By Jack Jeffery
Bucking national trends that show usage at college libraries dropping in the age of Web-based information, Ohio University's libraries continue to hold their own. During the 2001-02 academic year, 1.1 million visitors passed through the doors of University libraries, an increase of more than 10,000 over the previous year. The increase represents a second year of growth and a reversal of a downward trend that began nine years ago.
A recent national survey of faculty and student library use found that 35 percent of those questioned used their college library "significantly less" in the past two years. Ohio University students and faculty, on the other hand, are exceptionally frequent library users. The libraries asked a random sampling of faculty and students on the Athens campus last April about library use. Nearly 60 percent of the respondents reported visiting the library at least weekly. Nationally only 51 percent of the faculty and students surveyed used their library as frequently and, within Ohio, the comparable finding was 52 percent. Clearly, the Ohio University community surpasses many other academic institutions in use of libraries.
Ohio University Libraries are experiencing even greater growth in the use of online resources and services; in this, the Libraries are a part of a national trend. During 2001-02, when building visits increased by 1 percent, the Libraries recorded a 35.4 percent increase in Web usage. The University survey found that more than 71 percent visit the Libraries' Web site at least weekly.
Also, heavier use of other library services were recorded in 2001-2002, including book checkouts and renewals, reserve readings, reference questions, library instruction and OhioLINK interlibrary lending. Nancy Rue, associate dean of public services, attributes increases in library usage to library personnel working on two fronts -- within library buildings and on the network -- to make the libraries more user-friendly.
"We are really putting an emphasis on delivering resources electronically and offering services online," Rue said. "But we are also working to make our physical space more attractive and functional. Here in Alden Library, we have added reading lounges, improved the sixth and seventh floors with more openness and better signage. We've also improved service and reconfigured service areas on floors two and three for better visibility and easier access."
Rue also pointed out that Alden Library's location on the College Green makes it a convenient stopover for students as they crisscross the campus. "Alden is an easy place to spend time," she added. "Students and faculty come in between classes to read, to study, to look for resources, visit the Computer Lab, pick up a video or to meet someone. There are many reasons to stop by."
In addition to the improvements that have already been made, Alden Library has plans for a complete renovation of the second floor, a $1.5 million project. To help accomplish this task, Alden Library developed a student advisory board.
The board consists of about 12 members, with diverse representation from undergraduate and graduate students and from as many colleges as possible. The undergraduate student and graduate student who serve on the University Library Committee (ULC) are included to provide communication and continuity between the student group and the ULC, comprised primarily of faculty members. Although the student board's role for the second floor project is strictly advisory, their ideas and comments will definitely be a part of the planning.
"We wanted to be in touch with our base -- with the people who use us," Rue said. "Ohio University students and faculty are intensive library users and it is so energizing to have direct feedback."
Jack Jeffery is a media specialist with University Communications and Marketing.
