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University Library & Learning Services

PLANNING & RESEARCH NOTES

Learning Café Survey:City Campus Library, Coach Lane Campus

Library, Lipman(March 2006)

PRN 195

Prepared by: Paula Vardy & Christine WilloughbyJune 2006

University Library & Learning ServicesPRN 195 - Learning Café Survey

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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

IntroductionCETL commissioned Library & Learning Services to undertake a survey of the Learning Cafes in CityCampus Library, Coach Lane Campus Library and Lipman, which had been funded in whole or in partby CETL monies.

The survey was carried out over a 2 week period commencing 20th March 06 and was planned andco-ordinated by Paula Vardy, Library Systems & Management Support. Viv McBride, CustomerSupport and Kate Erskine, Learner Support co-ordinated the staffing for the survey at City Campusand Coach Lane respectively.

Aims

The main aim of the survey was to assess the value of CETL investment by: gathering and analysing data on the level of occupancy of the Learning Cafes evaluating the level of satisfaction with the facilities currently on offer in the Learning Cafes identifying any areas of dissatisfaction and, where possible, making recommendations on how

satisfaction can be improved

MethodologyCETL requested that both quantitative and qualitative data on the occupancy of the Learning Cafes becollected during the survey. The survey methodology was discussed and agreed with Anna Heymanfrom CETL.

It was agreed to do the survey over a two week period commencing on Monday 20th March 06; thiswas felt to be a representative period of average usage. A schedule was drawn up to monitoroccupancy levels in the Learning Cafes throughout each day.

CETL also required survey questionnaires to be completed to gain further quantitative and qualitativedata from students who were studying in the Learning Cafés. The survey questionnaire was devisedin conjunction with Anna Heyman and it was agreed that the surveys should be completed via staffinterview rather than asking the students to complete the questionnaires on their own. CETLrequested 30 completed questionnaires from City Campus Library, 10 from Coach Lane CampusLibrary and 10 from Lipman. It should be noted at this point that the results of the surveyquestionnaire must be looked at in the context of the sample size which might affect the robustnessand validity of the results.

ResultsThere were 49 completed questionnaires as follows: City Campus - 27 Coach Lane - 14 Lipman - 8

The University was closed on Tuesday 28th March due to industrial action therefore no occupancycounts or survey forms could be completed on that day at any site. In addition, Lipman Learning Caféwas closed on Friday 31st March and again no occupancy counts or survey forms could be completed.

The occupancy counts showed that all areas were well used, with peak use occurring at lunchtimes;the Library IT spaces at both sites were particularly well used, with up to 100% occupancy at peaktimes.

Survey data indicated 100% satisfaction with the facilities on offer, with very few suggestions forimprovement; the most significant was the condition of the photocopiers at City Campus Library whichare currently being replaced, the quality of refreshments at Coach Lane, problems with the high stoolsin Lipman and the noise and disruption at City Campus, partly attributable to the ongoing buildingwork. In the Libraries, students particularly liked the relaxed informal atmosphere (not raised byLipman respondents) and the combination of facilities (IT, individual and group study and


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refreshments), with the availability of IT being a particular driver. On the whole they expected to staylonger than students in Lipman (40% over two hours at City, ) but visited less often, predominantly 2-3times per week, against Lipman where more than 50% expect to visit more than once per day. Eachspace appears to have a very clear identity and students are selecting the space which suits thembest; with some of those in Lipman preferring the area to City Campus Library as it is more convenient(perhaps because they are based in the building).and less busy; whilst some used the Learning Caféat Coach Lane because it was the quickest area of the Library to get to.

Types of usage very much reflected those for which the areas were created; Lipman was used forslightly shorter periods with the emphasis on using email and Blackboard, whilst Library users placedmore emphasis on using information resources (print and electronic), writing assignments etc.

ConclusionThe Learning Café developments each have their own identity, appear to complement each other andhave been very successful, with all respondents at all sites being satisfied with the facilities on offer.Designed to offer a flexible range of different study types, the spaces are being used very much asintended and students appreciate the full range of facilities and seating choices available.

