Alice B. Ruleman and Anthony Kaiser
Study rooms are recognized as a popular feature in academic libraries. The purpose of this paper is to understand how students use the study rooms at the library of the University…
Abstract
Purpose
Study rooms are recognized as a popular feature in academic libraries. The purpose of this paper is to understand how students use the study rooms at the library of the University of Central Missouri.
Design/methodology/approach
A short survey was given to students who checked out study rooms keys. Students were asked how they used the rooms and what technology they used in the rooms. In total, 341 valid surveys were returned for analysis.
Findings
Students used the rooms mainly for academic reasons. In total, 73 percent of respondents frequently studied alone in the rooms while 56 percent frequently studied in groups. Use of the technology in the rooms, other than the computers (89 percent) was limited.
Research limitations/implications
Due to the voluntary nature of the surveys, results may not be applicable to all study room users. The researchers were particularly interested in the international students but demographic data from the survey indicated that the number of responses from this group may not be representative of the number that are actually using the rooms.
Practical implications
Students indicated they rarely used peripheral equipment, i.e. webcams and microphones, and the library removed them from the rooms and made them available at the circulation desk.
Originality/value
The authors found little research specific to the use of study rooms although available research of library space in general indicated study rooms are highly valued. The findings of this survey suggest that students may be more interested in individual/private spaces for academic work than “group” study rooms.
Details
Keywords
The purpose of this paper is to provide a brief overview of some of the similarities or differences in use of social media and technology between faculty and students on a state…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to provide a brief overview of some of the similarities or differences in use of social media and technology between faculty and students on a state university campus.
Design/methodology/approach
A web‐based quantitative survey format, utilizing multiple choice and matrix type questions, was utilized for this research. It was delivered through the campus e‐mail system.
Findings
Both faculty and students are active users of technology. Analysis indicated there are some distinct demographic differences but they did not always match expectations.
Originality/value
Libraries generally serve several differing populations and on an academic campus, the predominant groups are faculty and students. As we continue to develop more technologically‐oriented services, it is beneficial to understand how these groups are using technology.
Details
Keywords
The purpose of this paper is to examine faculty and student responses to questions regarding their use of social media and to determine possible demographic differences.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to examine faculty and student responses to questions regarding their use of social media and to determine possible demographic differences.
Design/methodology/approach
A web‐based quantitative survey format utilizing multiple choice and matrix type questions was selected for this research.
Findings
Both faculty and students are active users of social media. Some distinct demographic differences were found but they did not always match expected results.
Research limitations/implications
The nature of a multiple‐choice survey creates some limitations although it also makes it easier to obtain responses from a broad range of individuals. The responses to this survey indicate some interesting demographic results particularly related to gender differences (or lack of) with the students and faculty, as well as the differences between the two groups even when comparing the same ages. Additional research could help to explain these differences.
Practical implications
This environmental scan can aid the library in determining potential social media to use to provide service to the campus.
Originality/value
The paper confirms that students and faculty are avid users of some, but not all, social media and the study raises some interesting questions regarding the differences between faculty and students.