through the viewfinder: using photography to document library space use kathleen webb
TRANSCRIPT
Through the Viewfinder:Using Photography to Document Library Space Use
Kathleen Webb
BackgroundThe University of DaytonCatholic and MarianistApproximately 7000
undergraduates◦Residential – 96% live in University
housing all four years Developmental approach to living – from
traditional residence halls to single family houses
Primary Focus1. Developing a method for
assessing learning spaces – both classrooms and non-classroom spaces
2. Exploring relationship between learning and the characteristics of space
PlanPhotograph how the spaces were
being usedExperiment with classroom
layout and pedagogy and collect data
Use multiple survey methods to determine student preferences on various topics
Correlate results with NSSE data
ParticipantsLearning Teaching Center Faculty Development CommitteeProvost’s OfficeSchool of Education Faculty
◦Molly Schaller and Sawyer HunleyLibraries
Why the LibraryLargest non-classroom learning space
on campus (117,000 square feet)Opened in 1972 – decisions needed on
renovation or new constructionQuestions about the need for a library
and computer lab◦How much use are we really experiencing
and what are the students doing when they are there?
◦What is the mix between individual and group work?
Video ProjectInitial project called for analysis
of entire building – baselineLibrary opened at 7:45 a.m. and
closed at 2:00 a.m. Began filming at 9:15 a.m. and
last period began at 12:15 a.m.
PreparationPermission – Human Subjects
CommitteeNotices – throughout the building
about the projectHandouts explaining the project
LogisticsStaffing, scheduling and trainingEquipment – cameras, batteries,
memory cardsProcedures – where to get the
camera, security, backing up data
DecisionsWhat are we looking at?What is the layout of areas to be
filmed?How do the areas naturally break
into zones?Where and when to start? What
is the best routes and timing
Zones – What are you studyingZones were determined by
architecture Windows, open spaces, enclosed by
stacks, in a corner, etc. Secondary consideration was type of
furniture Signs were placed throughout the
building and each zone number was filmed upon entering the zone
OutputOver 90 segments of tape – some
lasting about 15 minutes, others closer to 30-35 minutes
Variety of styles used – from slow and steady with lots of zooming to race walk through the area
Video Sample
Data Analysis InstrumentTimeFloor and
Zone #GenderSingle or
Multi TaskAcademic
or Other focus
With food or beverage
Alone, or with one person or with more than one person
Very large table4-6 person tableRound tableStudy carrelSoft furnitureAt computer
station
Data AnalysisConverted video tapes to DVDAnalysis done by several people
◦Group training session Lesson Learned – check work after
someone completes 2 or 3 segments
◦Used paper check lists that were then entered into SPSS by administrative assistant
◦Ran crosstabs and other analyses Not all trends ended up being statistically
valid
Other Considerations Monday, November 08, 2004 Day of the Dead exhibit being taken
down in the 1st floor gallery (zone 1). Training for other videographers going
on during the 9:00 AM, noon, 1:00 PM and 4:00 PM shifts.
People were still learning the zones and a few zone signs were missed.
Tuesday, November 09, 2004 Training during the 4:00 and 7:00
shifts There were a few people observed
getting up and moving out of camera range
Wednesday, November 10, 2004 Training during the 9:00 and 5:00
shifts A class was held in the Reference
room between 2:00 and 3:00
Thursday, November 11, 2004 New exhibit is being installed in the
gallery. 2:15 shift began to run out of tape. 1st
floor was done with snapshots and not running video
Friday, November 12, 2004 New exhibit still being hung in gallery
– gallery closed in afternoon The tape for 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
includes the 7:00 - 8:00 PM shift (forgot to switch tape)
Saturday, November 13, 2004 Gallery closed - photography students
hanging exhibit
Sunday, November 14, 2004 Gallery closed - photography students
hanging exhibit
Follow-up ProjectsContinuing Requests for Group
Spaces◦No funds for building projects to create
group rooms◦Could we change behavior by changing
the furniture?◦Identified area on 1st floor where noise
would not be an issue Previous study indicated that most people
who studied there studied alone 2 years later we evaluated that space again
First Photo ProjectMuch smaller area lent itself to still
photographsLong, narrow spaceBroke up the space into zones based on
what could be captured by the cameraMarked photography locations with tapeNumbered the tape locationsAll the same permissions and
preparation needed◦Permissions, notices, staffing, equipment,
batteries, training, etc.
Samples
Samples
Samples
Samples
ExperimentAfter collecting data we removed
all existing furnitureReplaced old furniture
◦Movable tables of all shapes that could be used alone or pushed together
◦Movable tablet arm chairs◦2 large booths◦Coffee and end tables◦Lots of movable white boards◦Large, plasma TV with laptop cables
Second Photo ProjectRedid the still photography studyEstablishing zones was more difficult
◦The furniture moved constantly ◦Needed to take additional shots to be sure
we could see all the furnitureStudied an additional area on the 2nd
floor that had been the current periodical area and now was equipped for group computer projects and included other movable furniture
Samples from Second Photo Survey
Challenges and ObservationsNot counting people twiceIdentifying trends
◦Near outlets◦Near TV on certain nights◦Use of white boards to create privacy◦Use of white boards for studying
Lessons LearnedPlan aheadWalk through the route and know
what you are measuringDate and time stamp photosOrganize photos/videos when you
transfer them from the memory cards
Make time to analyze the dataIf possible have one person analyze
all the data
Additional Information More on the results of our photo studies:
Kathleen M. Webb, Molly A. Schaller, & Sawyer A. Hunley. "Measuring Library Space Use and Preferences: Charting a Path Toward Increased Engagement." portal: Libraries and the Academy, Volume 8, Number 4, October 2008, pp. 407-422.
An article which really helped us in our planning:Virginia E.Young, “Can We Encourage Learning By Shaping Environment? Patterns of Seating Behavior in Undergraduates” (paper, Association of College and Research Libraries Conference, Charlotte, NC, 2003), 6.
The book was by the faculty members who developed the methodology:Collier, J. & Collier, M. (1986). Visual anthropology: Photography as a research method. Albuquerque: University of New Mexico.
