Architecture Studies

Describing the ASL Experience

Mon, 21 Sep 2009 16:06:47 -0800

In the 2009 fall survey, the question was which of 24 keywords would you say describe your experiences in the Architecture Studies Library.

Here are the results!!

79 of you selected the word "learning."
68 -- comfortable
61 -- focus
55 -- relaxing
49 -- discovery
48 -- working alone
46 -- working collaboratively
43 -- inspiration
42 -- socializing
39 -- accomplishment
37 -- success
33 -- creation
30 -- quick stop
27 -- sharing

The other 10 words were selected 20 times or less

There were a total of 112 people responding. The average number of words selected was 6. The range in the number of words selected was 1-19.

All words on the list were chosen at least once. The word least chosen: "waiting." This word was selected by one person!

Thank you so much for participating in the survey. And as always your comments and suggestions are welcome!

Library survey responses

Fri, 20 Mar 2009 09:06:27 -0800

Architecture Studies Library patrons were generous with their time during the recent LibQual survey. 111 responses were received! This was the highest number of any of the library branches (though not for Lied Library patrons of course!).

The survey will actually stay open for a few more days -- until March 26 -- for anyone that hasn't yet taken it and would like to get their input included in the responses. Once it is closed you will be hearing more information about the feedback that has been given. In all, the Libraries have gotten 1267 responses. Thank you!!

The link to LibQual is http://survey.libqual.org/index.cfm?ID=705553

Reminder: We will be giving a $5 gift coupon to the Book N Bean to thank 50 randomly chosen survey takers. (E-mails go into a pool quite separate from survey responses. Survey responses are anonymous!)

Favorite spots in the ASL

Thu, 19 Feb 2009 14:08:39 -0800

Students shared their favorite spots in the Architecture Studies Library via the in-library flip chart this last week or so.

Among the spots listed were:
under the stairs
2nd floor lab
magazine area
new arrivals
conference rooms
chairs outside 114
by the blocks!
semi-circular couches
a secluded corner
quiet study upstairs
by the fountain

and -- the most frequently mentioned -- the bathroom!

SOA students' favorite magazines

Thu, 12 Feb 2009 10:38:18 -0800

Students in the Architecture Studies Library had the opportunity to declare their favorite magazine and share with other students via an in-library flip chart.

Here are the magazines they mentioned, along with how much use the current issues of the title got in 2007-2008. If more than one person mentioned, the number of persons is in parentheses.

Dwell (2) [58 uses]
El Croquis (6) [issues cataloged separately, so no stats on the title as a whole]
Wallpaper [26 uses]
Mark (2) [69 uses]
Japan Architect (2) [14 uses]
A+T (2) [47 uses]
Step inside design [16 uses]
Urban Land [19 uses]
Architecture Minnesota [1 use!!]
A+U [34 uses]
Journal of Architecture and Planning Research [6 uses]
Plan (2) [3 uses, but we just starting getting this one]
Architectural Record [65 uses]
Interior Design [68 uses]
Arca [19 uses]
Contract [15 uses]

One respondent indicated an aversion to reading in general -- luckily these magazines have lots of images!!

Print versus online -- preferences of SOA students and faculty

Mon, 29 Sep 2008 10:48:28 -0800

This fall I distributed a short survey asking students and faculty whether they preferred print or online journals and books. Here's what I found out!

For books: 81 preferred print; 17 preferred electronic; and 18 indicated that the format didn't matter.

For journals: 52 preferred print; 45 preferred electronic; and 19 indicated that the format didn't matter.

The breakdown on who responded to the survey is this:
faculty 10
students -- landscape 13
students -- interiors 18
students -- architecture 75

Here's a comment from one of the respondents, emphasizing the importance of print materials for browsing: "The serendipity principle is still an important role for the library. People discover things through the physicality of wandering and looking around that they wouldn't consider otherwise." and another comment: "Honestly there are too many distractions online -- print is better." and one more: "Prefer electronic if easy to access."

Library survey: library experience; information skills

Thu, 04 Oct 2007 08:44:45 -0800

Thanks to all who completed the survey at the all-school meeting at the beginning of the semester! I thought you might be interested in what others had to say.

In answer to the question "How would you see the Architecture Studies Library becoming more of an "experience"? here are some of the ideas that were contributed.

*explore hands-on experiences
*host events on new technologies in the architecture/landscape/interiors fields
*consider online presence in e.g. Second Life
*invite companies to display sustainable products
*schedule "movie nights"
*exhibits to help convey what architecture is all about, the combination of art and science, the aesthetic elements
*experience different types of information

In answer to the question "What skill relating to information do you feel is the most important for you to learn this year?" here are some of the replies.

*how to get to needed information more quickly
*research
*more on 2010 initiative
*how to quickly find environmentally friendly materials
*how to properly search web using search engines
*know how to look for research materials without wasting too much time
*finding resources which are directly related to each subject
*finding case studies

I am sensing that efficient searching is a high priority!!