1. 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

2. About UNCG
• Public University
• University of North Carolina system
• ~17,000 students
~14,000 undergraduate
~3,000 graduate
• 1,000 faculty

3. About the University Libraries
• Jackson Library
• Schiffman Music
Library
• 1.2 million book
volumes
• 37,000+ esubscriptions
• 500 databases
• Approximately 100
faculty and staff

4. 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

5. Libraries’
mission
statement
Provide quality
information services,
systems, facilities
and learning
environments from
which the University
community will
gather information
and conduct
research

6. Repurposing space
From stacks…
…to learning spaces and
services

7. Formal Learning Spaces

8. Informal Learning Spaces

9. Students
speak!
Surveys
Focus groups
Observation studies
Student Libraries’
Advisory Council
Suggestion box
Interior Architecture
project

10. Three Assessment Activities
2007-09
• In-house survey
• Observational
studies
• Focus groups

11. In-house Survey
•
•
•
•
November 2007
Staffed table in Library
Provided giveaways
600 responses!

12. What they do
328
275
227
178
143
Used a computer in Studied or worked Used a quiet space Just walked through Met a group to
the library (other
on a project by
to study
study or work on a
than the Superlab)
myself
project

13. How often they come
269
213
89
25
Once per week
2-3 times per week
4 or more times per week
No answer

14. How long they stay
184
174
103
102
63
In and out
10-15 minutes
An hour
2-3 hours
More than 3
hours

15. When they come
363
260
238
103
Mornings
Afternoons
Evenings
95
Late Night
Weekends

16. Observational Study
• 22 observations with checklist
• One week in March 2008
• Various times of day and evening

17. When they’re here
Reading Room
32
29
23
28
23
22
19
19
17
12
13
16
15
13
12
11
8
2
28
3
15

18. Furniture preferences
Group Floor
Quiet Floor
Using tables
Using tables
Using carrels
Using carrels
Using comfortable chairs
Using comfortable chairs
22%
31%
46%
14%
64%
23%

19. Alone vs. Groups
Group floor
Quiet Floor
Working alone
Working alone
Working in small groups
Working in small groups
Working in large groups
Working in large groups
0%
21%
22%
32%
79%
46%

20. 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

21. 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

22. 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

23. 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

24. 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

25. A look at our learning spaces!

26. Computer areas

27. Group Studies

28. Quiet areas

29. Checkout Desk
Always staffed
(including 24/5)
Checkout materials
and technology
Assistance finding
materials and using
the building

30. Reference and
Instructional
Services
Research
assistance in
building and online
In-depth
consultations
Information literacy
instruction

31. Classroom in Jackson Library

32. Faculty Research Rooms

33. Hodges Special
Collections and
University
Archives
Manuscripts
Rare Books
University Archives
Exhibits
Instruction
Digital resources
Programs

34. Hodges Special Collections and
University Archives
Coble Meeting Room
Research Room

35. 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

36. Schiffman
Music Library
Serves School of
Music Theatre
and Dance
Scores,
recordings and
music materials

37. Schiffman Music Library
Before
After

38. 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

39. Digital Media
Commons
Lower Level
Jackson
Library
Multimedia projects
Films
Podcasts
Power Point
Web pages
Multimedia software
Using media critically
and effectively

40. Open computer areas

41. Editing rooms

42. Consultation Rooms

43. Presentation Practice Room

44. Open group areas

45. Increased Libraries Usage 2008-2013
•
•
•
•
Gate counts
Laptop checkout
24/5 head counts
Chat questions
•
•
•
•
14%
447%
40%
121%

46. Assessment LibGuide
• http://uncg.libguides.com/libassessment

47. Questions and comments