NYU Graduate Student Academic & Research Experience ARL Fall Forum Lucinda Covert-Vail & Carol A. Mandel 12 October 2007

21 st Century Library for Faculty and Graduate Student Research Focus on the research environment Conversations across 25 disciplines –65 interviews with faculty –focus groups with graduate students Literature reviews Team reviews (faculty, administrators, librarians) Idea and Inspiration Book (tool for thinking about the libraries) Study conducted with the assistance of Katzenbach Partners, LLC (KPL) LibQUAL+ *

Conversations Probed… Rhythm of research –Preferred research and work environments –Information resources –Tools for thinking –Collaboration –Communication modes for disseminating research Tools for teaching Role of the library User experience

Key Dimensions of the Graduate Student’s Environment Scholars in training Spaces and surroundings Scholarly community / interdisciplinarity Discovery and access Tools for teaching

Spaces & Surroundings “Early in my career, I spent a lot of time doing research. Now, later in my career, I need a lot more spaces for writing.” (Anthropology) “I like having wireless, multi-tasking, listening to music, and taking breaks.” (Education & Jewish Studies) “…it’s hard when the undergraduates next to you are flirting.” (Education)

Community “It can be very stimulating to feel like you are a part of a community of scholars.” (Anthropology) “Experiences that brought me in closer contact with others who are doing similar work would be useful.” (Humanities) “My research is very multi-disciplinary and far- reaching. I have had to stretch and learn about finance and banking, areas in which I had very little experience and expertise.” (Humanities)

Findings Desire to feel part of intellectually stimulating and energizing communities Places to interact, both intentionally and serendipitously – “neutral” spaces Complexity of disciplines, interdisciplinarity Tools and connectors for interaction Value of behavioral aspects of user experience

Discovery “50 percent of my library use involves the virtual tools like data searches & downloading services…I generally don’t linger in the library – I get the information I need and leave.” (Politics) “There’s a gap between technological innovation…and my knowledge and skills in accessing it. I’m constantly worried that I’m missing something.” (Humanities) “I use CatNYP, BobCat and others to make sure that I’m getting the broadest perspective.” (History) “I didn’t realize there was a librarian for the business collection – I have struggled to find the right resources & would welcome help in the area.” (Humanities)

Findings Universal dependence on virtual tools Personal control Personalization Convenience, efficiency, fluidity, transparency Assistance – lack of awareness about services, inexperience with sources, research strategies Expectation/desire to access physical collections and tools for thinking in different ways, dissatisfaction with tools Changing perception of discovery tools

Tools for Teaching “It seems like it will be hard to plan the syllabus, especially because it requires you to break out of your current research. I will probably rely on past syllabi as inspirations for the one I am creating.” (History) “I try to put together readers that minimize the costs for students.” (Sociology)

Findings First time course development Pushed beyond comfort level Increased reliance on primary sources Limited awareness of library/university support services Reluctance to approach faculty advisors

Strategic Implications Create more spaces and mechanisms for inspiration Enable collaboration and connections within and across disparate disciplines Make the discovery, access and delivery process more efficient and more powerful Expand services beyond traditional conceptions of the library Rebrand the expectation of “library”

New York University Libraries Lucinda Covert-Vail Carol A. Mandel NYU 21st Century Library Project: Designing a Research Library of the Future for New York University. Report of a Study of Faculty and Graduate Student Needs for Research and Teaching