Circulation Team professionals and student workers periodically count how many people are in the library, and on what floors they are to be found. STL has building use records from before, during, and after its 2012-15 building renovation. Those census data have revealed that the library is used more often than before it was renovated. It also demonstrated that
- The lower floors of the library are used much less frequently than the Main floor. This discovery led to renewed efforts to learn about why patrons choose to work on the Concourse and Ground floors. The library conducted observational studies, informal interviews, and commissioned a photo essay to learn more about those spaces. The results were analyzed by multiple library working groups, who made made proposals for how to reconfigure furniture on those floors, and how to revitalize areas that have been impacted, but unrenewed, during the renovation. These groups also proposed a plan to purchase a selective amount of new furniture for those spaces in order to better serve STL's patrons [data-driven budgetary and space planning]
- More people are studying at the library later into the evening, more nights of the week. These data assisted the library's Circulation and Leadership Teams to develop a strategy for keeping not only its late-night study area, but the entire Main Floor open until 3am. Those teams participated in a scenario-based conversation which included student worker input. As a result, STL will soon plot new late-night hours that will increase the amount of late-evening library space available to patrons by more than 500%. The library also set targets they will assess to ensure the space is safe, well-promoted to the campus, and serves their needs. [data-driven budgetary, space and staffing decisions.]
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