Purpose & Goals

This poster shares several methods used for gathering user input for a refresh of our main floor learning commons space. With the goal of creating a user focused space, we wanted to engage users beyond the traditional seating counts and observations, in order to 1) be transparent about our long-term, ongoing project planning 2) engage with the users through fun and creative means 3) gather user driven input on use, needs and behaviors.

Design & Methodology

After initially conducting seating counts and analysis, along with observations, we wanted to seek engagement with users to bring them (physically & virtually) into the refresh of our commons area. The library’s growing social media presence, along with our in person biweekly “crafternoon” events, provided prime channels for reaching student users. Choosing February - stealing the idea from other libraries - we conducted a month long Love or Break Up Letter “to the Valley library learning commons” campaign through these existing channels, continuing the letter writing all month with a table of supplies and a mailbox. Concurrently, we ran a survey in the area, picking three very different weeks of the term to put the cards out. Reflecting on the types of seating, we created 8 different surveys/QR codes, all with the same two questions, in order to know if responses varied depending on the type of seating and location. The questions we asked were simple and useful: “what are doing right now in space” and asked about features used or needed. In March, we used the Tiny Cafe method for a few different hours and dates - also gleaned from other libraries - to allow those passing through the commons to stop for a coffee and snack, to share answers to these same survey questions. In person allowed for more nuanced conversations to roll with what the user said and dive into more details. Lastly, spring term we ran a photo elicitation study. On social media we asked followers to share favorite study spots with specific prompts. Gathering momentum online, we recruited students to do a week-long study spots project. With prompts they took photos of spots, then met with us to share more information. Our UX student employee helped lead the interviews creating a peer-to-peer experience.

Findings

At the time of submission we were still gathering user input and analyzing the results of our undergraduate student preferences, experiences, behaviors and needs. On the initial pass, we found the love letter project helped with user engagement though was not as useful to apply to our refresh project. The survey and tiny cafes provided the most useful information for our needs. The photo study we hope helps solidify our thoughts on user behaviors with added visuals. Our findings are related to our library and students only as culture and users may vary at different libraries. Nevertheless, other libraries may find these activities useful for their own library to engage and find out more from the users on their needs in space use. Our findings will lead us to create a user focused refresh of the commons in 2025.

Practical Implications & Value

Before this project, we drew insights from previous library assessment conferences. Whether through attending in person or reviewing online presentations and papers, they were crucial for learning and gathering ideas. Understanding what worked well or didn’t at others’ libraries, and the reasons behind it, proved very informative. We hope to share our case study to help others see the value of incorporating user input through these methods which we believe to be effective.