RecommendationsThe overall results of the survey are very favourable and only a few tentative recommendations havebeen made:

Replicate the Learning Café developments on the Lipman model across other schools. Consider expansion of the IT facilities at the two Libraries, including additional group IT

facilities at both sites and individual carrels at Coach Lane. Review the refreshment facilities on offer at Coach Lane taking into account the comments

made. Review the style and design of the high chairs at Lipman. Consider offering group IT facilities in Lipman.


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CONTENTS

1. Introduction .......................................................................................................... 5

2. Methodology......................................................................................................... 5

3. Results ................................................................................................................. 6

3.1. Occupancy Counts ......................................................................................... 6

3.1.1. City Campus Library................................................................................. 6

3.1.2. Coach Lane Campus Library.................................................................... 6

3.1.3. Lipman...................................................................................................... 7

3.2. Survey Questionnaire - Quantitative Data...................................................... 8

3.2.1. Student Demographics............................................................................. 8

3.2.2. For what purpose have you visited the Learning Café today?.................. 8

3.2.3. How long do you intend to stay in the Learning Café today? ................... 9

3.2.4. How often do you visit the Learning Café?............................................... 9

3.2.5. Overall how satisfied are you with the facilities in the Learning Café? ... 10

3.3. Survey Questionnaire - Qualitative Data ...................................................... 11

3.3.1. Further detail of the type of study ........................................................... 11

3.3.2. If you are studying in the Learning Café today, why have you visited theLearning Café as opposed to another floor/area of the Library? ........................ 11

3.3.3. Is there anything you would do to improve the facilities? ....................... 11

3.3.4. What do you like most about the Learning Café?................................... 12

3.3.5. What do you like least about the Learning Café?................................... 12

4. Conclusion ......................................................................................................... 12

5. Recommendations ............................................................................................. 12

Appendix 1 - Survey Questionnaire

Appendix 2 - Study Seat Counts

Appendix 3 - Survey Questionnaire - Qualitative Data


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1. IntroductionCETL commissioned Library & Learning Services to undertake a survey of the Learning Cafes in CityCampus Library, Coach Lane Campus Library and Lipman, which had been funded in whole or in partby CETL monies.

The main aim of the survey was to assess the value of CETL investment by: gathering and analysing data on the level of occupancy of the Learning Cafes evaluating the level of satisfaction with the facilities currently on offer in the Learning Cafes identifying any areas of dissatisfaction and, where possible, making recommendations on how

satisfaction can be improved

The survey was carried out over a 2 week period commencing 20th March 06 and was planned andco-ordinated by Paula Vardy, Library Systems & Management Support. Viv McBride, CustomerSupport and Kate Erskine, Learner Support co-ordinated the staffing for the survey at City Campusand Coach Lane respectively.

Alan Bone, the University Catering Manager, was contacted to get approval for doing the survey inLipman coffee shop.

The Learning Café concept at Northumbria was first piloted at City Campus Library in 2004, buildingon earlier group discussion and refreshment facilities which had led the sector in 1990 but hadbecome very dated. A range of casual and more formal seating was created offering ‘drop in’ IT onhigh stools and at stand up points, group study facilities and refreshment machines, adjacent to theLibrary Shop and photocopier facilities. CETL funding has been used to extend this area, as well ascreating similar facilities at Coach Lane Library. The emphasis of both areas is on providing a studyenvironment which also offers limited refreshment facilities and the opportunity to meet with friendsboth socially and for academic work.

CETL funding has also been used to create a 12 seat ‘drop in IT’ facility with high stools on theperimeter of a newly created café in Lipman building; a very different area with more emphasis on thecafé environment, with IT available as an adjunct. The area was extended further during the course ofthe survey weeks to include informal seating in the form of sofas and armchairs and larger studytables. However, these facilities were not included in the survey as they were not known about duringthe planning stages and were only introduced as the survey progressed.

2. MethodologyCETL requested that both quantitative and qualitative data on the occupancy of the Learning Cafes becollected during the survey. The survey methodology was discussed and agreed with Anna Heymanfrom CETL.

It was agreed to do the survey over a two week period commencing on Monday 20th March 06. CityCampus Library and Coach Lane Campus Library are open 7 days a week and have longer openinghours than Lipman which is only open Monday - Friday.

