SpringyCamp for Public Libraries 2026

Beyond the Default: Using UX Research and Customization to Improve LibCal

Pauly Bonz, Denver Public Library

How do you improve the customer experience of a vendor platform without rebuilding the platform itself? Denver Public Library approached its LibCal homepage as a UX problem rather than simply a visual customization project. In this presentation, Pauly Bonz will share the thinking behind the redesign, highlight the key changes made to the customer experience, and demonstrate how DPL used LibCal's built-in tools alongside custom CSS and JavaScript to create a more intentional experience. Attendees will learn how to approach LibCal customization from a customer-centered perspective and identify opportunities to improve their own library's LibCal experience.

🛠️ Springy Tools Covered: LibCal

Resources
Presentation Slides

Videos and presentation slides are password protected. Request the password here.

✉️ Questions about this presentation? Contact Pauly: pbonz@denverlibrary.org

💡 Want to learn more about LibCal? Request info here!

Pauly Bonz Denver-1Pauly Bonz is a User Experience Researcher and Designer on the IT Digital Solutions team at Denver Public Library. Her work focuses on improving digital experiences through user research, accessibility, content strategy, and service design. At DPL, she works across platforms including Drupal and Springshare products, helping library teams translate customer and staff needs into more usable and accessible digital experiences.