Observational Surveys.  Observational surveys were conducted on the lower level of the library in 2001 (before the Learning Commons was opened), and again periodically since fall semester 2005 (the first semester the Learning Commons was open). The lower level was divided into distinct locations (lounge chairs, public computers, microforms etc.). Patrons were counted in each of the defined locations.  The counts occurred once every hour over the course of a week.  For example, at 10:30 on Tuesday, 2 seats were occupied in the assistive technologies area.  For inforamtion about survey design and data please contact Gordon Fretwell.

Learning Commons Focus Group Report  (pdf 49kb) Focus group sessions were held with students following the observational surveys.  Favorite and least favorite areas of the LC were discussed among other topics. 
Rachel Lewellen, Assessment Librarian, April 2006

Combining Quantitative and Qualitative Assessment of an Information Commons (powerpoint show 4541 kb).  A presentation given at the Library Assessment Conference about the observational study and focus group data combined.  Rachel Lewellen and Gordon Fretwell, Charlottesville, Virginia September 26, 2006.

Learning Commons Survey - March 2006
The following data represent results from a questionnaire that was distributed to all who entered the W.E.B. Du Bois Library on Tuesday, March 14, 2006. The questionnaire gathered data on where users went in the 26-story building as well as demographics, preferred methods to obtain technology and reference assistance, satisfaction with existing facilities and services, and interest in potential services.  Kimberly Wells, a student from the Simmons Graduate School of Library and Information Science, designed and conducted the survey. Anne C Moore was the project advisor. The data was analyzed by Student Assessment, Research, and Evaluation Office (SAREO).  Kimberly Wells created the charts.
SAREO Survey Analysis (pdf 187kb - 24 pages)
Charts of frequencies and percentages (pdf 277kb - 48 pages)

Learning Commons Usage Survey Results (powerpoint show 1056kb)
Richard Rogers; Faculty Advisor to the Provost and Kathy Godek; Assistant to the Provost
Paper survey conducted November 2005, Presentation made January 2006

Assessing Learning Spaces (powerpoint show 700kb)
Joan K. Lippincott, Coalition for Networked Information
Presentation given in the Learning Commons on January 26, 2006

For more information about Library assessment contact Rachel Lewellen, Assessment Librarian 545-3343.