A schedule was drawn up to monitor occupancy levels in the Learning Cafes throughout each day.Staff counted the number of users in the Learning Cafes 3 - 4 times per day depending on openinghours. (see appendix 2) These times were staggered so that the counts were not done at the sametime each day.

CETL also required survey questionnaires to be completed to gain further quantitative and qualitativedata from students who were studying in the Learning Cafés (see appendix 1). The surveyquestionnaire was devised in conjunction with Anna Heyman and it was agreed that the surveysshould be completed via staff interview rather than asking the students to complete the questionnaireson their own. Staff doing the interviews were instructed to get as much information from students aspossible regarding the type and method of their study. CETL requested 30 completed questionnairesfrom City Campus Library, 10 from Coach Lane Campus Library and 10 from Lipman. It should benoted at this point that the results of the survey questionnaire must be looked at in the context of thesample size which might affect the robustness and validity of the results.


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3. ResultsThe University was closed on Tuesday 28th March due to industrial action therefore no occupancycounts or survey forms could be completed on that day at any site. In addition, Lipman Learning Caféwas closed on Friday 31st March and again no occupancy counts or survey forms could be completed.

3.1.Occupancy CountsSee Appendix 2 for details of individual counts.

3.1.1. City Campus LibraryAll areas of the Learning Café were well used with particularly high levels of occupancy beingrecorded at the individual IT spaces – on high stools and at small group discussion tables; there maybe a need for additional small IT discussion spaces of this type. Although occupancy levels at thegroup discussion tables and casual seating areas appear relatively low, most of the tables wereoccupied on many counts, indicating that the group size did not necessarily match the size of thespace on offer. This may be inevitable when trying to accommodate a range of teaching and learninggroups.

Again observation in passing suggests that the ‘drop in’ standing IT spaces are frequently full but thisis not supported by the counts. This may indicate the transient nature of usage with rapid turnover ofstudents not being captured in a single point in time.

Highest occupancy tended to be around lunchtime.

The above graph shows the peak occupancy that was recorded on each day for each different seattype.

3.1.2. Coach Lane Campus LibraryThe Learning Café in Coach Lane Campus Library covers a relatively small area compared to CityCampus Library and seats up to a maximum of 85 compared to 245 at City Campus Library LearningCafe. It is also adjacent to the Journals collection, whilst at City the Learning Café is separate fromthe stock floors; it thus doubles as a more formal study space. This may impact on the occupancylevels and types of use.

As at City the IT spaces tended to be most popular with 100% reported on several counts; overall usewas higher than at City. Least well used were the café style tables; these are relatively small, using adifferent seat type and not offered at City.

Peak Occupancy at City Campus Library Learning Cafe

0102030405060708090

100

M T W Th F Sa Su M W Th F Sa Su

Day of Week

Per

ce

nta

ge

Oc

cup

an

cy Group Study Table

Stand-up IT

High Seat IT

High Seat no IT

Study table with Static IT

Informal Seating


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Again peak occupancy tends to be around lunchtime; however occupancy levels span a broaderrange than at City, with very low occupancy during evenings and weekends.

Group study tables had slightly higher occupancy than at City, though it should be noted that tableswere often full at both sites; this may reflect the nature of study within the School, as observationsuggests that group activities at Coach Lane tend to take place in larger groups.

The above graph shows the peak occupancy that was recorded on each day for each different seattype.

3.1.3. LipmanAll IT spaces in Lipman were in use on only one count, however on 10 counts there were more seatsthan IT being used indicating that the IT spaces were being used for group work; there is perhapsscope to install some group IT facilities to match this demand.

With two exceptions the highest occupancy levels were around lunchtime.

The above graph shows the peak occupancy that was recorded on each day

Peak Occupancy at Coach Lane Campus Learning Cafe

010

20304050607080

90100

M T W Th F Sa Su M W Th F Sa Su

Day of week

Pe

rce

nta

ge

Occ

up

anc

y Group Study table

High seat IT

Hight seat, no IT

IT study carrels

small study tables

café style tables

informal seating

Peak Occupancy at Lipman Learning Cafe

0102030405060708090

100

M T W Th F M W Th

Day of week

Per

cen

tag

eO

ccu

pan

cy

High seat IT


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3.2.Survey Questionnaire - Quantitative DataA copy of the survey questionnaire can be found in Appendix 1

Throughout the survey interviewers tried to get a mix of users to complete the questionnaires i.e. ITusers, those doing group study, individual study etc.

