Arts and the National Library.
Results of the rare book repository development
The evaluation results of the experts’ opinions on the use of the rare book repository in terms of content and technical aspects revealed that overall satisfaction level was high (x̅ = 4.40). When considering ease of use and system design, it was at the highest level (x̅ = 5.59). Regarding the display of search results and responsiveness to the system, it was at the highest level (x̅ = 4.53). Management aspects were also rated highly (x̅ = 4.47), as well as search functionality (x̅ = 4.27) and linking to related information (x̅ = 4.27). After receiving evaluation results and recommendations, the researcher developed the rare book archive as follows (Figure 2-3):
Implemented a data management and storage system for rare books at NL-CNX, accessible at https://rarebook.human.cmu.ac.th/. Developed a search system allowing searches by book title, author, subject, keywords, category, and language, featuring basic search, advanced search, and faceted search functionalities, in line with user requirements gathered through interviews. Incorporated a filtering system for search results on the left side of the website, enabling filtering by book type, keywords, publisher, publication year, language, subject, and book category. Linked to topics, keywords, book types, categories, publishers, publication years, and languages. Included a menu consisting of sections such as About Rare Books, Usage Policies, and Contact Us. Provided 16 full-text electronic rare books and displayed covers for 20 items, totaling 36 items. Adhered to Dublin Core Metadata standards for data listing, including book title, author, subject, keywords, place of publication, publisher, format, original edition, language, and notes. Presented documents in APA and MLA citation formats. Designed the website using Responsive Web Design to adapt to various screen sizes, using orange tones to represent the National Library's orange color. Presented rare books in flipbook format and allowed downloading of full-text electronic rare books in PDF format without access restrictions.
The main screen and search menu of the rare book repository website of NL-CNX (https://rarebook.human.cmu.ac.th/nltcm/) (color online).
Searching result page of the rare book repository website (https://rarebook.human.cmu.ac.th/nltcm/) (color online).
Satisfaction assessment results
The satisfaction evaluation of using the rare book repository for accessing rare books, as evidenced by this case study of NL-CNX, demonstrated that users experienced high overall satisfaction with the content and the system. Specifically, users rated their satisfaction with the content at an average of 4.49 out of 5, indicating that the library's offerings closely met their expectations.
Users expressed the highest satisfaction with the accuracy of the presented rare book content, rating it at 4.62 out of 5. This suggests that the library's collections were deemed precise and reliable, fulfilling users’ desires for authenticity and trustworthiness. Additionally, users reported high satisfaction in three key areas: the utility of the rare book data (x̅ = 4.48), overall satisfaction with the rare book data (x̅ = 4.47), and the alignment of the presented rare book data with user requirements (x̅ = 4.39). These scores reflect that the repository effectively caters to the diverse needs of its patrons.
Regarding the system itself, users were highly satisfied with all eight aspects assessed, with scores ranging from 4.50 to 4.68 out of 5. The highest satisfaction was recorded for the appropriateness, ease of use, convenience, and clarity of various menus, which scored an impressive (x̅ = 4.68) This demonstrates that users found the navigation and usability of the system intuitive and user-friendly.
Other high-ranking aspects of the system included accurate data processing (x̅ = 4.64), categorization of data into appropriate and convenient categories (x̅ = 4.59), the implementation of security levels or access rights (x̅ = 4.59), and search functionality, which allows users to search by author name, title, and keywords, meeting their needs effectively (x̅ = 4.59). Users also appreciated the overall system design appropriateness (x̅ = 4.56), the aesthetics of the display on the screen (color tones, images, fonts) (x̅ = 4.53), and the speed of data processing (x̅ = 4.50). These aspects collectively contributed to the high level of user satisfaction experienced with the rare book repository (Table 2).
User satisfaction evaluation with the rare book repository.
Discussion
The evaluation of expert opinions regarding the use of rare book repositories focused on both content quality and technical functionality. The assessment showed a generally high level of satisfaction, with an average score of 4.40 out of 5. This suggests that experts found the repositories to be well-organized, containing valuable and well-preserved materials, and employing robust technical systems to facilitate access and navigation.
