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Collaborating with a team of student volunteers on Ux projects or … How to kill two birds with one stone

Abstract

When UX capacity is limited, academic libraries must find creative ways to advance user-centered design. This reflective case study examines a collaboration between a solo UX librarian and a team of undergraduate UX students at the University of California, San Diego Library. The partnership supported a comprehensive UX study of the library’s online help environment while simultaneously building organizational UX maturity and providing students with hands-on professional experience. Despite challenges related to project scope, timelines, and mentorship, the collaboration led to tangible service improvements and long-term institutional change. This article offers insights for libraries seeking sustainable, low-cost approaches to expanding UX practice through student partnerships.