The use of Design Thinking in the library of the Institute of Psychology of UFRGS: an innovation proposal for users benefiting from Indigenous Affirmative Action policies

Abstract

The study analyzes the impact of social, technological, and political transformations on the management of Information Units, with an emphasis on University Libraries, highlighting the need to reconfigure services and products in response to the expansion and diversification of their user base, particularly as a result of Affirmative Action policies. It proposes the adoption of Design Thinking as a strategic approach to foster innovation and adapt services to contemporary educational demands, with specific attention to Indigenous students, grounded in the principle of substantive (material) equality as opposed to the traditional liberal concept of equality of opportunity. The research is characterized as basic and qualitative, developed through a field study with in loco interviews, aiming to understand how the use of Design Thinking enhances innovation processes in University Libraries in relation to Indigenous undergraduate students. The results reveal a low frequency of Indigenous users in the library, with attendance predominantly associated with thematic events, as well as the absence of Indigenous bibliographic production in the collection. Although no formal distinction in service provision was identified, the findings indicate the need to improve institutional communication, expand knowledge regarding Indigenous cultural specificities, and enhance infrastructure and collection diversity.