journal page: UConn library and students

"UConn Discovers What Students Want From Their Library"

By Meredith Schwartz 

Library Journal online article Mar 21, 2012

count: 1 page

Results from a study by the University of Connecticut Libraries Undergraduate Education Team yielded some interesting data about their patrons. "The assessment used a mix of quantitative methods (an online survey) with qualitative ones (focus groups, a filmed interview and a student-made short film." 

In bullet-form, some nuggets:

• The popular term "Learning Commons" means little to the students;
• Students have little knowledge of, or interest in, reference services. They prefer signage.
• 58% said they would never, or unlikely ever, ask a question by text/SMS/MMS/Web. 
• 80% of the students reported that they never, or only once a semester, ask for help from a librarian in person.
• The preferred pathway to library support was electronically, and preferably through the online course interface. Since the findings, the library has set-up direct access through this means.
• Research help is moving to focus on live chat.
• And the formerly known as Learning Commons has a new name: Homer One. 
• Physical changes to the library are being made as well, in response to student requests for more power outlets and more room to spread out while studying.