Evaluating Library and Learning Commons Janette Burke

2 “Monash University Library advances scholarship by enabling the effective discovery and use of information for education and research” Mission statement

3 Eight libraries in Victoria, two overseas –34,000 sq. m + Malaysia, South Africa 292 staff EFT (includes 19 casuals EFT) University Librarian –reports to Deputy Vice Chancellor (Education) 4 Directors $40.0 mill ($50.2 mill incl. overheads) –Staff 36.19% –Collection 30.7% –Other 9.08% –Overheads 24.03% Monash University Library

4 Monash University Library Over 3 million items Over 750 online databases 33,991 e-serials 8,491 current print serials 243,838 e-books 3,465,626 visitors 1,035,593 loans 652,607 renewals 126,987 inquiries 148,944 inter-campus loans

5 Key strategic initiatives To improve the user experience by upgrading facilities in accordance with the Facilities Master Plan

6 Learning Commons Vision To provide an integrated high quality, cost effective, and centralised precinct with services and resources that support students’ learning needs and inspire them to actively participate in the learning process. “ “

7 What is a Learning Commons? Functionality of a Learning Commons Benefits of a Learning Commons

8 Seeking to create student-centred libraries that are welcoming, easy to use and professionally presented Hargrave-Andrew refurbished 2006 Berwick Library and Learning Commons expanded and refurbished 2006 South Africa built 2007 Malaysia built 2007 Pharmacy expanded and refurbished 2008 Sir Louis Matheson, Caulfield and Law yet to be done Facilities development: 2007

9 Facilities Master Plan Create an identity and way finding manual for all Monash libraries Achieve a consistent brand Support commonality of purpose and service Acknowledging the unique character of each library Development of a collection management strategy Demonstrate a commitment to scholarship, lifelong learning, innovation and community engagement

10 Unconscious navigation Neutral base palette with two highlight palettes Green to indicate Information Red to indicate Service Use space not partitions Design features

11 Optimise opportunities for unconscious navigation Maximise self help in the library through spatial organisation: - use the same elements/colours to give similar information - align similar functions vertically - same place on each floor - identify location and service by design in preference to signage Design features

12 Cost effective Easy to communicate Consistent message Colour coded Synergies One library Benefits of a Facilities Master Plan

13 Undertook a user centred approach to evaluating the success of refurbished spaces As experienced by: –library users –library staff –academics To make changes where it was fundamentally flawed or impractical in a working library environment Evaluating our libraries and learning commons

14 Individual interviews of users Online survey of academics Focus group with staff Secondary survey of users at a different library Assessment Outcomes Methodology

15 Individual interviews

16 What the academics said

17 Findings

18 Aim to evaluate: Combined service – ITS and the Library (in 2007 Learning Skills was included) Roaming help Facilities – printing Furniture and signage Another survey at another library

19 Distributed by: Leaving copies on computer desk and quiet study desks Handing to students during visits to the information desk Staff circulating through the area and individually selecting students to complete the survey Methodology

20 Visited the library more than 3 times a week – 44% Combined IT and library was an improvement – 85% Software meets my needs – 91% Printing was easy to use – 63% Sought assistance from roaming helpers – 49% Satisfied with information service – 97% Signage helpful – 88% Furniture meets my needs – 87% Results

21 Highlighted the need to: Combine printing and photocopying systems Improve the quiet study spaces Reduce the noise Provide flexible group study rooms Improve communication of services Improve help Areas for improvement

22 User satisfaction survey highlighted: Quiet study and group study areas can be in conflict Still not enough computers despite the increase in the number of laptops Even more demand for power And yet another survey

23 Removed mixed furniture styles Added partitions between quiet study tables Reviewed policies Improved communication –Drop flyers during exam time –Study areas monitored –Increased free standing signs What have we done

24 Improved the font size on signage Use movable signage on stands as required What have we done

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