scholarly journals Combining Surveys with Seating Sweeps and Observational Data Yields Insights into Physical Space Usage in an Academic Library

2020 ◽  
Vol 15 (4) ◽  
pp. 188-190
Author(s):  
Jennifer Kaari
Keyword(s):  
Observational Data ◽  
User Experience ◽  
Academic Library ◽  
Physical Space ◽  
Library Administration ◽  
Multiple Data ◽  
Library Use ◽  
Survey Results ◽  
Combining Surveys ◽  
Library User

A Review of: Dominguez, G. (2016). Beyond gate counts: Seating studies and observations to assess library space usage. New Library World, 117(5/6), 321-328. https://doi.org/10.1108/NLW-08-2015-0058 Abstract Objective – To propose a new method to assess library space usage and the physical library user experience utilizing multiple data collection techniques. Design – Seating usage studies, surveys, and observation. Setting – Large university in the southern United States. Subjects – Students who physically use the library spaces. Methods – The researcher performed seating sweeps three times a day for one week at time, using a counter to get an accurate headcount of each area of the library. The number of users was recorded on paper and then transferred to Excel. A survey for library patrons was created using Typeform and distributed through both email and in-person. In addition, the researcher created a photo diary to document how students were using the space, particularly creative and flexible uses of the library space. These photos were collected to be shared with library administration. The researcher conducted the study twice, once at each main campus library. Main Results – The initial seating sweeps at one location showed an average of 57 to 85 users engaging in active study, and 57% of users engaged in individual study vs. group study. The sweeping study at the second campus location found that floors designated as quiet floors were the most overcrowded. The researcher found that overall, the actual library use surpassed expected library use. The survey results indicated patron concerns about the lack of available seating, noise policies, uncomfortable furniture, and technology issues such as power outlets and Wi-Fi connectivity. Conclusion – The researcher found that utilizing surveys in addition to observational data provided a more complete picture of the user experience. Photographs also provided depth and texture to the observational data. Based on the findings the librarians and administration plan to upgrade furniture and technology options, as well as make changes to the noise policy.

scholarly journals Serving Generation 1.5: Academic Library Use and Students from Non–English-Speaking Households

2009 ◽  
Vol 70 (3) ◽  
pp. 258-272
Author(s):  
Curt Asher ◽  
Emerson Case ◽  
Ying Zhong
Keyword(s):  
Social Learning ◽  
Academic Library ◽  
Physical Space ◽  
California State University ◽  
Generation 1.5 ◽  
State University ◽  
1.5 Generation ◽  
Library Use ◽  
English Speaking

This study examined ways in which the library is utilized by students of Generation 1.5. Generation 1.5 refers to those students who appear fully conversant in English but are in reality still learning the language. The study is based on a survey of 1,396 students at California State University, Bakersfield. Patterns of library use between Generation 1.5 students and their non–Generation 1.5 counterparts were found to differ. The results indicated that, to Generation 1.5 students, the library is a particularly important provider of a physical space, unstructured social learning, and technology.

Impact of COVID-19 on the use of the academic library

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sandra De Groote ◽  
Jung Mi Scoulas
Keyword(s):  
Academic Library ◽  
Data Sets ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Chat Reference ◽  
Multiple Data ◽  
Gate Count ◽  
Library Use ◽  
Multiple Data Sets ◽  
Reference Interactions ◽  
Survey Responses

PurposeThis study examines differences in library use patterns (in-person visits, online use, reference transactions, library resource and services use) pre-COVID-19 and during the COVID-19 pandemic through multiple data sets.Design/methodology/approachUsing library statistics collected during 2017/2018 and 2020/2021 and student responses to a biennial library use survey distributed in 2018 and 2021, the potential impact of the pandemic on users' behaviors was explored.FindingsLibrary use statistics and the biennial survey responses demonstrate that users' overall library use was impacted by COVID-19. Both the library's gate count and students' frequency of library visits showed a dramatic decrease. The use of virtual support to patrons increased during COVID-19 as reflected by the increase in email and chat reference interactions and virtual consultations.Practical implicationsAs students return to the physical classroom, observing library use via various data will help inform how well use of the library rebounded or if there are changes in users' behavior that suggest the need for the promotion of library services or an expansion in alternative services to support users.Originality/valueThis article highlights the importance of continuously obtaining various data sets to observe trends and changes. By observing multiple data points, some changes are aligned across data, whereas other changes or patterns are different. While impact on physical library use may be obvious, library use before and during the pandemic will help guide and inform how academic libraries should be prepared for hybrid environments post-pandemic.

