Duggan Library Blog

What You Want

Posted on January 11, 2012 by Ken

As part of the library’s annual assessment activities, this year I decided to compile, review, and report on user input via the easel/pad responses. The anticipated use of the results was to include users’ perspective to inform library allocation of resources, which as you will read, has to some extent, been accomplished.

In April 2009 I attended the ACRL (Association of College and Research Libraries) conference held in Seattle, Washington. Looking for simple, affordable, yet effective ways to measure and/or improve the library user experience, one idea brought back from the conference was to leave an easel with notepad and pen in various locations with the following open-ended header statement: “I would like to see the Duggan Library…..Tell us your thoughts….”

I acknowledge up front that the inherent weakness of this process is the number of individuals who participated would not be known as one could ostensibly write the same comment numerous times, skewing the results to some degree. I also apologize for what might be perceived as an overdue reply to the responses.

In any event, in August 2009 an easel was placed in the library lobby as it afforded greater anonymity for responses as well as 24-hour access to students. Throughout the first year the easel was also moved to two other campus locations (Campus Center and Crowe Hall Coffee Shop) to give those who normally don’t visit the library an opportunity to provide their input.

Over the course of two academic years there were a total of 41 sheets filled with comments. While some comments may be considered sarcastic or colorful, these were included as long as a legitimate complaint/suggestion could be extracted. Offensive comments, though fortunately few in number, were excluded from this assessment. Also excluded were those that were only sympathetic/supportive in nature (for example, “I think you guys do a great job”).

As can be seen in the pie chart, far and away the single biggest issue was that of open library hours. The comments ranged from one extreme to another (for example, from “stay open 24 hours” to “keep the same total reduced hours but shift them to stay open later”). In total, there were 114 comments (43% of all comments) regarding the library’s open hours being reduced and the desire to see them restored to the previous hours, or some variation on this.

The remaining 153 statements could be classified among the following broad categories: Library Collections, Food & Beverage, Computer Lab, Aesthetics, Library Policies, ILS (Integrated Library System) Functionality, Furnishings, Visual/Displays, Functional Improvements, Equipment, HVAC, Programming, Electrical, Facilities, and Miscellaneous.

The concern receiving the second highest number of remarks (18) had to do with vending machines (lobby area) including the wish for consistently working machines, and particularly the addition of a hot beverage machine. Related to this was the expressed need (16 comments) for a source of drinking water in the library lobby area since this is a 24-hour space. There were also 7 suggestions for a café. Collectively, the category of Food & Beverage ranked second in total comments behind Library Hours (16% of all remarks).

The third highest ranking category was that of Library Collections, receiving 31 comments (11% of total). Dispersed among this category were a number of suggestions including “more/modern fiction books”, “updated scholarly books”, and “new children’s/young adult books”.

Two other categories receiving double-digit comments (15 comments each, or 6% of total comments) were statements related to Functional Improvements (“more whiteboards, pencil sharpener in lobby, coat hook for lobby restroom, fix lobby door”, et al) and Furnishings (new furniture, more bean bags, couches, etc.

The remaining categories were tallied as follows:

Computer Lab; 9 comments
ILS [Integrated Library System] & Electrical; 7 comments each
Visual/Displays & Facilities; 5 comments each
HVAC [Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning]; 4 comments
Aesthetics; 3 comments
Library Policies, Equipment, & Programming; 2 comments for each
Miscellaneous (staff and Interlibrary Loan); 1 comment each, or 2 total

As hoped, this simple method for collecting user input has provided an ongoing and consistent means for immediate feedback, and where feasible, timely responses. It has also permitted the population served to help determine priorities for library resources as well as allowed the library to implement a number of ideas to meet stated needs.

Some of the suggestions implemented include the simple and obvious such as installing a pencil sharpener in the 24-hour lobby area to the more complex and time consuming like providing more outlets in that area (accomplished through purchase of portable power kits and installation of additional outlets). Other suggestions were in the process of being met such as adding more bean bag chairs and providing more group study areas (Think Tanks).