Coach Lane staff were unable to do the survey questionnaire on a Sunday due to single staffing.

There were 49 completed questionnaires as follows: City Campus - 27 Coach Lane - 14 Lipman - 8

3.2.1. Student Demographics

The majority of City Campus respondents were full-time undergraduates. All the respondents from Coach Lane were full time and the majority were undergraduates. Not all respondents in Lipman answered these questions.

3.2.2. For what purpose have you visited the Learning Café today?

Using IT and studying were the most common reason for visiting City Campus Learning Caféfollowed by meeting friends and refreshment. 22% use the photocopiers which are based in theLearning Café.

Using IT was the main reason for visiting the Learning Café at Coach Lane Library with study thesecond main reason. 36% came to use the journals which are based in the Learning Café and29% came to meet friends.

The fact that Lipman is primarily a café where students can study is apparent from the differencein emphasis of the purpose of visit i.e. refreshment and meeting friends is as important as usingIT and study.

Demographics

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%

90%

100%

Undergraduate Post graduate Full-time Part-time

City Campus Library

Coach Lane Library

Lipman


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3.2.3. How long do you intend to stay in the Learning Café today?

Over 40% of respondents intended to stay in City Campus Library Learning Café for more than 2hours with only 15% intending to stay less than half an hour.

The majority of respondents intended to stay in Coach Lane Library Learning Café between 1 and2 hours with 29% intending to stay more than 2 hours and 21% for less than half an hour.

The majority of respondents intended to stay in Lipman Learning Café for 1 - 2 hours with 25%

intending to stay less than half an hour.

3.2.4. How often do you visit the Learning Café?

The majority of respondents from City Campus Library and Coach Lane Campus Library LearningCafes visit 2 - 3 times a week.

Interestingly 50% visit Lipman Learning Café more than once a day and all of the respondentsvisit at least once a week. This could be explained by the proximity of the café to the students'lectures, tutorials etc.

Purpose of Visit

0%10%20%30%40%50%60%70%80%90%

Study

UseIT

Photocop

y

ReadNewspa

per

Refresh

ment

Phone

Meetfr ie

nds

Visit L

ibrarysh

op

UseJo

urnal

Other

City Campus Library

Coach Lane Library

Lipman

Duration of Visit

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

Less thanhalf anhour

About 1hour

1 - 2 hours 2 - 3 hours More than3 hours

City Campus Library

Coach Lane Library

Lipman


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3.2.5. Overall how satisfied are you with the facilities in the Learning Café?100% of the interviewees who answered this question were satisfied with the facilities in the LearningCafes.

Frequency of Visit

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%

More thanonce a

day

Aboutonce a

day

2 - 3 timesa w eek

Weekly Less thanonce aw eek

City Campus Library

Coach Lane Library

Lipman

Overall Satisfaction

0%10%20%30%40%

50%60%70%80%

Very

satis

fied

Satis

fied

Neithe r

Unsatis

fied

Very

unsa

tisfie

d

City Campus Library

Coach Lane Library

Lipman


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3.3.Survey Questionnaire - Qualitative DataThere is a copy of the qualitative data from the survey forms in Appendix 3. The following analysislooks at the top 3 answers to the survey questions (where there are less than 3 responses noted thisis because any other responses were given by only 1 person).

3.3.1. Further detail of the type of studyFurther details regarding type of study also reflect the different identities of the Learning Cafes. Theoverwhelming reason for using IT in Lipman was to consult email (63%) and use Blackboard, whilstthose in the Libraries placed more emphasis on writing up assignments and information seeking froma range of sources.

