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Marketing Steering Team:
Physical Spaces Sub-Committee
Final Report
December 10, 2009
Marketing Steering Team: Physical Spaces Sub-Committee, Final Report
Sub-Committee Members:
Alexia Hudson
Sylvia MacKinnon
Emily Rimland (Chair)
Sherry Roth
Rick Stringer
Group Charge:
This group explored solutions and strategies to address the many comments
pertaining to Libraries’ physical spaces that were raised in the LibQual+ survey. The
group brainstormed and explored methods to amplify the good things that are
already in place and ways to make improvements in areas where there are known
issues. In other words, accentuate the positives and eliminate the negatives. In some
instances our group’s reach is limited or another group is already addressing the
issue.
Web Tools and Discoverability Progress Report 2009
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Web Tools & Discoverability Group
Actions and Recommendations
Group and quiet study spaces
Overall recommendation: Ensure that ample study spaces, both quiet and group
spaces, are provided for patrons.

Action: Worked with PRAM to create standardized signs to designate Quiet
Study, Group Study, and Lounge Areas. PDFs of signs will be made available
on the “Resources for Staff” section of PRAM’s web site.

Action: Creation of a web site that indicates where quiet study spaces can be
found in Pattee and Paterno. This site is a complement to the existing group
study web site and will be expanded to include campus locations.

Recommendation: Raise visibility of the types of study spaces that are available in the Libraries on the newly redesigned web site.

Recommendation: Solutions such as white noise generators have been investigated, but price may be prohibitive. More research into this may be warranted.
Wayfinding
Overall recommendation: Implement strategies suggested by the Geography Department study (Rui Li) and implement changes to wayfinding and signage, in particular in the central Pattee stacks.
Web Tools and Discoverability Progress Report 2009
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Marketing Steering Team: Physical Spaces Sub-Committee, Final Report

Action: A small group met with Rui Li about strategies to improve wayfinding
in the library based on his research.

Action: Work with closing supervisors group to get new, simplified, floor plan
maps posted (especially in Central Pattee Stacks) with “you are here” signifiers. (Rui Li)

Recommendation: Consider ways to mark or color-code the stacks (floor, wall,
ceiling, ranges at end of shelves) to provide suggested routes into/out of the
stacks. (Issues with marking floor have been raised as it potentially causes
problems for janitorial staff.)

Recommendation: Relocate some signs and maps in the stacks for higher visibility. (Rui Li)

Recommendation: Encourage Next Generation Discovery Team to move forward with project to add floor maps to Cat records. Provide support as needed.

Recommendation: Experiment with on-call guides who could provide ondemand wayfinding for patrons.

Recommendation: Explore the use of touch-screen directional screens or digital signage that is easily modified.
Providing Technology for Patrons
Overall recommendation: We can never provide too much technology. As the Libraries move forward with new construction projects, it will be advantageous to provide
plentiful access to power (for recharging devices) and printing.

Recommendation: Make a greater effort to advertise availability of computers.
Encourage the Web Tools and Discoverability Group to move forward with
their project to create a mashup of computer availability and Libraries’ floor
plans. (currently in development)
Web Tools and Discoverability Progress Report 2009
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Web Tools & Discoverability Group

Recommendation: Carefully consider recharging oases or stations (for cell
phones or laptops) and access to power outlets in the Knowledge Commons
planning.

Recommendation: Implement remote printing at key library locations. (printing via a laptop)

Recommendation: Increase the number of laptops available for checkout.

Recommendation: Consider making portable laptop desks available.
Creature Comforts

Recommendation: Provide ATMs

Recommendation: Install lockers with built-in electrical power outlets

Recommendation: Offer a fax machine for public use (possibly free)

Recommendation: Increase soft seating

Recommendation: Climate control problems are cited by patrons frequently in
the LibQual+ survey. Consider a mechanism to report and/or address them.
Web Tools and Discoverability Progress Report 2009
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