using evidence to develop library learning spaces

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