City Campus Library Coach Lane Campus Library Lipman

IT/internet research forcourse work

33% Writing up assignmentusing wordprocessing

29% email 63%

Writing up/printingdissertation/report

19% Email 14% blackboard 50%

Checking emails 15% online ejournal articles 14% General research 25%

online databases 14%

internet research 14%

3.3.2. If you are studying in the Learning Café today, why have you visited theLearning Café as opposed to another floor/area of the Library?

Students seem to be selecting the area they use for a variety of reasons; in the Libraries the relaxed,informal atmosphere made the spaces particularly attractive whilst the proximity to journals detailed atCoach Lane reflects the dual nature of the space, adjacent to the journal stock. Students in Lipman,however, found the Library too busy and distracting, no doubt exacerbated by the ongoing buildingwork at the time of the survey. At Coach Lane and Lipman convenience also influenced studentpreference.


Relaxed/informalatmosphere

22% Nice relaxedatmosphere

43% City Library LearningCafé too busy and nofree computers

50%

Able to talk 22% Quickest area to get to 36% Library too loud anddistracting

38%

Availability of IT 15% Proximity to journals 29% Student based inLipman

38%

3.3.3. Is there anything you would do to improve the facilities?Overall there were very few major issues which students highlighted in relation to facilities. Thephotocopiers at City Campus are a known issue and are in process of replacement. Due to the sizeof the facility at Coach Lane, refreshment machines are more limited than at City; perhaps the reasonfor higher dissatisfaction.


Photocopiers 22% Improve refreshmentfacilities

43% More IT 25%

More PCs 14%

More reliable PCs 14%


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3.3.4. What do you like most about the Learning Café?Responses were very similar to Question 3 with the relaxed, informal atmosphere and range of studyfacilities being cited as important at both Libraries, whilst Lipman students liked the fact that the areawas convenient, not too busy and PCs were readily available.


Relaxed/informalatmosphere

48% Atmosphere 36% Doesn't get too busy 50%

Can study, use IT, talk,eat and drink at sametime

26% Range of furniture andseating arrangements

29% Can get on a PC easily 38%

Availability of IT 19% Can talk 21% It is very light and open 38%

Talk freely 19% Already based in thebuilding

25%

3.3.5. What do you like least about the Learning Café?In many cases responses echoed those to question 6 with the addition of comments regarding seatingand café costs at Lipman and issues around the ventilation at City Campus.


Temperature controlproblems

19% Can get too busy/noisy 29% Seating isuncomfortable anddangerous

25%

Photocopiers 15% Limited computers 21% Café is expensive 25%

4. ConclusionThe Learning Cafés each have their own identity, appear to complement each other and have beenvery successful, with all respondents at all sites being satisfied with the facilities on offer. Designed tooffer a flexible range of different study types, the spaces are being used very much as intended withall the different forms of seating and IT being used, albeit some more heavily than others. Each spaceappears to have a very clear identity and students are selecting the space which suits them best.

The survey methodology has meant that some areas observed to be heavily used appeared from thecounts not to be e.g. stand up IT, group study tables and informal seating. The heavy use of IT issupported by published data on Citrix use in the City Campus Library Learning Café. To gain a betterunderstanding of the occupancy levels of the stand-up IT which are used for a relatively short spaceof time by a high volume of users an alternative methodology could have been used. Also, the heavyuse of group study table and informal seating could have been further supported by gathering data onthe number of tables being used not just seat occupancy.

5. RecommendationsThe overall results of the survey are very favourable and only a few tentative recommendations havebeen made:

City Campus Increase the number of static IT at group study tables. At present these are only on 3 seat group

study tables but could also be put on larger study tables. Increase the number of photocopiers or upgrade the existing ones; this is already in hand.

Coach Lane Review the refreshment facilities on offer taking into account the comments made.


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Increase the IT available in the Learning Café both high seat IT and the individual study carrels. It may be worth also putting some static IT on the group study tables as none of this type of study

facility exists at Coach Lane.

Lipman Review the style and design of the high chairs for IT. Consider installing further group IT facilities.

Given the levels of satisfaction with the facilities and the indications that students will gravitate to apreferred space and also to the most convenient facility, it is also recommended that further Learningcafes be established in other schools using the Lipman model.

