using evidence to develop library learning spaces
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Using Evidence to Develop Library Learning Spaces
Shanghai University of Finance and Economics
January, 2014
Kathryn Crowe
Associate Dean for Public Services
University of North Carolina at Greensboro
About UNCG• Public University• University of North Carolina system• ~17,000 students
~14,000 undergraduate
~3,000 graduate
• 1,000 faculty
About the University Libraries
• Jackson Library• Schiffman Music
Library• 1.2 million book
volumes• 37,000+ e-
subscriptions• 500 databases• Approximately 100
faculty and staff
Jackson Library Space
• 3-story section built in 1950 and 9 story book tower added in 1970’s
• 131,705 sq ft of space at capacity– Seating for 849 reduced
by 50% in early 2000’s– Library very popular
place for students to study
Libraries’ mission statement
Provide quality information services, systems, facilities and learning environments from which the University community will gather information and conduct research
Repurposing space
From stacks… …to learning spaces and services
Formal Learning Spaces
Informal Learning Spaces
Students speak!
Surveys
Focus groups
Observation studies
Student Libraries’ Advisory Council
Suggestion box
Interior Architecture project
Three Assessment Activities 2007-09
• In-house survey• Observational
studies• Focus groups
In-house Survey
• November 2007• Staffed table in Library• Provided giveaways • 600 responses!
What they do
Used a computer in the library (other
than the Superlab)
Studied or worked on a project by
myself
Used a quiet space to study
Just walked through
Met a group to study or work on a
project
328
275
227
178
143
How often they come
Once per week 2-3 times per week 4 or more times per week
No answer
89
213
269
25
How long they stay
In and out 10-15 minutes An hour 2-3 hours More than 3 hours
63
102
184174
103
When they come
Mornings Afternoons Evenings Late Night Weekends
238
363
260
103 95
Observational Study
• 22 observations with checklist• One week in March 2008• Various times of day and evening
When they’re here
Mon. 8
am
Mon. 1
0am
Mon. 2
pm
Mon. 5
pm
Mon. 9
pm
Tues. 8am
Tues. 10am
Tues. 2pm
Tues. 5pm
Tues. 9pm
Wed. 8
am
Wed. 1
0am
Wed. 2
pm
Wed. 5
pm
Wed. 9
pm
Thurs. 8am
Thurs. 10am
Thurs. 2pm
Thurs. 5pm
Sun. 3
pm
Sun. 7
pm
2
12
19
2322
1113
23
32
19
3
17
29
13
16
8
12
15
28 28
15
Reading Room
Furniture preferences
Group Floor
64%
14%
22%
Using tablesUsing carrelsUsing comfortable chairs
Quiet Floor
31%
23%
46%
Using tablesUsing carrelsUsing comfortable chairs
Alone vs. Groups
Group floor
32%
46%
23%
Working aloneWorking in small groupsWorking in large groups
Quiet Floor
79%
21%
Working aloneWorking in small groupsWorking in large groups
Focus Groups Spring 2008
• Six sessions w/ mix of students• When they come? How often?• What do they do?• What works well, what doesn’t?• Impact of Library
Student Feedback
• Important place to study and learn• Need both group and quiet space with a
variety of furniture• Use their own materials• Don’t want to carry their laptops • Online resources particularly important to
graduate students
Actions Taken (2008)
• Expanded group studies• Purchased new furniture• Began laptop checkout Fall
2008• Opened carrel checkout to
all students• Added vending • Expanded 24/5 space• Targeted marketing of IM,
collaboratories and other services
Follow-up Focus Groups 2009
• 24/5 expansion very popular
• Café booths and group studies very popular
• Vending appreciated• Library’s environment
conducive to study • Destination point for
undergraduates• Laptop checkout popular
And the numbers proved it!
• Increases 2008-2009– 24/5 increased on average 154%– Laptop lending increased 85%– Chat questions increased 146%– Gate counts increased 42% 2005-09
• Will repeat study in 2014
A look at our learning spaces!
Computer areas
Group Studies
Quiet areas
Checkout Desk
Always staffed (including 24/5)
Checkout materials and technology
Assistance finding materials and using the building
Reference and Instructional Services
Research assistance in building and online
In-depth consultations
Information literacy instruction
Classroom in Jackson Library
Faculty Research Rooms
Hodges Special Collections and University Archives
Manuscripts
Rare Books
University Archives
Exhibits
Instruction
Digital resources
Programs
Hodges Special Collections and University Archives
Coble Meeting RoomResearch Room
Libraries’ space project 2012
• Collaborated with Interior Architecture class spring 2012
• Examined Jackson Library and Schiffman Music Library
• Provided staff presentations• Posted projects with recommendations on
blogs• Informed new furniture selections for
Schiffman Library
Schiffman Music Library
Serves School of Music Theatre and Dance
Scores, recordings and music materials
Schiffman Music Library
Before After
Digital Media Commons
• Conducted needs assessment survey in 2010
• Confirmed that there was no assistance at UNCG for students for media projects
• 70% of respondents indicated they would have appreciated help
• Opened Digital Media Commons fall 2012
Digital Media CommonsLower Level Jackson Library
Multimedia projects
Films
Podcasts
Power Point
Web pages
Multimedia software
Using media critically and effectively
Open computer areas
Editing rooms
Consultation Rooms
Presentation Practice Room
Open group areas
Increased Libraries Usage 2008-2013
• Gate counts• Laptop checkout• 24/5 head counts• Chat questions
• 14%• 447%• 40%• 121%
Assessment LibGuide
• http://uncg.libguides.com/libassessment
Questions and comments