Using observations to plan a desk redesign Andrea Boehme, Director of Access Services Juli McCarroll, Coordinator of Circulation Dive Into Data 2 – July 20,2017
Intros and Overview Current Layout Purpose and Research Questions Methodology Analysis Findings Recommendations Where we are now
Current Layout
Purpose Update desk Inform staff and patron needs for an updated circulation desk Ensure ADA compliancy Streamline function and location of furniture to increase efficiency
Research Questions 1. How can the flow of work at the desk be improved? 2. What is the nature of patron movement to and around the desk?
Methodology Pseudo-Ethnographic study Director of Access Services, Coordinator of Circulation, Graduate Student Supervisor collected data 22 hour-long observation sessions on randomly selected days/times 2 templates for staff and patron movement and a notes section 10 minutes to track movement, 5 to write notes, 15 for general observations Observations scanned. Notes transcribed into Excel
Methodology, contd.
Methodology continued
Analysis Issues with data collection Placed items in spreadsheet and divided into themes
Findings
Patron Engagement
Compartmentalization/Bouncing Desk layout with materials over a large space causes long trips Examples: hold and reserves shelves location of check-in desk pass-around materials return bin Laptops
Activity Division of labor Who gets the patron Frequency of interactions Types of interactions
Technology Small part but future implications Rummaging Checkouts FY 16/17 Location Description Checkouts Percentage mmdk Laptops, charging cords, 23,433 20.61% iPads, Kindles, cameras, etc. mmrs Course Reserves 20,050 17.64% mmmo Main collection 25,144 22.12%
Recommendations
Where we are now Working with campus planning – many delays and some changes Policy changes Procedure changes – check in desk Chair at counter Questioning self checkout
Questions? Andrea Boehme andboeh@bgsu.edu Juli McCarroll jmccarr@bgsu.edu
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