APPENDIX 1

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LIBRARY & LEARNING SERVICES

CETL LEARNING CAFÉ SURVEY

Date: Time:

Location: City Campus Coach Lane Lipman

Interviewer:

1. Is the interviewee:

Undergraduate Postgraduate Full-time Part-time

2. For what purpose have you visited the Learning Café today? (you can tick more than one)

Study* Phone Use IT* Meet friends Photocopy* Visit library shop Read newspaper* Use Journal Refreshment Other Please specify:

*Please find out further detail e.g. type of study, what specifically using IT for, if is group study is thisby choice or as directed by course leader, materials being used for study, what photocopying, etc.

3. If you are studying in the Learning Café today, why have you visited the Learning Café asopposed to the Library or another floor/area of the Library? (Get as much info as possible -general ambience, relaxed atmosphere, can talk, availability of study seats……)

4. How long do you intend to stay in the Learning Café today?

Less than half anhour

About 1 hour 1 - 2 hours 2 - 3 hours More than 3 hours

APPENDIX 1

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APPENDIX 1

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5. How often do you visit the Learning Café?

More than once aday

About once a day 2 - 3 times a week Weekly Less than once aweek

6. Is there anything you would change to improve the facilities?

7. What do you like most about the Learning Café?

8. What do you like least about the Learning Café?

9. Overall, how satisfied are you with the facilities in the Learning Café?

Very Satisfied Satisfied Neither Unsatisfied Very unsatisfied

10. Are there any other comments you would like to make?

Please ensure that all completed forms are returned to Paula Vardy, City Campus Library

APPENDIX 2

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SEAT OCCUPANCY COUNT - CITY CAMPUS LIBRARY

Week 1

MondaySeat Maximum 10am 1pm 4pm 8.30pm

Group study table 159 32 56 46 9Stand-up IT 10 2 9 3 1High seat IT 10 6 7 3 3High seat, no IT 2 0 1 3 0Study table with static IT 8 IT

24 seats8

13714

56

3-

Informal seating 40 3 17 7 4

TuesdaySeat Maximum 9am 12pm 3pm 8.30pm


24 seats2-

9-

814

66


WednesdaySeat Maximum 10am 1pm 5pm 8.30pm


24 seats5-

814

810

810


ThursdaySeat Maximum 9am 11am 3pm 8.30pm


24 seats22

812

719

57


FridaySeat Maximum 9am 12pm 4pm 6.30pm


24 seats6 IT

6 seats68

712

57


APPENDIX 2

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SaturdaySeat Maximum 10am 1pm 4.30pm

Group study table 159 1 17 12Stand-up IT 10 0 1 3High seat IT 10 0 2 3High seat, no IT 2 0 0 0Study table with static IT 8 IT

24 seats0 6

747

Informal seating 40 0 6 1

SundaySeat Maximum 11.30am 2pm 4.30pm


24 seats11

57

88


Week 2

MondaySeat Maximum 9am 11am 3pm 8.30pm


24 seats0 8

13813

712


Tuesday - STRIKE



24 seats33

814

56

77


ThursdaySeat Maximum 10am 1pm 6pm 8.30pm


24 seats11 8

13610

710


APPENDIX 2

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FridaySeat Maximum 10am 1.30pm 4pm 6.30pm


24 seats10 7

12710

710


SaturdaySeat Maximum 10am 1pm 4.30pm


24 seats22

55

44


Sunday - PCs DOWN UNTIL 1pmSeat Maximum 11.30am 2pm 4.30pm

Group study table 159 15 22 22Stand-up IT 10 5 1High seat IT 10 5 3High seat, no IT 2 0 0Study table with static IT* 8 IT

24 seats712

68


Shaded areas - no data

APPENDIX 2

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SEAT OCCUPANCY COUNT - COACH LANE CAMPUS LIBRARY

Week 1

MondaySeat Maximum 10am 1pm 4pm 8.30pm

Group study table 20 0 10 0 0High seat IT 8 0 6 4 0High seat, no IT 4 0 0 0 0Low seat IT 4 3 3 2 0Study table (no static IT) 9 1 1 0 0Café style tables 12 0 0 1 0Informal seating 28 1 6 5 0

