Finding Out What Your Students Need Judi Briden Digital Librarian for Public Services ACRL MD September 18, 2009 Capitol College, MD

Conduct Your Own Research By engaging in this type of research with your students, you are changed –More attuned to your users’ needs –Improved understanding of their diversity –More likely to act on what you learn –More confident in making changes –Research fosters teamwork among staff It’s fun!

Observation Solicit comments on flipcharts Interviews, including Retrospective interviews Photo surveys Mapping diaries Design workshops - web pages & facilities Dorm visits

Stimulate creativity Reflect Develop a question / Choose a method Research ethics Practice skills Plan & conduct research Immerse in the data Co-view, discuss & brainstorm ideas & solutions Test ideas with pilots / small experiments Brainstorm

Stimulate Creativity

Try It Yourself! Stimulating Creativity

Mapping Diaries

Try It Yourself ! Library Homepage Circle what you use X-out what you don’t use Add anything else you need or want Campus Map Mark 3 places where you feel comfortable 3 places where you feel uncomfortable 3 places you go a lot

Any Surprises?

Photo Surveys/Interviews Create your own questions

Gibbons_cmpd.pdf Available from ALA … or just search on the Web Undergraduate Research Project: Shared Results tinyurl.com/f63dj Studying Students

Judi Briden