Beyond gate counts: seating studies and observations to assess library space usage

2016 ◽  
Vol 117 (5/6) ◽  
pp. 321-328 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gricel Dominguez
Keyword(s):  
Observational Data ◽  
User Experience ◽  
Space Use ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
User Behaviors ◽  
Raising Awareness ◽  
Library Use ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Insight Into

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to propose a method for the assessment of library space use and user experience by combining seating studies, surveys and observational data. Design/methodology/approach Seating usage studies (called seating sweeps), technology-assisted face-to-face surveys and observational data were used to assess library space usage and identify user behaviors. Findings Results from the study revealed higher library use than expected and provided insight into user behaviors and patterns. Practical implications The methods and study described aid in raising awareness of user experience within library spaces and provide valuable data for space redesign efforts. Originality/value The study builds upon methods described by Linn (2013) and combines traditional user experience methodologies to gain insight into library space use and user needs.

scholarly journals Applying Gamification to the Library Orientation

2020 ◽  
Vol 39 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Karen Reed ◽  
A Miller
Keyword(s):  
Graduate Students ◽  
User Experience ◽  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
Academic Library ◽  
Library Services ◽  
Community Members ◽  
Building Layout ◽  
Library Use ◽  
User Groups ◽  
Online Library

By providing an overview of library services as well as the building layout, the library orientation can help newcomers make optimal use of the library. The benefits of this outreach can be curtailed, however, by the significant staffing required to offer in-person tours. One academic library overcame this issue by turning to user experience research and gamification to provide an individualized online library orientation for four specific user groups: undergraduate students, graduate students, faculty, and community members. The library surveyed 167 users to investigate preferences regarding orientation format, as well as likelihood of future library use as a result of the gamified orientation format. Results demonstrated a preference for the gamified experience among undergraduate students as compared to other surveyed groups.

scholarly journals Managing In-Library Use Data: Putting a Web Geographic Information Systems Platform through its Paces

2018 ◽  
Vol 37 (2) ◽  
pp. 34-49 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bruce Godfrey ◽  
Rick Stoddart
Keyword(s):  
Information System ◽  
Geographic Information System ◽  
Geographic Information Systems ◽  
Academic Library ◽  
Physical Space ◽  
Pilot Project ◽  
Geographic Information ◽  
Web Gis ◽  
Learning Spaces ◽  
Library Use

Web Geographic Information System (GIS) platforms have matured to a point where they offer attractive capabilities for collecting, analyzing, sharing, and visualizing in-library use data for space-assessment initiatives. As these platforms continue to evolve, it is reasonable to conclude that enhancements to these platforms will not only offer librarians more opportunities to collect in-library use data to inform the use of physical space in their buildings, but also that they will potentially provide opportunities to more easily share database schemas for defining learning spaces and observations associated with those spaces. This article proposes using web GIS, as opposed to traditional desktop GIS, as an approach for collecting, managing, documenting, analyzing, visualizing, and sharing in-library use data and goes on to highlight the process for utilizing the Esri ArcGIS Online platform for a pilot project by an academic library for this purpose. 

scholarly journals If You Build it, Will They (Really) Come? Student Perceptions of Proximity and Other Factors Affecting Use of an Academic Library Curriculum Collection

2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (2) ◽  
pp. 70-88
Author(s):  
Madelaine Vanderwerff ◽  
Pearl Herscovitch
Keyword(s):  
Student Perceptions ◽  
Academic Library ◽  
Physical Characteristics ◽  
Steady Increase ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Spatial Practice ◽  
Library Use ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Survey Results ◽  
Combination Of Methods

Objective – This study investigated student perceptions of an undergraduate university library’s curriculum collection, before and after a move to a new library building. The objective was to identify how factors such as proximity to program classrooms and faculty offices, flexible seating, accessibility, and other physical improvements to the space housing the collection impacted students’ perceptions. Methods – This longitudinal study conducted between 2016 and 2017 used a combination of methods to examine whether library use of a specialized academic library collection was impacted by a significant space improvement and change in location. A cohort of education students was surveyed before and after the construction of a new building that housed both the library and their department and co-located the curriculum collection with departmental teaching spaces. The students were surveyed about their use of the space and resources. The researchers then compared the survey results to circulation data. The researchers ground this study in Lefebvre’s spatial triad theory, applying it to library design and collection use (Lefebvre, 1992). Results – Researchers identified proximity to classrooms and general convenience as the dominant factors influencing students’ use of the collection. Survey results showed an increased awareness of the collection and an increase in use of the collection for completion of assignments and practicum work. Circulation data confirmed that between 2016-2019, there was a steady increase in use of the curriculum collection. Conclusion – Students’ responses revealed that physical characteristics of the space were less important than proximity, the major factor that impacted their use of the curriculum collection. This revelation confirms Lefebvre’s idea that spatial practice, i.e., how users access and use the space, is more significant and identifiable to students than the design and physical characteristics of the space.

