This is a series of presentations for the CUL/IS Assessment Forum 2013 detailing work and tips on: an observational study, Lenel entry data analysis, KeyServer data analysis, and a skills assessment and training program.

1. Science & Engineering
Libraries
Observational
Study
0/4
Jeffrey Lancaster, Emerging Technologies
Coordinator
jeffrey.lancaster@columbia.edu
Slides at: slideshare.net/jeffreylancaster

2. Observational Study 1/4
Goals
• Better understand how patrons
occupy Science & Engineering
Division spaces
• Gather information about
patrons who bring their own
technology
• How can we prepare for
impending space crunches?

3. Observational Study
Geology Library
Mathematics Library
Engineering Library
2/4
Instrument
Science & Engineering Library

4. Observational Study 3/4
Execution
• Maps of libraries drawn in
Adobe Illustrator
• Seats
• Soft seating
• Printers & photocopiers
• Coding from Nisa + additions:
• LAs, supervisors, subject
A: Reading/working on an academic
assignment
AL: Using own productivity device for
academic work
AC: Using library computer as part of
academic work
ALC: Using both a library computer and
own device for academic work
A(s): Doing academic work in a group
RC: Using library computer for non-
academic activity
RL: Using own device for non-academic
activity
R: Socializing, resting, relaxing
R(s): Socializing, resting, relaxing in a
group
X: Not engaged (getting ready to leave or
settling in)
Z: Sleeping
C: Camping (e.g. books, coat, etc., but
nobody in sight)

5. Observational Study 4/4
Outcome
• Still working on it…
• With the closing of the
Engineering Library in Summer
2014, we anticipate extended
hours in the Science &
Engineering Division libraries
• In new spaces, we will better
accommodate patrons who

6. Science & Engineering
Libraries
Lenel Entry
Data
0/5
Jeffrey Lancaster, Emerging Technologies
Coordinator
jeffrey.lancaster@columbia.edu
Slides at: slideshare.net/jeffreylancaster

7. Lenel Entry Data 1/5
How and Why?
• Several libraries use student
„swipe‟ access
• Business
• Butler
• Starr East Asian
• Law
• Lehman
• Science & Engineering
• Social Work
• Who are your patrons?

8. Lenel Entry Data 2/5
This is Lenel Data
L: Drive -
/LIO/LIO_For_All_CU_Library_Staff/Library
Use Data/

9. • It‟s a PivotTable, so first open it
on a PC
• We use DIV_MO worksheet
• Information organized by division at monthly
intervals
• Best to group users by school,
association
• SEAS
• CUMC
• General Studies Lenel Entry Data 3/5
Tips

10. Lenel Entry Data 4/5
Data Visualization

11. Lenel Entry Data 5/5
Outcome
• Preparing to close the
Engineering Library
• Can develop new space options for students
• Can justify asking for a
percentage of student
technology fees
• Can refute claims that certain
populations „only use certain

12. Science & Engineering
Libraries
KeyServer Data
0/5
Jeffrey Lancaster, Emerging Technologies
Coordinator
jeffrey.lancaster@columbia.edu
Slides at: slideshare.net/jeffreylancaster

13. KeyServer Data 1/5
What is KeyServer?
• Sassafras KeyServer tracks the
licenses for the Libraries‟
software
• Information gathered by
KeyServer includes:
• Total and average number of times a program
is opened
• Total and average duration of use
• Longest use

14. KeyServer Data 2/5
KeyServer Data
https://www1.columbia.edu/sec/cu/libraries/i
nside/clio/statistics/digital_centers/digital_ce
nters.html

15. Unique Users by AffiliationTotal Use
(scale is logarithmic) 3/5
Data Visualization

16. KeyServer Data 4/5
Tips
• Be aware of time conversions
• Times reported as hours : minutes : seconds
• Excel can do funny things with times – will try
to convert to date
• Need to deliberately calculate
total minutes
• = CONCATENATE(cell) will transform time to
days
• Mac and PC software is
recorded separately

17. KeyServer Data 5/5
Outcome
• Can optimize the number and
types of licenses we purchase
• Can develop training for high-
and/or low-use software
• Currently no way to match a
user‟s identity (affiliation) to their
software usage in a center
• Too „Big Brother‟?

18. Science & Engineering
Libraries
Skills
Assessment
0/5
Jeffrey Lancaster, Emerging Technologies
Coordinator
jeffrey.lancaster@columbia.edu
Slides at: slideshare.net/jeffreylancaster

19. Skills Assessment 1/5
Goals
• What is the base level of
knowledge subject specialists
ought to possess about
software?
• Develop a training program
around software and new
technologies
• Include software and new

20. Skills Assessment 2/5
Instrument
Google Docs survey asking: prior knowledge, expertise,
desire to learn

21. Skills Assessment 3/5
Data Visualization

22. Skills Assessment 4/5
Outcome
• A staff training program that
included:
• Software overview
• Homework assignments
• Software-specific presentations
• Seminar-style tutorials
• We are continuing to develop
new „modules‟
• Google apps
• 3D printing

23. Skills Assessment 5/5
Outcome
“Overall, they were a great help
to me in getting me to
overcome my reluctance (and
anxiety) about trying new
software tools.”“A side effect to this
assignment was the knowledge
that with not a lot of effort I can
familiarize myself pretty quickly
with these applications enough
so that I can suggest them to
patrons who are looking for
specific tools, or answer
general questions about their
use.”
“I realized how far my interests,
skills, etc. are away from the
ever-changing role of
technology in libraries.”
“This effort had a lot to do with
how much people trusted and
liked you…”
“I learned from it what software
to pick while helping patrons.”
“However I‟m finding it
challenging to keep up with the
skills I have gained since I‟m
not using all of them on a
regular basis.”
“We still lack the technical
skills.”