TuesdaySeat Maximum 9am 12pm 3pm 8.30pm




ThursdaySeat Maximum 9am 11am 3pm 8.30pm


FridaySeat Maximum 9am 12pm 4pm 6.30pm


APPENDIX 2

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SaturdaySeat Maximum 1.30pm 4pm

Group study table 20 0 0High seat IT 8 0 1High seat, no IT 4 0 0Low seat IT 4 1 1Study table (no static IT) 9 0 1Café style tables 12 1 1Informal seating 28 0 0

SundaySeat Maximum 11.30am 2pm 4.30pm

Group study table 20 0 2 0High seat IT 8 0 0 1High seat, no IT 4 0 0 0Low seat IT 4 0 2 2Study table (no static IT) 9 0 0 0Café style tables 12 0 0 0Informal seating 28 0 0 0

Week 2

MondaySeat Maximum 9am 11am 3pm 8.30pm


Tuesday - CLOSED FOR STRIKE



ThursdaySeat Maximum 10am 1pm 6pm 8.30pm


APPENDIX 2

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FridaySeat Maximum 10am 1.30pm 4pm 6.30pm


SaturdaySeat Maximum 1.30pm 4pm


Sunday - Coach Lane closed until 1pm as no powerSeat Maximum 11.30am 2pm 4.30pm


APPENDIX 2

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SEAT OCCUPANCY COUNT - LIPMAN

Week 1

MondaySeat Maximum 10am 1pm 4.30pm

High seat IT 12 5 IT6

9 IT11

2 IT

TuesdaySeat Maximum 9am 12pm 3pm

High seat IT 12 1 IT 8 IT 3 IT5

WednesdaySeat Maximum 10am 1pm 5pm

High seat IT 12 3 IT5

1 IT 2 IT

ThursdaySeat Maximum 11am 2pm 5.30pm

High seat IT 12 7IT9 seats

10 IT12 seats

1 IT

FridaySeat Maximum 9am 12pm 3pm

High seat IT 12 2 IT2 seats

5 IT5 seats

3 IT

Week 2

MondaySeat Maximum 9am 11am 3pm

High seat IT 12 3 IT3 seats

6 IT7 seats

5 IT6 seats

Tuesday - STRIKE

WednesdaySeat Maximum 9am 12pm 4pm

High seat IT 12 8 IT 5 IT 2 IT3

ThursdaySeat Maximum 10am 2pm 5pm

High seat IT 12 12 IT 4 IT10

2 IT

Friday - CLOSED

APPENDIX 3

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Survey Questionnaire - qualitative data

The numbers given are absolute numbers. Where no number is given then only 1 respondent gavethe response.

City Campus

Question 2. Type of studyIT/Internet Research for course work - 9Group Study - preparing for presentation - some used static IT on group study tables, some using ownlaptop. Some directed to do this by course leader others doing of own volition. - 5Writing/printing dissertation/report - 5Checking email - both personal and academic - 4Using books and journals for study - 3Lecture notes - writing up - 2Blackboard use - 1Revising for exams - 1

Question 3. Why the Learning Café?Relaxed/informal atmosphere - 6Able to talk - 6Vending machines - 5Bigger tables - 4IT - quick use/ Plenty of spare IT/ Seating and computers - 4IT available with ability to eat, drink and talk - 3Generally quieter (10am)/ Quieter (4.30pm)/ Peaceful (9am) - 5Able to eat and drink - 2Group learning facilities/ Meet friends and work together - 4Mobile phones allowed - 3Warmer than other floors - 3Space - 1Opening hours - 1Comfortable chairs - 1Shop - 1Photocopiers - 1

Question 6. Anything would do to improve facilities

More/better photocopiers - 6Longer weekend openingRefurbish/enlarge basement toiletsPrinting facilities in the basementRepetition of announcementsMore copies of newspapersDecoration brighter, a bit oppressiveHigh seats not comfortableMore fruit in vending machinesMore ITMore space for studyingBetter chairs/armrestsHot dog vendorBetter coffee- it's very expensive

