Using Data to Plan Library Renovations Kristin Hart, Katie Bram Stephen B. Luce Library, Maritime College

Assess Your Library Allotment of space New functions and spaces. Rule of thumb: 55% users, 30% collection, 15% staff New functions and spaces. Additional needs and accommodations Current strengths and weaknesses

Strengths Weaknesses

What the Stephen B. Luce Library needs Add a Learning Center, event space, lounge, classroom Adaptable spaces More room More staffing Improved facilities Do students, faculty, administration and other stakeholders agree with our assessments?

Survey Identify stakeholders (including potential funders like alum) Make sure you are authorized to do the survey. Practice the survey before you send it out.

Students Faculty/Admin

Students Faculty/Admin

Open-ended comments …….The printers, the wifi, the computers, the study spaces, the number of outlets. This is the third college campus I'll be getting a degree from and I've NEVER seen anything like this before….. …….The collection is too dated and it lacks group work areas or secluded rooms with whiteboards or other helpful items for study….. ……..Cluttered, musty and moldy, Not enough space available for student usage, outdated collection, poor design of space…... ……...Regimental students have to be in uniforms at all times, deterring many people from using the space. Also, there is limited 'lounge' space (only one couch)..... ……….It is obviously beautiful, and I hope that no renovations detract from the historic character of the space. The whole concept of a library should be focused on contemplation and reflection, and the "modernizing" of the space can likely only distract a young person towards other notions…... ……….Other schools have more technology for students to use and more lounge spaces, like a coffee house type experience…….. .

Usage Count

Challenges of Usage Data Count sheets needed editing for clarity Inconsistencies in observation Labor-intensive Selected data points don’t capture all usage Reinforce what is already here

Discovery Exercise Get people talking. Led by a vendor (Steelcase) who produced an analysis but lacked in-depth understanding of our community and culture. Everyone may have a different interpretation of the results.

Issues and Priorities

Takeaways: are they useful? 1. Anticipate and integrate new technology 2. Support the ways faculty want to teach and students want to learn 3. Create a rich learning environment 4. Develop “every space as a learning space” strategies for students 5. Enhance formal and informal interactions and collaboration

Recommendations Use data to articulate the library’s own vision for its future to Administration Include your entire faculty and staff in data gathering Start early!

Contact Kristin Hart Katie Bram khart@sunymaritime.edu kbram@sunymaritime.edu