Library Spaces

This section focuses on the use of physical library spaces, with linked pages for perceptions of Wayfinding and availability of appropriate spaces and Atmosphere about how welcoming and safe the library feels.

>>>  Go to the Accessibility theme page for related findings.

To begin, participants were asked “Have you ever visited — in person — any of the library buildings listed below?” Their responses guided which additional questions they received. 

Those who reported visiting a library were asked their frequency of in-person visits in a typical academic year and to share their reasons for in-person visits. The mean difference in frequency of visits between these groups was statistically different. 

Library Hours

These respondents were also asked if the building hours met their needs and given a space to comment.

Do the hours when the library buildings are open meet your needs?

Yes 82.4%

No 11.9%

Unsure 5.7%

In questions about hours, several respondents left positive comments:

• "The extended hours are very helpful for my late-night study sessions."

• "I appreciate the library being open 24 hours during exam periods."

• "The flexible hours accommodate my busy schedule."

• "The long hours show that the library understands student needs."

However, many respondents had challenges with existing hours or requests for extended hours, mainly on Central Campus:

• "Central campus needs a 24/7 study space"

• "I wish Hatcher was open later on Fridays and earlier on weekends"

• "It would be helpful if libraries on central campus were open later particularly on Fridays/Saturdays"

• "Libraries closing early disrupts my weekend study plans"

• "I wish the library had longer hours on weekends."

• "I do a lot of late night studying during finals so I would like there to be later hours during finals."

• "More study hours during midterms."

Group Comparisons

There were no substantial gender differences in visit frequency, nor were there substantial differences between people with disabilities and those without. There were no differences in visit frequency when U.S. and international students were compared, nor when first-gen and non-first-gen students were compared.

In the analyses of race, Black/African-American students and faculty visited the library less often, in person, compared to most other groups. The magnitude of these differences were small but notable. Please note that the scale measuring visit frequency ranged from 1 (less than once a year) to 8 (two times per week or more).

• Asian/Asian-American Mean visit frequency score = 6.38,   SD = 1.85

• Black/African-American Mean visit frequency score = 5.55,   SD = 1.97

• Latinx Mean visit frequency score = 6.32,   SD = 1.88

• Middle Eastern/North African Mean visit frequency score = 6.52,   SD = 1.65

• Multiracial Mean visit frequency score = 6.43,   SD = 1.86

• Native American Mean visit frequency score = 5.88,   SD = 1.76

• White Mean visit frequency score = 6.02,   SD = 2.07

Use of Services and Resources in Library Spaces

Those who indicated they visited library spaces were asked which services and resources they had used. A summary of responses appears in the graph and listing below.

>>> Go to Study Spaces for more about student use of spaces.

[Note, a report on survey responses about Clark Commons usage will be shared when ready.]

Responses for additional library resources and services:

• CVGA 4.9%

• Reflection room 4.8%

• Design Lab 4.7%

• Microforms 2.5%

• Papyrology 2.3%

• Anatomage table 1.7%

• Book arts studio 1.4%

• Lactation room 0.6%

• Caregiver room 0.3%

Use of Technology Resources

Respondents were also asked which technology resources they came to the library to use. Those who used them reported high levels of satisfaction, and they also made many comments and suggestions!

Do you come to library buildings to use any of these technology resources? (With ratings of satisfaction) 

• Using printers 35% (93.9% ≧ mostly satisfied)

• Using computers 21% (92.7% ≧ mostly satisfied)

• Using software 8% (90.4% ≧ mostly satisfied)

• Using scanners 8% (90.3% ≧ mostly satisfied)

• Using other technology 2% (84.5% ≧ mostly satisfied)

Respondents were invited to share comments and ideas for improving technology available in the library. Following are representative responses:

• "I appreciate the availability of high-quality printers and scanners."

• “When they (printers) are stocked and working then yes, they are great.”

• “I once went to the info desk asking for help with the printer, and someone quickly responded to me.”

• “Finding a working printer is often hard…printers leave black lines across the pages…I suggest cleaning or replacing all the printers on central campus and adding big signs "Print Here" to the printers around north campus.”

• “My group needed to print work and the building we were in didn’t have any working printers. I had to walk across to another building, use stairs…which I was able to do but it really hurt (ligaments/tendons)”

• "More user-friendly printing instructions."

• “Having directions for how to find help regarding printers and scanners would be very helpful!”

• "More computers available, especially during peak times."

• "More charging stations for devices."