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Full article available at https://ejournals.library.ualberta.ca/index.php/EBLIP/article/view/28557/21248
Objective - To determine student use of library spaces, the authors recorded student location and behaviors within the Library, to inform future space design.
Methods - The case study method was used with both quantitative and qualitative mea...
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INTRODUCTION Scholarly communication has arisen as a core academic librarianship competency, but formal training on scholarly communication topics in LIS is rare, leaving many early career practitioners underprepared for their work. METHODS Researchers surveyed practitioners of scholarly communication, as defined by the Association of College and R...
Citations
... Post-hoc assessments may involve operational data, observational data (such as head counts), time use studies, or interview data elucidating students' reasons for using the library during extended hours. Published, post-hoc studies reveal that the primary reason students use the library during extended hours is as a study space [14,[27][28][29], with reference and operational services going largely unused during extended hours [1,14,15]. Many libraries subsequently reduce or eliminate such services. ...
Background: Students regularly state a strong preference for increased library operational hours to accommodate learning needs. While many academic libraries provide extended hours, academic health sciences libraries appear to adopt such models less frequently. This is not due to lower levels of student demand for extended hours. Case Presentation: In response to student preferences for increased hours, our institution shifted its budget to provide an additional 10 weekend hours (Friday-Sunday). This study is a post-hoc assessment of temporal changes in physical library use over weekend days pre- and post-implementation of extended hours. This study used (non-exam) weekend physical library usage data one year before and after implementing extended hours (January 2018-January 2020). We ran descriptive statistics to assess the hourly use pattern changes in physical library usage. Conclusion: For the regular academic year, students arrived earlier and stayed later, with less severe hourly peaks in opening and closing times physical use patterns seen in the pre-implementation period. Overall, we saw increases in all three areas of physical usage data studied. The data provides evidence of the true need for extended hours among users, along with hourly patterns reflecting a better match of hours with patron study patterns.
... Whiteboard commentary, for example, has been used to evaluate and improve reference services, individual research consultations, accessibility, space assessments, and event planning. (Archambault & Justice, 2017;Becker et al., 2017;Camacho et al., 2019;Ferria et al., 2017;Fournier & Sikora, 2017;Halling & Carrigan, 2012;Ippoliti et al., 2017;Mamtora, 2013;Montgomery, 2014;Robison & Muszkiewicz, 2018;Spencer & Watstein, 2017). At Northern Colorado Libraries, librarians utilized whiteboards and flip charts to study how students use library space, which subsequently informed institutional space improvement and redesign priorities (Trembach et al., 2019). ...
This article presents an analysis of student feedback received via formal biennial survey and informal post-it notes assessment, and advocates for the use of informal assessment methods to supplement formal methodologies. A biennial satisfaction survey and an informal post-it notes assessment were employed to collect data from library users and yielded comprehensive, timely, and actionable feedback from the students, faculty, and staff. Feedback received from the two assessment methods allowed the University Library of Columbus (ULC) to gain a greater understanding of user needs and preferences which was used to improve library spaces, resources, and services to increase user satisfaction. While each method has advantages and disadvantages, combining varied assessment methods helped the ULC to gain a more holistic understanding of its users and provided a rich set of actionable data. Furthermore, student feedback is a valuable tool for library advocacy and outreach to both the university community at large and administrators.
... The widespread demand for expansive operational hours is not met with even levels of use throughout the week. Shifts in the physical usage rates of academic libraries are broadly documented, with usage rates noted as declining on Wednesdays and reaching a nadir on Saturdays (Dotson & Garris, 2008;Ferria et al., 2017;Scarletto et al., 2013). ...
... As previously noted, the studies including gate counts and user surveys for normal (non-exam) weeks in their data collection methods find common patterns. Library usage is highest at the beginning of the week and then progressively declines between Wednesday and Saturday (Dotson & Garris, 2008;Ferria et al., 2017;Scarletto et al., 2013). Similar patterns are observed in the use of library electronic resources usage throughout the week (Clotfelter, 2011). ...
Objective – Library science literature lacks studies on the effect of external events on the physical use of libraries, leaving a gap in understanding of would-be library patrons’ time use choices when faced with the option of using the library or attending time-bound, external events. Within academic libraries in about 900 colleges and universities in the US, weekend time use may be affected by football games. This study sought to elucidate the effect of external events on physical use of libraries by examining the effect of Saturday home football games on the physical use of the libraries in a large, academic institution.
