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Learning Commons Assessment
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 information about survey design and data please contact Gordon Fretwell.
Academic Year 2006-2007 Data (Excel files)
April 22-28, 2007
March 25-31, 2007
February 18-24, 2007
December 3-9, 2006
October 15-21, 2006
September 17-23, 2006
Academic Year 2005-2006 Data (Excel files)
May 17-23, 2006
April 16-22, 2006
February 26 through March 4, 2006
February 5-11, 2006
December 4-10, 2005 (post 24/5 implementation)
November 13-19, 2005 (pre 24/5 implementation)
Summary Data 2005-2006
2001 Data (Excel files)
May 2-8, 2001
April 4-10, 2001
March 8-14, 2001
Summary Data 2001
Learning Commons Use and Comparisons and Additional Data
Library Cafe Sales FY06 (excel 46kb)
Writing Center Use FY06 (excel 23kb)
Learning Resources Center FY06 (excel 25kb)
Average Hourly Use and Typical Week Charts for FY06 (excel 74kb)
Monthy Gate Count FY05-FY06 (excel 17kb)
Weekly Gate Counts in 2001 and 2005 (pdf 15kb)
Main Floor Use in 2001 and 2005 (pdf 14kb)
Learning Commons and Main Floor Use Data Comparing 2001 and 2005 (powerpoint show 77KB - January 2006)
Attendance figures (excel 23kb) comparing building gate counts and main floor/Learning Commons usage for 2001 and 2005
Daily Learning Commons Use in Falll 2005 (pdf 12kb)
Hourly Learning Commons Use in Fall 2005 (pdf 16kb)
Learning Commons Computer Use in Fall 2005 (pdf 12kb)
Assessing the Learning Commons (pdf 2.02MB)
Presentation given to the American International Consortium of Academic Libraries (AMICAL) at the American University of Bulgaria.
Rachel Lewellen, Assessment Librarian, May 26, 2008
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.
Last Edited: 26 January 2009