Further ideas have been considered but are not practical (installing a drinking fountain in the lobby is impractical due to lack of proper drainage), within the realm of the library’s control (computer lab suggestions are within IT’s authority), or are not within the current budget (additional library open hours).

Lastly, in addition to actions already taken as a result of user feedback, it is being recommended that the following suggestions be explored for support/implementation:

Restore library open hours to the previous amount of weekly hours (103.5).
Install new vending machines in the 24-hour lobby area including a snack machine, cold beverage, and hot beverage machines that will consistently work and be kept stocked with fresh products.
Use library gift fund to purchase replacement furniture for first two floors of library.
Provide a bottled water delivery service for the 24-hour lobby.
Consider purchase on demand model for monographs so that students, in addition to faculty, can more easily acquire library books supporting their research and scholarship.

Many thanks to everyone who provided input and I hope you keep the suggestions and ideas for improving your library experience coming!

Posted in Misc. | Tagged statistics, user experience | Leave a comment

Hitting the mark vs. hitting our heads

Posted on November 9, 2011 by Ken

As I begin to write this, I should be in the library’s microcomputer lab finishing a demonstration on one of our new digital media resources, Films on Demand, as part of our new monthly Tea Time @ the Library series. Instead, the reason I am blogging is because no one came. This after promotion through digital signage, intranet announcement/calendar event added, Library Facebook page event, Library tweets, and even a direct email a few weeks prior.

This was the third Tea Time and the first two weren’t highly attended (perhaps a dozen attendees combined) but we operated on the notion that it this was new and would take time to build interest. That sounds logical but I don’t think it is the case – especially with the third one garnering zero attendees.

Despite offering hot tea and sweets on a somewhat wet and windy day no one came and I am left to wonder “why?” It couldn’t be the time of day (3 pm) because classes are generally finished by then and though there are certainly other activities such as sports practice, labs, etc., this is considered the prime time of our academic day to offer events. This is the time that faculty meetings begin, faculty symposia are held, and other campus presentations are generally offered. And, yes the calendar was checked ahead of time and there were no major conflicting events.

So, if it is not due to conflicts, or for lack of promotion, or the time, or the lack of other incentives such as snacks, then what could be the stumbling block? Could it be as simple as a lack of critical mass? Again, I think not. Last week I myself attended a faculty-led workshop in the CFA lab (commencing at 3 pm with no snacks) on learning how to use Prezi – a terrific web-based presentation program. The place was almost full and I was glad I went.

Why did that presentation succeed where ours seemingly do not? Was it the different location? The fact that it was pre-demonstrated in a faculty meeting the month prior? Because it was led by a faculty member and not a librarian? Or, that it was offered/vetted through a faculty committee? Maybe it was viewed as a productivity tool and not a content (resource) tool. Perhaps born-digital students assume they will automatically know how to use an electronic-based resource.

This, after my October 27th tweet, “What students want/need in learning technology to be discussed in campus mtg today. Important to consider library re$ource$ in the mix!” Could it be that no one really cares to learn more about the new resources the library offers? Could today have just been a fluke? I have lots of questions about this but obviously no answers.

I don’t take this personally but I am curious. I don’t want time wasted on either end. If there is something we should be doing different let us know. Like our “roaming reference”, we are trying to offer new services and programs but if they aren’t hitting the mark then perhaps we should also not continue hitting our heads against the wall.

Ken

Posted in Library Events, Misc., Resources, Services, Technology | Tagged digital resources, Duggan Library, faculty, librarians, service, students, Technology | Leave a comment

The most ambitious publication ever undertaken…

Posted on October 27, 2011 by Ken

Just this week, the library received its latest Lynn Endowment funded acquisition; Noah Webster’s, Compendious Dictionary of the English Language. Published in 1806, this first edition volume (one of only seven thousand copies produced) was Webster’s initial dictionary. It was also the precursor to his famous 1828 two-volume set, An American Dictionary of the English Language, which has been described “as the most ambitious publication ever undertaken, up to that time, upon American soil” (Grolier “American 100″).

