Observation Research

As many of you know, the Library/ Learning Resources Centre is currently engaged in a community analysis.  We are particularly interested in discovering how space, resources, services, and technologies relate to learning.  The data the LRC gathers will be instrumental to our strategic planning and initiatives, both short and long term. 

The initial phase of our research focuses on our student population.  The Michener Library/LRC staff, in conjuction with student and administrative volunteers, have been gathering data through observations and informal interviews in common spaces throughout our building.  

Our first Observation Week was October 14-19, 2008.  During that six day period we observed 4 commons spaces at Michener: the LRC; Cafeteria; Schatz Hall Lounge; and Foyer/Gallery.  We made 131 observations, conducted 70 informal interviews, and spoke to approximately 158 students. Many of our students had mid-terms that week.  As a result, there was a lot of intense studying taking place.  

Here’s what we’ve learned so far: 

1. Comfort – Students prefer comfortable furniture even when they are engaged in serious study.  They like lots of space on tables and desks to spread out their notes, books and personal items. 
2. Food and Drink – Students want to be able to eat and drink in the library.  Some suggested we relax our policy to allow lidded drinks and food in designated areas.  Others suggested we do away with the no food and drink policy altogether.
3. Quiet – Students requested dedicated quiet zones where little or no talking is permitted.  They would also like the noise level to be tightly controlled in these areas. 
4. Cubicles – Students asked for more individual study spaces where they can work without distraction.   
5. Private Group Rooms – Students want more enclosed spaces for group work.  As one group of ten who we interviewed put it, “We want a quiet place where our group can make lots of noise!” 
6. Signage – Students would like zones in the LRC to be clearly signed, so that everyone understands how they should behave in each space. 
7. Flexibility - We observed that students behavior is somewhat fluid.  Students spend some time studying alone, grab a snack, talk with friends, check their emails, meet with a group, then go back to studying. 
8. Laptops – During our first observation week, a relatively small number of students brought laptops with them.  Some mentioned that laptops weren’t necessary due to the hands-on nature of Michener’s programs.  They felt that the computers in the building were sufficient for their needs.  Others mentioned that there weren’t sufficient outlets in the LRC and other common spaces to make laptop use convenient.   
9. Wireless – Many students mentioned that the wireless connection throughout the building needs to be better.  Some students said that the best connection is in the LRC, but there is still room for improvement.
10. Focus – The students we interviewed and observed are serious. Socializing takes a back seat to academic pursuits.  Students were studying and working on projects during their lunch breaks and between classes. 
11. Collaboration – Students work together for program related projects that require group participation.  Groups sometimes consist of students from different programs, which can present challenges when it comes to arranging meetings.  Some students also choose to work and study together in order to share resources and notes.  We observed students quizzing each other for exams, running through lab procedures together, and clarifying concepts as a group.