Design of an Educational Platform for Developing Librarians’ Digital Competencies

Abstract

This paper summarizes the results of preliminary research aimed at defining the design requirements for a microlearning application with adaptive features that tailor content to users’ individual preferences and prior knowledge levels. The survey involved 395 respondents from among library staff, and the data collected provides crucial insight into the preferences of this specific user group. The results indicate that visual simplicity and a high degree of clarity are key parameters for a successful educational platform. Respondents in the survey clearly preferred a simple, uncluttered design with a minimum of distracting elements. In terms of visual style, a preference for a light mode and an emphasis on readability dominated, even at the cost of displaying less information on the screen at once. The research also identified a need for clear navigation and comprehensible controls. Although standardized icons were found to be highly understandable, most users require accompanying text labels for controls to eliminate uncertainty. The main menu structure with five basic sections (Home, Lessons, Profile, Help, Settings) was evaluated as optimal and user-friendly. In terms of content and pedagogy, the most effective approach appears to be the implementation of microlearning principles, that is, breaking down the curriculum into short, time-efficient blocks lasting 5 to 10 minutes, which allow learners to study at their own pace. Respondents also emphasized the need for personalization, particularly the ability to choose a difficulty level based on their existing knowledge and the automatic adaptation of content format (text vs. video) to their learning styles. The research results show that for the effective development of digital competencies in the library sector, it is essential to design an interface that is intuitive, functional, and respects users’ individual time and cognitive capabilities. The findings serve as a direct basis for the creation of a prototype microlearning application with adaptive features that will meet the real needs of library practice in the digital age.