The research of spatial sign-oriented navigation in the public libraries

This article discusses the research of quality of spatial sign-oriented navigation in one of Arkhangelsk’s libraries. Among the methods used is the GorPro technology, which allows the most scrutinous examination of the research participants’ behavior during the process of choosing a path while solving the given task. Moreover, “Think-aloud” protocol, with the help of which the participants provide commentary and voice their doubts while making a choice, is applied. During the research 4 groups, each made up of 3 students, were equipped with GoProHERO7 action cameras and trackers and performed a search in the library solving the tasks on finding certain spaces, information, exhibitions and books from the open access collections inside the building of the library. The analysis of the results was performed using audio and video recordings and observation charts; a comparison of them was also made against the optimum performance. It is the first time a research of this kind has been carried out in Russia; however, there are descriptions of similar researches that had been carried out abroad. One of them, carried out in the US in 2018, provided the basis for this research.