This is a very working draft of possible thoughts/questions for studying our space this term. See below - EVERYTHING is up for discussion/debate (even the goals). Please review and give feedback.
Thanks - SH
Draft - Ethnographic study - space
Goals
- learn now we can best serve our users
- learn what our users needs are related to our spaces
- equipment
- staff
- collections (including reserves)
- study spaces
- other
- find ways to reach users who don't come into spaces too
- find out why they don't
- or what would inspire them to visit
- where do they work/study instead
Things to keep in mind:
- want specific stories - not just opinion - don't always ask why - find out the thought process behind their action
Several pronged approach
1. Ethnographic interviews - scheduled (get volunteers through sign up or lists already compiled - or does this lend itself to a survey?)
Possible questions:
- how often do you visit a physical library
- what do you do in the library (reserves, equipment, study, sleep, etc.)
- what could we do to improve the space
- where is your favorite place to study/work
- where else on campus do you like to study? what draws you to this space?
2. Observational studies
From CQ (information she'd like to see - my notes in italics):
- count users in all of our spaces on an hourly basis - (possible via gate count)
count users in the zones of our spaces on an hourly basis [24 hr and group study spaces, use of LAN computers for MIT and non-MIT] - (would just need to define/map zones in each library - and then decide who would count and how the counting would occur)
- conduct study over multiple sample weeks during semester - (two or three times?)
- compare observational data to Aleph transactions happening during sample weeks and referrals/Ask Us questions or away from desk/Reserch Consultations during those sample weeks - (is this data Lisa S. could gather in her data role?)
- another interesting data question from CQ: is there any hourly data to be gathered from use of our web site, research guides, Barton OPAC, ILLiad or Vera resources that could inform when our users are actively working?
Other things to record at determined time/intervals:
- make a note of what people are doing, what objects they are using or trying to use, or what people are doing in interaction with each other
Sample observation report form (for bullet point above):
- Observer name
- Location/time/date
- Description of setting (for a particular spot in a library or other space)
- What people were doing (activities observed, with any counts that may have been done - such as, x number of people had laptops)
- Difficulties and comments (any problems that arose or that were perceived, plus any additional comments on the task or what you saw)
3. Lobby interviews (give a questionnaire or a $100 test or both)? We could hand these out - they could give them back when they leave or we could have a box near the door. Participating would enter them into a drawing for a $25? gift certificate. We could also ask liaisons to send this out electronically - similar to what we did for Sugg. Box.
- what are you coming to do
- how often do you visit the library
- how long do you think you'll spend?
- what could we do to make the space better for you?
or if they are leaving the library
- what was the nature of your visit - have options to circle?
- how long was your visit
- what could we do to make the space better for you