Best of Core Forum: Assessing Study Room Use and Patron Needs
Description: Study room spaces have become a
critical resource offered in large academic libraries, yet their standard
configuration and policies may not be serving the diverse needs of all patrons.
To address this, we conducted an assessment project at a large, land-grant
university to gather data on study room usage and user preferences. Through an
initial survey and in-person follow-up through tabling and direct patron
engagement, we explored the following research questions: How are patrons using
study rooms? Are current configurations meeting their needs? What attributes do
users value most? And what new configurations could enhance their experience?
Our findings revealed important insights into study room behaviors, space
preferences, and potential areas for improvement with our services. This
presentation will share the results from our study and discuss how we applied
these insights to enhance the study room experience, including promoting our
“Library of Things” collection as study room resources. It will also situate
our study within broader trends in library study room services, and offer
attendees practical strategies for assessing study spaces in their own
institutions and implementing changes to improve patron satisfaction and
engagement.This webinar was previously presented in-person as a session at the
2025 Core Forum. We are hosting this webinar, with the session adapted and
presented live as a virtual event, to extend its reach.
Learning Outcomes:
At the end of the webinar, attendees will: -
· Learn about broader trends in study room services. –
· Gain practical strategies for assessing study spaces at their own institutions.
· Learn how to translate assessment results into actionable changes.
Who Should Attend: Academic librarians and staff that manage study rooms and other reservable spaces in their libraries. Additionally, this webinar would be of interest to those who would like to learn more about strategies and best practices for assessing public services.
Presenters:
Lailah Ramos is the Circulation Coordinator for Oklahoma State University's Edmon Low Library, where she oversees the daily operation of the circulation desk, including circulation student management, book checkouts, study room management, the course reserves program, and a Library of Things Collection. Prior to this position, she was the Laptop Manager at the Edmon Low Library, managing the collection of circulating laptops and their peripherals. Lailah has a Bachelor's Degree in English and has 7 years of experience in Access Services. She has presented at OK-ACRL, and co-presented at the Access Services Conference and Core Forum, which was voted Best of Core Forum by attendees. Lailah Ramos, Circulation Coordinator, Oklahoma State University Libraires.
Whitney Hilley is Associate Professor and Head of Access Services at Oklahoma State University’s Edmon Low Library where she oversees the Circulation & Information Desk, Interlibrary Services, physical collections management, course reserves, and the Edmon Low Creative Studios. Prior to this position, she served as Assistant Head of Access Services at OSU and as the Associate Library Director at the Boston Architectural College in Boston, MA. Whitney received her MLIS from Simmons College and has over 15 years of experience in Access Services and over 10 years of experience in management. She is a member of several library organizations and served on several statewide, regional, and national library committees. Whitney Hilley, Head of Access Services, Oklahoma State University Libraires.
Tech Requirements
Core Webinars are held in Zoom. Speakers or a headset for listening to the presentation are required. You may interact with the presenter and ask questions through text-based chat. Closed captioning is available in the Zoom platform. The webcast will be recorded and the link to the recording shared with registrants shortly after the live event.