brian brown

I have often said that I am a bridge between traditional library science theory and modern user experience principles. What began as an interest in information seeking behavior, has developed into a profession as an information architect and usability researcher. Through my work as a user experience librarian, I have even developed a broader, more holistic understanding of the entire customer experience, moving beyond the digital environment to focus on every interaction we have with our users.

To better understand my interest in human nature, my educational path was through the study of literature. My undergraduate degree provided the opportunity to understand how new thoughts built upon the previous ideas; literature often embraces the travails of its time and affords the reader a possibility of learning about history, philosophy, art, psychology, and sometimes even romance.

To further share this personal love of books and literature, I spent some time managing a bookstore. First a wonderful independent called the Bookie Joint, and then for a few years at a large chain. Both provided daily opportunities to interact with people from all walks of life, find out about their reading interests, and to suggest that next perfect book. And I was good at it.

As the early Web really began to expand, so did my interest in search and discovery. No longer interested in just sharing books, rather it was concept of matching the person with the information. I then chose to pursue a Masters in Library and Information Science.