In contrast, the overall satisfaction assessment by users, as detailed in Table 1, was even higher, averaging 4.54 out of 5. This indicates that users were extremely pleased with their experiences using the rare book repositories. Factors contributing to this high level of satisfaction likely include ease of access to rare materials, intuitive search and retrieval systems, and the overall user experience provided by the repositories.
Further discussion of the research findings highlights key insights and potential areas for improvement. This includes exploring the specific factors that led to high satisfaction levels, as well as any suggestions from experts and users that could guide future enhancements to the repositories. Additionally, research considers how the rare book repositories can continue to meet and exceed user expectations, ensuring that these valuable resources remain accessible and relevant in the long term.
Content
The accuracy and precision of the content presented in rare books are highly satisfactory, reflecting the value and distinctive characteristics of rare books compared to general books. The content, focusing on history and serving as a reference for research (Tikhara, 2007), aligns with the purpose of using rare books, demonstrating the quality and reliability of information. This correlates with Juntalun's (2017) research on the predominant use of rare books for educational purposes in Thai national libraries. In further analysis of this point, Katz et al.'s (1974) concept explains the idea of the components of the uses and gratifications theory. It suggests that individuals, as receivers of information, are the ones who determine what they need and what type of media will meet their needs, leading to satisfaction. This concept views the receiver from the perspective of an action receiver.
System
Users expressed the highest level of satisfaction with the system, particularly in terms of appropriate, easy-to-use menus and clear visibility. This satisfaction correlates with expert opinions on the system's user-friendliness and top-level system design. The researcher applied user-centric design principles (Schoger, 2018), emphasizing aesthetics, user interaction, and technical details such as color selection, font size, background images, and website tone. The rare book collection is designed with aesthetic appeal suitable for users who have specified their preference for a natural, comfortable, and simple theme that exudes credibility through font styles (Kanit), colors (white, orange, green), and images, as well as the placement of the organization's logo, buttons, and consistent navigation system. This aligns with Dressler's (2000) research, which analyzed university rare book library websites, including the Lilly Library at Indiana University and the University of Chicago Libraries. Dressler found that both libraries feature consistent navigation systems and prominently display their logos at the top of their websites, reinforcing his broader findings on effective website design in library settings.
For information retrieval, users expressed the highest satisfaction with information retrieval, which aligns with their needs. The library's retrieval system offers various search formats, including basic, advanced, and faceted searches, facilitating accurate information retrieval. Different retrieval methods lead to varied search results (Chulalongkorn University. Department of Library Science, 2022). Moreover, Data Search such as by author name, title, keywords, and subjects meets user requirements. This result aligns with Purdue University's (2022) findings about library visitors having access to rare books. Purdue University states that special collections were reachable through a repository featuring organized subject-based access, facilitating easier user access via the library website. Therefore, to cover and respond to the needs of users, the researcher introduced various search methods to accommodate search results so that users can obtain the complete information they need and make valuable use of it. Due to the specific nature of rare books, where users prioritize the publication year and want to search based on this, the researcher designed a search method that classifies publication years to make usage convenient and searching easy. This is because users are not focused on specific authors but rather emphasize the publication year. To cater to user preferences for searching by publication year, the researchers introduced a faceted search by publication year to enhance convenience and ease of use. In conclusion, the research findings underscore the importance of accurately meeting user needs, providing comprehensive information, and facilitating valuable data utilization. The design considerations and search functionalities implemented in the rare book repository align with user expectations, enhancing overall satisfaction and usability.
In addition, the researcher designed the retrieval system to resemble Google's interface, meeting user expectations. This is consistent with Dowell (2008), who surveyed 89 users and found that users expect and prefer search systems to be designed similar to Google's. This reflects the use of design-oriented concepts to understand users and pinpoint solutions accurately, consistent with Juntalun's (2017) research on the use of rare books by users of the national library, which identified problems with accessibility and retrieval of rare books. The users of rare books encounter the most significant issues with accessing and searching rare books. (x̅ = 4.54). Moreover, it aligns with Belton et al.'s (2022) work on the impact of collecting and serving archives at the Department of History, Western University, which emphasized the importance of user information retrieval skills in managing rare books in libraries.