Although the rare two-volume set is beyond our means (think 22,000 Wendy’s Frosties ™ ), this iteration is valuable in its own right as it allowed Webster the opportunity to hone his lexicographical techniques, including the addition of about 5,000 words not included in previous dictionaries. It is also provides for an “American” English dictionary, being “separate in philosophy and grammar” from British productions, most notably, Samuel Johnson’s 1755, A Dictionary of the English Language.

Upon its publication, Johnson’s Dictionary was widely seen as “single-handedly rivaling the achievement of the entire French Academy” according to Clement Hawes. It is because we also own a first edition of Johnson’s Dictionary that we pursued its American equivalent. The quest to obtain Webster’s Dictionary began over eight years ago and we are pleased to finally be able to at least acquire his very first dictionary at a cost just slightly more than its original price of $1.50.

Using the description provided by the ABAA (Antiquarian Booksellers’ Association of America) seller, our volume is contemporary full calf, re-backed with original spine which has a black morocco spine label lettered in gilt. In layman’s terms, it is awesome. [To see awesomeness just stop by the library’s archives and ask.]

Seriously, this work as much as any other defines a young and growing country on its own terms and not those of its recent oppressor. Twenty-two years later Webster finally published his fully completed set, “setting a new standard for etymological investigation”.

Having the first edition of both the first English dictionary as well as the first attempt at a true American dictionary is something pretty special and, I think, worth blogging from our virtual rooftop.

Ken

Posted in Archives | Tagged Archives, books | Leave a comment

Trick or Treat!

Posted on October 19, 2011 by lela

Last October author Neil Gaiman set out to create a new tradition of giving away books in addition to candy as a way to celebrate Halloween. You can start learning more about the idea over at http://www.allhallowsread.com/. (If you aren’t familiar with Gaiman’s comic books, novels, or short stories October is the perfect month to take a peek at his shivery, magical tales. My personal favorite is Neverwhere, though his Newbery Medal winning The Graveyard Book fits the season nicely as well.)

In the library, we always get excited about things that combine reading and free. So in the spirit of sharing ghost stories around a campfire, a box has been set up at the circulation desk of books to give away. While Gaiman particularly encourages the giving of scary books, our box has a little of everything in case your literary tastes don’t run strictly to horror. Stop by and hunt through the pile and see if anything catches your eye. Maybe you’ll discover a new favorite, or just something to pass a few minutes while relaxing during a study break. If you do find something interesting–or something you think a friend might like–please take it and enjoy! We plan to restock the box a few times over the next couple of weeks, so if you don’t find something you like at first, do check back with us in a few days.

Or if you’re a stickler or more established traditions, we also have candy available at the front desk.

Happy Hauntings!
Lela

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Could this be you?

Posted on October 12, 2011 by Ken

Composit profile of Duggan Library users.

Ken

Posted in Misc. | Tagged databases, Duggan Library, reference, statistics, students, user experience | Leave a comment

The Most Difficult Thing I’ve Done

Posted on October 3, 2011 by Ken

Last week the students in Hanover 101 spent their time in the library. The goal was not to provide a typical introductory library instruction session – that is generally accomplished through a gateway course. Rather, in an effort to get students in the library and actually using resources, a sort of scavenger hunt was developed centered on the issue of minimum drinking age and the Amethyst Initiative.

It was, from my perspective, an intriguing experiment. A scavenger hunt implies a physical interaction. However, most students spent the majority of their time at the computer rather than traipsing about the library. In retrospect, this should not be too surprising. After all, much research begins with a computer search, be it the online catalog, a bibliographic database, internet search engine, or discovery tool such as Primo. And, with a great deal of information now available electronically there is even less of a [perceived] need, for example, to go to the third floor to retrieve a book off the shelf. (Yes, some students did not know we had a third floor).

What to make of this? Well, I think this was a good example that the physical space and uses of an academic library are rapidly changing. Students no longer necessarily must come to the library for their information research needs to be met. This doesn’t mean they aren’t using library-provided resources but that they are, more and more, using them remotely. It means that we are reaching a tipping point where we are likely able to satisfy most undergraduate students’ information needs electronically. Obviously, we provide physical-based materials but if a digital option will suffice why go to the library?

