Using Evidence for Space Planning

Using Evidence for Space Planning Kathy Crowe Associate Dean for Public Services Mike Crumpton Assistant Dean for Administrative Services University Libraries University of North Carolina at Greensboro

Jackson Library (main) University Libraries- UNCG

Identifying Space Problem • Jackson Library includes 3 story main building built in 1951 and a 9 story book tower built in 1973 • 131,705 sq ft of shelving space, at capacity • Seating for 849 reduced by 50% last 5 years • Collection runs full, incoming acquisitions outpacing withdrawals • Student requests are for group study areas with tools for collaborative work • Quality of instruction affected by small instructional space

Recent Upgrades Connector to Student Center Information Commons Group floors/quiet floors Collaboratories 24/5 space Food/drink allowed Wireless

Purpose of Assessment Activity Gain hard data to present to consultant for programming ideas related to renovations Gain data on how students use the building Gain data to present to University Administration for funding requests Determine students’ satisfaction with the Libraries Consider changes to technology policies and actions to library space Determine future needs

Changes in Functionality • SuperLab – 100 IT computers housed in library, needed for convenience • Wireless – highly used, but need space in which to use • Instruction – class and individual, grown significantly but needs more space • Food and Drink – keeps students in library • Increase in student population – natural facility on campus to feel the increase • Increase in research needs - new Carnegie Classification of "High Research Activity"

Where do they work? Which areas? Comfy furniture or tables?

How do they work? Groups? Alone?

What are they using? Library materials or their own? Library computers or laptops?

When are they HERE?

Three Assessment Activities In-house survey Observational studies Focus groups

In-house Survey One week in November 2007 1 page checklist Set up table in Library Staffed with students Giveaways 600 responses!

What they do

How often they come

How long they stay

When they come

Observational Study 22 walk-through observations with checklist One week in March 2008 Various times of day and evening LIS student used it as a practicum project

Where and when

Furniture preferences Group Floor Quiet Floor

Alone vs. Groups Group floor Quiet Floor

Alone vs. Groups Information Commons Reading Room

Computer usage Information Commons Reference Room

Using Materials Reference Room Reading Room

Focus Groups • Recruitment • emails to student groups, • posters, flyers • Offered iTunes card as gift • Offered refreshments

Focus Groups Six sessions in April 2008 Good mix of demographics; undergraduates, graduate students and subject areas, ages, off-campus and on-campus Used LIS practicum student again Took notes and transcribed Part of discussion was showing space consultant’s first concept drawing

Concept Drawings

Questions Asked • How often they come and when? • Entrance they use? • What do they do? • What’s good, what needs improvement? • Role of the Library? • Concept drawing • Identify major changes for feedback • Aesthetics of specific areas, i.e. circ desk, basement, SuperLab

Student Feedback Library is an important place to study Both group space and quiet space important depending on assignment or task Most students use their own materials Don’t want to carry their laptops around A variety of furniture and spaces are needed Online resources particularly important to grad students

Summarized Responses Circ Desk not easily accessable Superlab is needed but as convenience, would go further to use Food and drink important for using library Love collaboratories… Need more! Librarians helpful but group instruction suffers from lack of space Basement creepy and dark

Other Useful Info • Lack of awareness of some services • Software on Library computers • Printing options • Copy center type services • Carrels and lockers • IM assistance • Materials not as important to undergrads • Two entrances create traffic flow and communication opportunity • Students expect us to be there

Influence on Space Planning • Feedback and ideas carried into second concept drawing and final report • Evidence of library more important for space rather than materials • Comforts and conveniences important for ownership of space • Library can be host to other service points with expectations of compliance • Library is important to total educational experience and should be presented as such

Space Report Recommendations Reposition Access Services Desk Move Superlab to 2nd floor – destination Expand Information Commons area including computers and collaboratories Develop Cyber-café concept Create Government Info & Data Center Remodel basement to include “people friendly” spaces and services concept Expand services, i.e. copy center, newsroom Enlarge library instructional lab(s)

Immediate Actions Taken Expanding collaboratories concept Increasing popular furniture options Offering laptop checkout in Fall 2008 Offering carrels to all students Adding vending options Expanding 24/5 available space Targeting marketing of IM, collaboratories and other services Implementing NewsRoom in the Fall Adding Messaging Board for traffic

Summary of Process • Space needs and problems identified • Space consultant hired • Survey of student space needs conducted • Observational studies of behavior-related traits conducted • Focus group activity conducted with space consultant’s first concept drawing • Space consultant’s revised second drawing compared to assessment data

Summary of Process “continued” • Staff feedback gathered from each concept presentation including assessment data • Space consultant issued final report and recommendations • Changes identified that were affordable outside of remodel executed summer ’08 • Proposal presented to Deans Council with request for funding assistance for major work and changes • Assessment data summarized for staff

What’s Next? • LibQual in the Fall semester • Assessment of immediate actions • Post Space Assessment Committee charge; gather data, recommend process • Additional student feedback to be gathered on steps recommended by Post committee • Look for funding for large recommendations • Usability project for virtual space • Assessment team in place

Using Evidence for Space Planning