The document introduces SUMA, an open-source tablet application designed to assist library staff in collecting and analyzing data on patron usage across various spaces and activities. SUMA seeks to streamline the assessment process, providing tools for data visualization and analysis while addressing current challenges like inconsistent data and manual counting methods. A private beta testing phase is set for Summer 2011, with an open beta to follow in late Fall 2011, alongside a project team that will oversee its development.

1. Introducing Suma:An open source, staff-facing tablet application for library assessmentJoyce ChapmanNorth Carolina State University LibrariesALA, Assessment ForumJune 24, 20111

2. Problem statementWe are always trying track more data about how patrons are using our spaces and services in order to better understand our users and in turn, to better serve their needs. 2

3. Why do we care?With data about use/activity patterns in different library spaces we canImprove staffing modelsMake informed purchasing decisions Optimize space for patron needs (quiet study, collaborative areas)Take an evidence-based approach to planning future services and spaces3

4. Where it gets trickyMany libraries perform manual counts of patron activities (headcounts, group study, laptop use) for assessment purposesThe process involves tedious collection mechanisms, lots of paperwork, and much room for errorThere is no coordinated effort to help departments analyze their data4

5. Our solutionAn open source tablet and web-based application to aid library staff in gathering, storing, exporting, analyzing, and visualizing data about patron activities across spaces/activities/time and around events5

6. Example use case6

7. Add image of the current practice

8. Problems of current practiceInconsistent dataDecentralized data storage Uncontrolled vocabulariesNo dedicated staff to help with data analysis= High barriers to analysis and data reuse in the current system8

9. SumaA pocket data analyst for every librarian

10. Tablet-based data collection tool10

11. What is the system?11

12. Count via “thumb thump”12

13. Data collection tool demo13

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19. Browser-based data dashboard“Chart wizard” will lead staff through a series of choices to produce charts comparing different aspects of dataCharts can be exported for print or webData in charts can be downloaded as delimited/Excel files

20. What kinds of data analysis?Compare an activity across multiple spacesCompare multiple activities in one spaceAnalyze trends over…Fiscal yearsAcademic semestersWeeks of the semesterDays of the weekHours of the dayAnalyze aggregate ratios20

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35. TimelinePrivate beta testing releaseSummer 2011. We are looking for enthusiastic and involved testers, who want to try out the data collection client and provide detailed feedback.Open beta testing releaseLate fall 2011Incremental updatesThrough 2012, adding visualization capabilities, events, etc.

36. Suma project team Jason Casden (project lead) Joyce ChapmanEric McEachernRusty Earl Rob RuckerHill Taylor36

37. Thanks!ContactJoyce Chapman – joyce_chapman@ncsu.eduMore infohttp://www.lib.ncsu.edu/dli/projects/spaceassesstoolhttps://github.com/cazzerson/Suma37