1. Observing Student Researchers in Their Native Habitat Susan Gibbons Associate Dean, River Campus Libraries University of Rochester November 9, 2007 Charleston 2007

2. University of Rochester Libraries Local User Studies Background Staff anthropologist, Dr. Nancy Foster 2003-04 Faculty work practice study 2004-06 Undergraduate student study 2006-08 Graduate student study Applying ethnographic and anthropological techniques to better understand our campus communities

3. Methodologies Photo elicitation exercise Mapping diaries Design charrettes Retrospective Interviews

4. Photo Elicitation A place in the library where you feel lost Something you would call “high tech” Your communication devices A picture of your dorm room How you manage your time and keep track of your day The computer you most often use

5. Methodologies Photo elicitation exercise Mapping diaries Design charrettes Retrospective interviews

6. Methodologies Photo elicitation exercise Mapping diaries Design workshops Retrospective interviews

7. Composite Flexibility Comfort Sitting, slouching, lying down all supported; food & drink Technology and tools are well integrated From plasma screens to staplers Staff support Very generic, all-purpose

8. Methodologies Photo elicitation exercise Mapping diaries Design charrettes Retrospective interviews

9. Laptops High levels of laptop ownership (photos) Don’t carry laptops (photos) Power outlets (designs) Lockers (designs) Too heavy (maps) Using public computing (photos) Local Response

10. “Helicopter” Parents Research & writing assistance (interviews) Ease of communication (photos) Local response

11. Renovation New Student Space Collaborative study spaces (designs) 24/7 (diaries) Power and data (designs) Importance of food (designs & diaries) Comfortable seating (photos & diaries) Lots of big tables (designs) Local response

12. Local User Studies Methodologies are neither costly nor complicated Tap local anthropology or sociology departments New organizational culture “When I was in college…” Appreciation Don’t guess, just ask

13. sgibbons@library.rochester.edu AIM: susanlgibbons “ Studying Students: The Undergraduate Research Project at the University of Rochester” Free PDF download at www.tiny.cc/GzthX