Based on the overall development and design of the rare book repository, users expressed the highest level of satisfaction, indicating the effectiveness of the developed repository. The system produces accurate, precise, easy-to-use, and convenient search results. Users can respond and have a positive experience with the rare book repository. The researcher utilized Design Thinking principles (D. School, 2010) to develop the repository, involving multiple stakeholders to deeply understand the problem, focusing on user needs as a priority. This approach facilitated the development of a system that is easy to use, not complex, and truly meets user needs, in line with Clarke et al.'s (2020) research on the popularity of Design Thinking in libraries and information science in the United States. Mostly used for space planning and program development, it emphasizes studying and understanding the problems of the target group and understanding users. The design approach consists of five steps: identifying the target group's problems, interpreting the issues, brainstorming without limits, developing a prototype, and testing the prototype.
Furthermore, the iterative development of prototypes significantly enhanced the efficiency of the rare book repository. After conducting user testing and gathering feedback in terms of information searching, information adding and information linking, the researchers refined the system to be more effective, consistent with Dam and Siang's (2021) concept of iterative development of prototypes, fostering critique and understanding of the developed solution for further improvement. The iterative design process encourages the collection of ideas and suggestions in a cyclical manner, aiding in continuous improvement and innovation.
Conclusion
Creating a prototype is considered a crucial step that sparks the innovation users need, allowing the development of a product that is not only genuinely useful but also capable of bringing about a comprehensive transformation of the existing issues. By offering a tangible model of the rare book collection, it became possible to test the prototype with experts and gather valuable insights. The experts’ feedback helped fine-tune the prototype and ensure its functionality aligns with the needs and expectations of users.
The study of overall user satisfaction with the system reached the highest level, demonstrating the effectiveness of the design process in crafting a high-quality, efficient rare book collection that can be successfully utilized. This level of satisfaction suggests that the design process plays a crucial role in meeting user needs and providing an optimal user experience.
After collecting feedback from users, the rare book collection was further refined by implementing Design Thinking as a study tool. This approach significantly enhanced the system's efficiency and effectiveness, leading to improved outcomes. For instance, brainstorming sessions encouraged the exploration of fresh problem-solving methods and potential innovations.
An essential aspect of Design Thinking is the iterative development process, which involves collecting ideas and suggestions in a cyclic manner. This repetitive process allows for continuous refinement and improvement of the development, ensuring the rare book collection evolves to meet user demands more effectively. By embracing this cycle of improvement, the system can remain adaptable and responsive to the changing needs of its users.
In conclusion, the application of Design Thinking as a tool for studying and understanding user needs in developing the rare book repository has significantly enhanced its quality, efficiency, and user responsiveness. Following user feedback, the rare book repository underwent further development, utilizing Design Thinking as a tool to foster innovation, continuous improvement, and problem-solving.
Suggestions for the implementation of research findings
The National Library can utilize the rare book repository developed from this research by adding digitized rare books to further enrich the collection. This would provide users with convenient electronic access to study and research materials. Additionally, it is advisable to establish data linkage with relevant organizations such as the National Library, the Office of Non-Formal and Informal Education (NFE), and community libraries to disseminate and promote rare books to users.
By using Dublin Core metadata, enhanced with LRMI extensions, the repository can improve resource discovery and interoperability. LRMI extensions can be implemented within a MySQL database using a specific tool or method. This involves setting up a structure that can store the various types of metadata defined by LRMI, ensuring comprehensive and standardized metadata management.
Recommendations for future study
Further study is recommended to establish standards for managing rare book data in digital information repositories. Moreover, utilizing design-oriented concepts and development processes collaboratively can enhance the development of digital information repositories.
Footnotes
Declaration of conflicting interests
The author declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship and/or publication of this article.
Funding
The author(s) disclosed receipt of the following financial support for the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article: This work was supported by the Faculty of Humanities, Chiang Mai University.
