|
The preliminary ‘after-action report’ for the impact of 3-3-4 on the Library is quite positive. Through careful planning, massive increases in usage, programming, and occupancy were handled smoothly and with less disruption than was feared.
Greatly Increased Usage
Library occupancy started the year 43% higher than in the fall of 2011. While somewhat higher than expected, such an increase was planned for in expanded capacity and in dramatically expanding the hours of the Learning Commons in October.
Increases were notable throughout the building, from the Information Commons to bookings of group study rooms, which maintained a similar booking percentage as the previous year, despite a doubling of the number of bookable rooms from 25 to 51!
.jpg)
Computer usage was also very high in both Commons’, and throughout the building. Library Systems staff increased the number of computers available, and plan to add more in coming months.
Increased crowding also brings stress. To help users cope, the Library partnered with SAO to provide 4 evening snack breaks during exams. 200 lbs. of bananas, over 600 apples and mandarins, and almost as many non-sugary box drinks were provided – in addition to 48 lbs. of cookies and a dozen liters of soda. This was particularly popular, and the Library will continue these efforts in the coming term.
24/7 @ Learning Commons
The Learning Commons expanded hours on 1 October to meet student demand – before that, up to 347 students were still in the Commons when it closed at the same time as the Library. For two months, the Learning Commons was open 22 hours per day during the week. This was very successful, but occupancy at 5am was still as high as 87!
With these numbers, we reallocated some staff and resources to expand hours again to a full 24/7 operation from 3 December through the end of term. Data during this period also showed high use from 6-8am, from overnight studiers and early risers.
.jpg)
Given this data, the Library will shift back to full 24/7 operation in the spring term from March-May.
We also stayed open on public holidays when the Library closed, and results certainly showed a need – over 300 stayed throughout the day of the Cheung Yeung Festival.
In addition, thousands of hours of room bookings were made for departments and support units – over 600 hours for temporary classrooms for ARRO, and others from campus interviews and career advising, through SBM and CSE tutorials and Math support, to Videoconferencing programs and Presidential teas.
May the new term bring us the satisfaction of even more such activities – and we can all look forward to the next snack breaks!
| 