Methods – This study used a retrospective, observational study design. Gate count data for all Saturdays during the fall semesters of 2013-2018 were collected for the two primary libraries at East Carolina University (main campus’ Academic Library Services [ALS] and Laupus, a health sciences campus library), along with data on the occurrence of home football games. The relationship between gate counts and the occurrence of home football games was assessed using an independent samples t-test.
Results – Saturday home football games decreased the gate count at both ALS and Laupus. For ALS, the mean physical use of the library decreased by one third (34.4%) on Saturdays with a home game. For Laupus, physical use of the library decreased by almost a quarter (22%) on Saturdays with a home game.
Conclusion – Saturday home football games alter the physical use of academic libraries, decreasing the number of patrons entering the doors. Libraries may be able to adjust staffing based on reduced use of library facilities during these events.
... Evaluation of these spaces has been a challenge for some libraries. Ferria et al. (2017) noted "There is a growing concern for universities to evaluate their library facilities, services, technology, and information resources to determine the impact on student learning and how library supports the research and public service mission of the institution" (p. 20). ...
... Evaluation of library spaces and evidence-based research are not strangers to each other. Recent examples include evidence-based library space research undertaken by Asher (2017), who examined a library's learning commons, as well as Ferria et al. (2017) who investigated in what ways students are using library spaces for learning and social engagement. The researchers for both of these studies used a mixed-methods approach. ...
Objective –This article reports on a pilot research project that gathered usage statistics in specifically designated library learning spaces using a Web-based Geographic Information System (GIS). These learning spaces were then mapped to expected learning activities that would occur in these areas based on its intention or design. In this way, the library could begin to associate the usage of a space with different types of learning. The researchers then mapped these learning activities to campus learning outcomes to create learning impact statements.
Methods – The researchers used observation data gathered with a Web GIS tool to examine space usage within the library’s curriculum center.
Results – The pilot study found that student usage of the curriculum center was mainly associated with two campus learning outcomes: (1) Communicate and (2) Learning and Integrate. The evidence also indicated possible design improvements that may make the curriculum centers spaces more functional for students.
Conclusions – The Web GIS tool proved to be a useful tool to gather evidence of student space usage within the library environment. The mapping of individual spaces to learning activities further enhanced the usefulness in interpreting how students are using library spaces. Leveraging the space usage data within learning outcomes statements created another means for the library to communicate its learning impact with campus stakeholders.
... Is there a developing evidence base of common findings among space studies? The preponderance of users working on their own has been frequently found (Bryant, Matthews, & Walton, 2009;Crook & Mitchell, 2012;Ferria et al., 2017;Holder & Lange, 2014;Thomas, Van Horne, Jacobson, & Anson, 2015). One ethnographic study highlighted single users "appropriating" group tables by spreading out personal items (Bedwell & Banks, 2013, p. 12). ...
... Not all the data agrees. Ferria et al. (2017) found booths popular, and Webb, Schaller, & Hunley (2008) found 60% of respondents split between wanting tables and a preference for soft seating. ...
... Direct observation of library spaces can be as simple as the sweep or headcount (Given & Leckie, 2003) or more "systematic" observation that collects specific data about users such as "gender, being or not being in group" and activities or technology (Applegate, 2009, p. 342). If a research question will benefit, the researchers can use direct observation to collect both quantitative and qualitative data (Ferria et al., 2017). The first data collection method consisted of 2,443 direct observations made about the location and behavior of subjects who were physically present in the information commons, or about the space itself such as out of order equipment and unattended belongings. ...
Objective – In this case study, librarians at the William H. Hannon Library at Loyola Marymount University explored user behaviour in the Information Commons, user preferences for furniture style and configuration, and how users engaged with a mix of technology, resources, and activities inside the space.
Methods – The researchers used a mixed-methods case study consisting of 2,443 “direct observations,” 646 environmental scans, 248 patron surveys, and 46 whiteboard poll questions. They created visualizations of results in Tableau, with filters for zone and variable. They then carried out a follow-up furniture preferences survey with 190 respondents.
Results – Independent study dominated the space usage. Users valued spaciousness, quiet, privacy, and a clean environment. Users frequently multi-tasked with additional devices as they simultaneously used the library computers, including cell phones, headphones, and laptops. The majority of students self-reported using a library computer for email and to access the campus online learning platform. They also reported reading/studying and printing as frequent activities, although these were less frequently observed. Unattended belongings were observed along with broken electrical outlets. Temperature and noise levels were highly variable.