Question 7. What do you like most?Relaxed atmosphere/informality - 13can always/usually get on a computer/IT- 5Can talk freely - 5Spacious group learning facilities/big tables - 4Everything need is here - drinks, IT, study tables/ Eating permitted/ Can work and eat with otherpeople - 7use phone - 3newspapers

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refreshmentsphotocopiersstaff helpful & friendlylayoutquiet (10am)sofasconvenient opening hoursinquisitive staffthat it is inside the library and can take a break here

Question 8. What do you like least?Photocopiers - 4Temperature - summer very hot, winter very cold/ Can get hot near IT - 5Too busy - 3No printers - 2IT chairs not comfortable - 2No chairs at stand-up ITInstructions for photocopiersA little oppressiveAnnouncementsStand-up IT is too lowColour of paintGloomy sometimes

Question 10. Any other commentsA good place, nice to be in but not for heavy studyLike everything as it isBetter artMore healthy option in vending machinesReal coffee bar

Coach Lane

Question 2. Type of studyWriting up essay/assignment - wordprocessing -4Email - 2Looking for online ejournal articles for an essay - 2Online databases -2Internet/Internet research for essay - 2Use computers with USB pen - success rate better here than first floorMeet friends to discuss courseworkGroup presentation to prepare as directed by course leaderPreparation notes for meeting that afternoon - no IT used.Research journal articles and photocopy themDissertation on floor 1

Question 3 Why visited Learning Cafénice/relaxed atmosphere - 6Quickest to get to - 5journals accessible - 4Comfy seating - 3lots of computers - 2Is quietmore chance of meeting colleagues in learning cafemeet friendsCan talkCan eat & drinkFood availableLarge tablesR&R - working on another floor

Question 6 Anything would change to improve the facilities?

Better range of refreshments - 3

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Sandwiches often emptyCheaper coffeeDrinking fountainMore PCs - 2Reliable PCs - sick of USB access problems - 2

Question 7 What do you like most?

Atmosphere - 5Range of furniture/seating arrangement to suit different needs - 4Can talk - 3Large tables to work at - 2Vending machines - 2Good mix of facilities - 2Journals are accessible- 2Easy to meet friendsComfortable seatingNew and modernNewspapersUse IT

Question 8 What do you like least?

Can get too noisy/busy - 4Limited computers -3Computers (referred to unreliability USB pens in previous comments)Refreshments - not a wide selectionToo much furniture, squashed, claustrophobic

Question 10. Any other commentsThe area is much better than it used to be

Lipman

Question 2. Type of studyEmail - 5Checking Blackboard - 4Group study - 4General research - 2Not for long period of study - 2Quick searchesInternet researchEssayGeneral course work

Question 3 Why visited the Learning Café?Too busy (to concentrate) in main Library LC - 4No free computers when go to Library 4Student based in this building - 3Too loud and distracting in library - 3Library is a building siteNo selection of good refreshments in main LibraryMore relaxed atmosphere than libraryis like a common room, can discuss projects with friends. Plenty of room and seats, likes the sofas.Meeting friendsNicer and brighter than libraryHassle to get card out for library - easier herePrinting credits

Question 6 Anything you would change to improve the facilitiesMore IT - 2Better coloursCheaper food pricesHealthier options

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Printers - only 1 avail and doesn't hold workBetter coffee/tea facilities

Question 7 What do you like most?Doesn't get too busy/ Reasonably quiet except at lunchtime - 4Can get on a PC easily -3Very light & open - 3Easy access/ Close to where lectures are - 2Not chaotic like LibraryGood range of refreshmentsLike a common roomCleanRefreshments available.ComfortableNot as busy as main café - less chaotic and much more comfortableBright friendly place to meetMore friendly environment than Library building

Question 8 What do you like least?Seating is uncomfortable and dangerous - 2Café is expensive - 2Can be noisy at lunchtime (but not as noisy as LibraryOpening times - longer in eveningWould appreciate another printerBad coffeeCoffee machines

Question 10 Any other comments?Main library building is chaotic - use it as little as possible as is difficult to study in. Main points -noise, lack of staff, lack of quiet study areas and temperature problemsGenerally happy, does not like to use the main Library site caféStudent would like the Lipman café to remain a secret

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