My observation is that students who do come into the library do so chiefly to study and use the microcomputer lab, sometimes to consult with a reference librarian, and, occasionally, to print an electronic full-text article or get an item on course reserve. Now and then I see students using the print collections, but increasingly less so. So, how should we to respond to this change?

In an ideal world the physical space would be transformed to accommodate current tendencies and anticipate future trends – from portable furniture and configurable study spaces to perhaps including related student/academic-support departments. Another response is already underway with getting librarians out of the building and into other student-centric spaces such as the Underground, Campus Center, and classroom buildings to provide reference. Armed with a tablet, our roaming reference program will have librarians dispersed on campus an hour a day to interact with more students, especially those that don’t normally enter the library.

A further reaction of mine is that a focus is needed less on quantity and more on the quality of in-library use. Though today’s student may not routinely have to read print-based journal articles or use microfilm, we should be here to guide them when they do – at the point of meaningful need. In these teachable moments we help to reinforce the idea that true research is a multi-faceted process involving different media, formats, resources, locations, and levels of expertise. It may also be that faculty, if they intentionally want their students to utilize unique materials housed in the library, have to update some assignments to be more precise. Otherwise, as already stated, students can generally find online options that satisfy requirements (though, let me be clear here, these online sources may not always be the best sources).

Now to come back to the Hanover 101 experience. At the end of a session I asked one group how it went and a young lady stated, “It was the most difficult thing I’ve done so far”. Initially, her response surprised me. Was she referring specifically H101 or her entire academic experience to date? Did she consider the library space to be a labyrinth? Or, was it an acknowledgement that actually finding quality sources, regardless of format, is challenging?

In any case, the exercise made obvious to me that demystifying the college library experience is important to early academic success. This process attempted to involve several elements; knowledge of library information resources, awareness of librarians as a resource, and comfortableness with the building, its layout, and contents. It may be unrealistic to think all of this can be accomplished in under an hour but it was interesting to see it play out.

Ken

Posted in Misc. | Tagged Duggan Library, librarians, library, students, user experience | Leave a comment

Pulled From the Stacks

Posted on September 16, 2011 by Ken

September 24th to October 1st is Banned Books Week. This year, the American Library Association (ALA) is sponsoring a virtual read-out. Individuals are being encouraged to upload a video that includes a reading from a banned/challenged book to the ALA Virtual Read-Out YouTube channel. Feel free to participate and if you need a video camera just borrow the Flip camera at the Circulation desk.

In addition to this national event Duggan Library will feature in our first floor display case a small exhibit of books pulled from our stacks that have been banned (not by us of course). You may be surprised by what’s included.

Beyond acknowledging the sad fact that there are still banned/challenged books, this can also be an opportunity and reminder for our campus community to affirm broader intellectual freedom principles (access to information, patron privacy, creative expression, et al) that are often too easily taken for granted.

Ken

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged access, books, community, library, reading | Leave a comment

9/11 Anniversary

Posted on September 7, 2011 by kelly

It’s difficult to believe that the 10th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks on the United States is almost here. It’s one of those events that people will always remember where they were when they first heard about it, much like the JFK assassination (though I suspect many of you are too young to remember that one).

In 2001, I had just begun working here at the College, for less than a month, when I got an email alert that a plane had flown into the World Trade Center. Several of us gathered, incredulously, as the news continued to pour in: 2nd plane, 3rd plane, 4th plane – it was all too horrific to even believe it could be possible. In the following days and months, I would watch the videos of the planes flying into the building over and over again – despite what I knew to be true, I just couldn’t wrap my mind around it.

By now, most of the events are etched in our collective memory. Hopefully, we will all find a moment or two next Sunday, to pause and reflect on those events and all who were killed and the tumultuous 10 years since.

ebrary’s free 9/11 book collection is available here

Paley Center for Media iCollections (will need to register)

If you want to research the events of that day or in the years since, please come visit the Reference Desk at the library for assistance.