Conclusions – This methodology allowed for the exploration of space use and satisfaction and uncovered implications for the redesign of the library space. The library has already taken steps toward making improvements based on this assessment project including: removing some reference stacks in favor of additional seating space, an inventory of all electrical outlets, and the exploration of new furniture and noise control strategies.
... Over the past couple of decades, many libraries have focused their efforts on becoming usercentered, dynamic learning environments developed to support student success. This change in focus has rendered much discussion in the library and information science (LIS) literature about the library as the "third place" (Ferria et al., 2017;Harris, 2007;Montgomery & Miller, 2011). Authors often point out that despite the proliferation of online resources the library's physical space is still critical to our users (Brown & Lippincott, 2003;Harris, 2007;Montgomery & Miller, 2011). ...
As librarians and researchers, we are deeply curious about how our library users navigate and experience our library spaces. Although we have some data about users' experiences and wayfinding strategies at our libraries, including anecdotal evidence, statistics, surveys, and focus group discussions, we lacked more in-depth information that reflected students' real-time experiences as they move through our library spaces. Our objective is to address that gap by using photographic methods for studying library spaces. Methods - We present two studies conducted in two academic libraries that used participantdriven photo-elicitation (PDPE) methods. Described simply, photo-elicitation methods involve the use of photographs as discussion prompts in interviews. In both studies presented here, we asked participants to take photographs that reflected their experiences using and navigating our library spaces. We then met with participants for an interview using their photos as prompts to discuss their experiences. Results - Our analysis of students' photos and interviews provided rich descriptions of student experiences in library spaces. This analysis resulted in new insights into the ways that students navigate the library as well as the ways that signage, furniture, technology, and artwork in the library can shape student experiences in library spaces. The results have proven productive in generating answers to our research questions and supporting practical improvements to our libraries. Additionally, when comparing the results from our two studies we identified the importance of detailed spatial references for understanding student experiences in library spaces, which has implications beyond our institutions. Conclusion - We found that photographic methods were very productive in helping us to understand library users' experiences and supporting decision-making related to library spaces. In addition, engaging with students and hearing their interpretations and stories about the photographs they created enhanced our research understandings of student experiences and needs in new and unique ways.
Academic libraries are a vital space for collaboration, socialization, research, and quiet study. To support these needs, they must offer a variety of environments, noise levels, and furniture to support varying student needs. However, it can be difficult to understand these specific needs and properly balance the types of spaces and seating alternatives to optimally meet them. This article describes a space usage study undertaken to determine patron needs and preferences and the resulting visualization of the data using Tableau Public. The project provided important insights into patron space preferences and use, and the methodology can be replicated at other institutions.
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is twofold. It first examines cross-institutional benchmark data about “library as place” from 99 US schools in the Measuring Information Service Outcomes (MISO) Survey (www.misosurvey.org). The data demonstrate the value of “library as place” to students in particular. Second, the paper shares case studies of how two college libraries made MISO Survey “library as place” data actionable. Lafayette College (Easton, Pennsylvania) analyzed local MISO Survey data after a renovation to validate return on investment. Earlham College (Richmond, Indiana) analyzed MISO Survey data to help secure a science library renovation and to justify an architectural study for its main library.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper begins with an analysis of “library as place” using aggregate benchmarks derived from US college and university respondents between 2012 and 2015. Specifically, the paper contrasts student and faculty perceptions of “library as place” via national benchmarks about: library services importance, satisfaction, and use (three benchmarks); hybrid online/“place-based” library services importance, satisfaction, and use (three benchmarks). Pivoting from higher education to individual, local perspectives, two case studies reveal how academic libraries used MISO Survey findings to demonstrate the value of “library as place” for renovation purposes.
Findings
The findings include that undergraduates make more frequent use than faculty of place-based services such as reference, equipment loans, and physical course reserves. Undergraduates also find most of these services more important than faculty do. Faculty makes generally more frequent use than undergraduates of online services such as library databases and the catalog. They find that these services to be more important than undergraduates do. Faculty and undergraduates use newer library discovery systems with equal frequency and find them to be equally important. Undergraduates find comfortable library spaces to be very important, and faculty considers them to be only a bit less important.
Originality/value
This is the first paper using MISO Survey data to focus on the importance and satisfaction of place-based library services involving cross-institutional comparisons for students and faculty. Previously published research using MISO Survey data have compared the use of place-based library services. This is also the first paper to offer case studies about how institutions use MISO Survey data to demonstrate the value of “library as place.”
