working together: brock universitys new matheson learning commons kevin manuel & justine cotton
TRANSCRIPT
Working Together: Brock University’s New Matheson Learning Commons
Kevin Manuel & Justine Cotton
Today’s presentation
2008 CLA Library Research and Development award
Online SurveyFocus Groups 1st phase – Jan 2009Presented OLA Superconference 2009Focus Groups 2nd phase – March 2009Preliminary findingsNext steps
Before Renovations – June 2007
After Renovations – Sept 2008
http://www.flickr.com/photos/brock_library
Places to study…
Lots of computers…
Group work…
Partnerships…
Services…
Take a break…
The survey…
• Ethics approval• Online survey for one
month• Library homepage• For students• 16 questions• Recruit sample
population• 138 responses
Focus Groups (Phase 1)
• Ethics approval• $20 book store gift
certificate incentive• Refreshments• Circle discussion• Moderator• Note taker• Whiteboard
Focus Group (Phase 1)
• 49 signed up• 21 attended• 4 sessions at
different days and times
• 45 minute discussions
• Icebreakers• Informal discussion
Focus Group (Phase 1) themes
• What are the perceptions of students when comparing the previous library space to the new Learning Commons design?
• How are students using the combined resources provided in the Learning Commons?
• How are students actually using the space in the Learning Commons for collaborative work?
• Does the new environment promote learning, encourage engagement and contribute to student success?
Focus Group (Phase 1) findings
• ‘Old library’– Not welcoming– Not enough group study– Needed more computers– Services crowded– “the old Library was from the dinosaur
age!”
What students liked about the LC
• Open concept• Better lighting• Very Organized• Various seating
arrangements• Comfort of sofa
areas• Group study rooms• Starbucks• More access to
reserves
• More computers• More computer
plugs• More space for
laptops• “Laptop Wall” (note
– meaning the wall along the window with all the plugs)
• Informal learning environment
Patterns of Use
• Studying– Individual– Group– Combinations– “I like to study
alone first and then use study rooms, couches or tables near the café afterwards”
• Social– “Nice to unwind here
after studying”– “It helps being with
friends to work on an assignment”
– “I’m here from 7am-7pm”
– Computers “it’s more social use like Facebook”
Collaborative Work
• Can work with your group quietly and then talk
• “Everyone can meet in the study rooms, everyone knows where it is”
• Convenience
Promoting Learning
• Provides options for learning: individual study, quiet, group study, it provides options for different types of study
• Enjoy the academic setting – it’s not just social
• It does contribute to students’ success overall
• “It’s nice to know this building is for learning”
Highlights
• “I’d rather come here to study because it is bright and modern, and everything I need is nearby”
• “It encompasses everything a university should have – I wish the rest of the library was like this”
• “I live here”• “Don’t know what I
did without it”• “There is more
opportunity to do work”
• “The pros outweigh the cons, I’m really happy that Brock decided to do this”
Possible Improvements
• More sofas and chairs
• More tables for studying
• Open earlier/later• Improve line for
circulation/reserves• Easier
photocopying
• More group rooms• Easier access to
group rooms• Longer booking
time for group rooms
• More computers• More plug outlets
What do these products have in common?
Starbucks Cinnamon Dolce Latte
Lancome 2000 et Une Rose perfume
They prove the power of customer feedback!
Marketing is most effective when…
• it is aligned with what your customer needs (vs. what you think they need)
• you know the best ways to reach your customers
Focus Groups – Phase 2
• 22 participants
• same design as Phase 1, different questions
• promoted widely on campus
Themes
• How do students communicate with one another?
• What are they doing on campus and how are they finding out about events?
• How can we best communicate LC resources/services?
Themes
• What else could the LC offer to enhance the student experience?
• How can we better use existing LC communication features?
Highlights
• students use a variety of communication tools (email, facebook, texting) but they value face-to-face communication
• for many, facebook=social, email=scholarly
• students were overwhelmed by messages on campus
• students loved to share ideas and their own experiences
Outcomes
• more creative use of existing communication tools
• increased and diversified our efforts• created promotions that include an element
of surprise• more collaboration with campus partners• higher level of comfort with feedback (good
and bad)
and…we have continued the dialogue
enhancing existing tools
increasing/diversifying communication
adding an element of surprise
collaboration
comfort with feedback
ongoing dialogue
• fall 2009 – student advisory group launched
• relationships with student union (BUSU)
• flip charts in the Library to ask questions
• March 2010 – LibQUAL+
tips for your library
• students have ideas – use simple methods to engage them!
• start a student advisory group to collect feedback and share ideas
• collaborate with other groups on campus or in the community to promote your library
tips for your library
• be creative with promotions
• consider running focus groups
