patterns in academic library computer use tito sierra north carolina state university trln annual...
TRANSCRIPT
Patterns in Academic Library Computer Use
Tito SierraNorth Carolina State University
TRLN Annual Meeting 2009July 24, 2009
Outline
• Computing at the D. H. Hill Library• Motivation of Study• Data Analysis Methodology• Findings• Usage by Semester Week• Usage by Hour• Usage by Location• Usage by Platform
Computing at the D. H. Hill Library
D. H. Hill Library
• Main library on the NC State campus• ~266 library managed computers• Multiple computing platforms• PC• Mac• Sun Ray Thin-client
• 11 computing locations on 9 floors
Ground Floor (Entrance)
West Wing
Learning Commons
Digital Media Lab
Tower
Distribution by Location
Distribution by Platform
Motivation of Study
Why Study Computer Usage?
From a pragmatic POV, this analysis can inform decision-making in areas such as
space management, staff support scheduling, and computer
purchasing
Why Study Computer Usage?
From a strategic POV, this analysis provides a tangible metric for describing
the value of library services, specifically the use of the library
physical space
Specific Questions
1. When are computers in greatest demand?
Specific Questions
1. When are computers in greatest demand?
2. What computing locations are most popular?
Specific Questions
1. When are computers in greatest demand?
2. What computing locations are most popular?
3. Are some computing platforms (PC, Mac) more popular than others?
Specific Questions
1. When are computers in greatest demand?
2. What computing locations are most popular?
3. Are some computing platforms (PC, Mac) more popular than others?
4. What trends in computer usage do we see over time?
Data Analysis Methodology
Data Collection
• Snapshot of total computers in use• “Utilization” percentage• Segmented by location and platform
• Census every 15 minutes• ~12,096 counts per semester
• Scope of this study• Spring 2008• Spring 2009
Utilization Example #1
Wednesday 4/22/09, 2:45pmDigital Media Lab
9 out of 18 computers in use
Utilization = 50%
Utilization Example #2
Wednesday 4/22/09, 2:45pmLearning Commons
92 out of 99 computers in use
Utilization = 93%
Out of Scope
• Login counts• How many logins a day/semester?
• Login durations• How long is a user session?
• User profiling• What software applications are used?• Who is using computers (grad/undergrad)?
Usage Patterns
Usage by Semester Week
Usage by Semester Week
Y - axis:Utilization Percent
(Averaged)
Usage by Semester Week
Spring Break
Usage by Semester Week
Spring Holiday(Easter)
Usage by Semester Week
“Dead Week” (last week of classes before finals)
When is Demand Greatest?
Computer usage steadily increases up until Spring Break, then builds up again
to peak just before finals
Usage by Time of Day
Usage by Time of Day
Data anomaly w/ Sun Rays(should be smooth)
Usage by Time of Day
5:00 AM to 9:00 AM
Usage by Time of Day11:00 AM to 1:00 PM
Usage by Time of Day
6:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Usage by Time of Day
9:00 PM to 10:00 PM
When is Demand Greatest?
Computer usage peaks around lunchtime and early afternoon, with a
lesser peak occurring after dinner
When is Demand Greatest?
Computer usage peaks around lunchtime and early afternoon, with a
lesser peak occurring after dinner
Surprising?
Usage by Location (Weekly)
Usage by Location (Hourly)
Usage by Location (Busiest Week)
Usage by Location (Busiest Week)
10:00 AM to midnight
Location Preferences?
Usage of computers in the Learning Commons is consistently greater than usage of computers in all other regions
throughout the semester
Usage by Platform (Weekly)
Platform Preferences?
Usage of PCs is consistently greater than Mac usage in all locations throughout
the semester by a small margin
Sun Rays are relatively unpopular(despite great “real estate”!)
Usage by Platform (Weekly)
???
Spring Break Oddness
During Spring Break, Mac and Sun Ray usage drops precipitously, but PC
usage remains relatively high
Spring Break Oddness
During Spring Break, Mac and Sun Ray usage drops precipitously, but PC
usage remains relatively high
Why?
Usage by Platform (Weekly)
Selective Seasonality
The spike in computer usage at the end of the semester does not apply to the Sun
Ray Thin-client computers
Thanks!
Tito SierraDigital Library Initiatives
North Carolina State University Libraries