1. Creating a User-Centered Library
Requiring all English 103 and English 104 courses to include bibliographic instruction.
Adding topics above every shelf in the General Collection to help users browse and
linger within the shelves.
Creating Material Request Forms that our patrons could fill out anytime they want us
to get an item we currently don’t own. The turnaround time for most items is only one
week from the date requested.
We grew our small collection of Fiction books and popular CDs and DVDs by ordering
the current bestsellers and advertising these popular items in the college’s newspaper.
Students who initially wouldn’t use the library until a paper is due are now visiting us
multiple times per week to check out our new bestselling items. A small portion (4%) of
our budget goes towards popular materials despite their very high usage.
In addition to a change in philosophy over the last 6 years, the following quick and easy changes
have been made to our library:
Increased collaboration with faculty—including the sending of emails to instructors
every semester offering presentations, learning activities, informing them of new
databases and books, and requesting topics of upcoming papers and presentations so
that we can ensure a good collection for the students when they need it.
Implementing a no-shush policy (with the exception of the Quiet Study Room) to foster
student engagement, lively discussion, social opportunities, and study-group facilitation.
Putting 2 books on display for every column in the entire library. Books on display wet
appetites for those with intentions of just passing through.
The Fred L. Mathews Library has experienced a tremendous growth
over the past 4 years. Before we were a traditional, quiet, academic
library. We would circulate approximately 520 items per month. We
were often so dead that the circulation desk wasn’t staffed; students
would ring a doorbell to get their items checked out.
Today, we circulate approximately 1,556 items per month. Our database usage has also increased 77%. A cosmetic renovation in 2011
allowed us to change the layout, furniture, and atmosphere to physically convey our user-centered philosophy. Since consolidating
two tutoring and computer centers into one center located in the library, all students in need of tutoring and most students who
need to print now walk through the library to receive those services. This increase in traffic has positively influenced library usage. We
have become not only a center of student learning, but a hub for social activities.
Modern,
comfy seating
arranged in groups
creates a great
conversation area for
group study or
hanging out.
The Circulation
desk. We are
so busy that three
employees are needed
at once to staff the
front desk.
Computer
and tutoring
area.