Are Human Factors Students Prepared for Careers in User Experience Research? A Survey of Predicted and Actual Skill Utilization

2017 ◽  
Vol 61 (1) ◽  
pp. 1101-1105 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christian A. Gonzalez ◽  
Melissa A. Smith ◽  
Robert J. Youmans
Keyword(s):  
Human Factors ◽  
User Experience ◽  
Training Programs ◽  
Student Expectations ◽  
Skill Utilization ◽  
Attractive Option ◽  
Survey Results

User Experience Research (UXR) is a growing field and an attractive option for HF students post-graduation. However, previous research has shown that HF students do not feel prepared for careers in UXR. The goal of this work was to gather information about student expectations about what they imagine that they might actually spend time doing if they were to become a UXR professional, and then to compare those expectations to reality, i.e., how UXR professionals actually spend their time. Survey results revealed some differences between student estimates and professional reports of skill frequency, and an overestimate the frequency with which students would utilize UXR skills in general. As a result, students lack discrimination to identify which skills are actually most important, i.e. delivering research communications and interviewing. Implications for students and recommendations for future training programs are discussed.

Building digital collections in a public university library in Ghana: priority-setting and user needs assessment

2014 ◽  
Vol 33 (2) ◽  
pp. 38-45 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nesba Yaa Anima Adzobu
Keyword(s):  
Needs Assessment ◽  
Digital Library ◽  
Priority Setting ◽  
Digital Libraries ◽  
Academic Library ◽  
User Needs ◽  
Digital Collections ◽  
Content Type ◽  
User Communities ◽  
Library User

Purpose – Although user needs assessment is an intrinsic element of service quality delivery in digital libraries (DLs), not much has been written on this topic in the context of African universities. This is understandable as academic digital libraries in Africa are rather nascent. Even so, the most frequently-used needs assessment methods do not directly involve the users. This study aims to assess priority setting by academic library administrators and the needs of patrons of digital collections of a public university library in Ghana. Design/methodology/approach – Analysis of official university documents and interviews with digital library patrons at the University of Cape Coast (UCC) in Ghana were carried out between September, 2011 and January, 2012. Five research questions were asked: what are the current conditions of the UCC digital library project, the user communities and their needs, what are the priorities set by the university administrators and library leaders at the UCC and the state of technological readiness in place and what are needed by the UCCDL. Also, what is the extent of collaboration by interested parties in the UCCDL? Findings – Three general digital library user communities were identified, that is, UCCDL staff- this community was composed of experts in both digital library systems and content, characterized as heavy users of the existing systems, as knowledgeable about articulated (formalized) user needs, and able to devote short (usually less than two hours) amounts of time to individual's needs. Next, are scholars and other visitors to the UCCDL – this community was characterized as having high levels of domain expertise and knowledge of library systems. They are also able to devote large but specific amounts of time (days or weeks) to their individual information needs. Visitors/Prospective users- this community was characterized as having varied levels of domain expertise and low levels of library systems knowledge. They are able to devote only short periods of time to their information needs or explorations. These user communities are influenced by diverse preferences, experiences, and knowledge structures. Practical implications – Academic libraries are increasingly advocating local user studies as a way to provide the digital library services that are relevant to the culture and user population of the academic institution. Replicating digital library user studies at the local level can provide information for improving existing services or developing new ones. Originality/value – In African public universities, there is little earlier research on digital library user needs assessments or DL priority-setting by academic library administrators.

Assessment committees: good practices from ARL libraries

2016 ◽  
Vol 17 (3) ◽  
pp. 224-240 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michelle H. Brannen ◽  
Sojourna J. Cunningham ◽  
Regina Mays
Keyword(s):  
Academic Libraries ◽  
Academic Library ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Good Practices ◽  
Research Libraries ◽  
Association Of Research Libraries ◽  
Library Assessment ◽  
Current State ◽  
Survey Results ◽  
Assessment Activities

Purpose Assessment activities in academic libraries continue to grow as libraries explore assessment endeavors. Ranging from basic stats gathering and reporting to surveys, focus groups, and usability studies and beyond. Many practitioners are finding it necessary to create new processes and programs, with little guidance. The purpose of this paper is to paint a broad picture of assessment activities in Association of Research Libraries (ARL) university libraries with the goal of creating a resource for libraries developing or improving their assessment programs. Design/methodology/approach A survey was developed that asked questions about assessment personnel, activities, mission, and website. A total of 113 surveys were sent to academic library members of ARL. Survey results were analyzed to compile a list of recommended good practices for assessment and working with assessment committees in academic libraries. Findings The investigators had a response rate of 43 percent. The open-ended nature of the survey questions allowed for the respondents to specifically narrow down the problems and opportunities inherent in library assessment committees. Originality/value This study takes the temperature of the current state of assessment programs in ARL libraries, demonstrating the growth of assessment programs. It begins to document the practices of these libraries, particularly in regards to the sometimes informal and hard to track use of committees and other in-house collaborations, as a first step toward developing best practices for the field. The results illuminate productive areas for further study, including investigating how to measure a culture of assessment and maximizing impact of assessment information presented on assessment websites.

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