On Feb. 11, University Librarian Cynthia Archer will invite all faculty members, 2,500 randomly selected graduate and 5,000 randomly selected undergraduate students to participate in LibQUAL+ – an online survey conducted by the Association of Research Libraries (ARL) that serves to assess library services, compare benchmark standards and create organizational change.

“When identifying the Libraries’ strategic priorities, we look to faculty and students to determine library developments that can have a positive impact on their research and studies,” explains Archer. “The LibQUAL+ data highlights explicit ways in which we can align our spaces, services and collections with the expectations of the community we serve.”

Spaces

York’s undergraduate students identified a need for more seats and aesthetically pleasing study areas. In response to these requests the Libraries have created an additional 435 study seats in the past three years.

In 2011 phase one of the Learning Commons renovation at Scott Library was completed and a modern, student-centred space was unveiled. The second phase of the Learning Commons renovation will begin as funding becomes available.

In 2012 the Fireside Reading Room at Frost Library was renovated to offer students a fireside seating area, collaborative work tables and computer carrels. Also last year, more than 135 new quiet study seats were added to the fourth floor of Scott Library.

Services

Many 2010 LibQUAL+ participants requested newer and faster computers. As a result, York University Libraries have made good on the promise that no computer shall ever be more than three-years-old.

 Collections

Faculty and students now have access to a collection of e-books that has more than doubled in size from 300,000 to over 600,000 titles. Additionally, in the past three years the Libraries have acquired more than 24,000 e-journals – bringing the total number of e-journal titles to approximately 72,000.

The LibQUAL+ survey takes approximately 15 minutes to complete and participants can enter into a draw to win one of three Kobo e-Readers.

The Libraries will receive initial LibQUAL+ survey results in May and will share final results with the York community in the fall.

For more information about LibQUAL+, contact the survey coordinator at libqual@yorku.ca.

When asked to write a 10-page essay, or find credible and accurate research sources, or balance academic responsibilities effectively, students often don’t know where to begin. The Learning Commons – a collaborative partnership between the Writing Department, York University Libraries, Learning Skills Services, and Career Services – has produced a series of five fun, informational videos that highlight the academic supports available to students who are hoping to refine their skills.

Myles Marcus, Farrah Bulsara, and Annabelle Li are featured in the videos

The Access to Success video series takes the viewers on a student-centred virtual tour of the Learning Commons Hub, Ask: Chat with a librarian instant messaging service, and the Writing, Library Research, and Learning Skills supports available at York.

Librarian, Kent Murnaghan, initially received 140 applications from students wanting to be involved in the video project. After an interview and audition process the three student participants selected, Farrah Bulsara, Annabelle Li, and Myles Marcus, worked collaboratively with Murnaghan and the Learning Commons’ partners to deliver five engaging scripts.

“A lot of planning was involved in getting the videos from pre-production to post-production. We worked as a team to develop and implement ideas – some that were over the top and later found themselves on the cutting room floor – that were entertaining while still communicating the intended message,” explains Marcus, a York student completing the final year of his Communications and Urban Studies double major.

Partnering with Learning Technology Services (LTS), filming of the Access to Success video series began in March 2012 and took five full days to shoot.

“I really enjoyed being a part of the scripting and filming process. It’s important that students know that writing instructors can help them draft an essay, librarians can provide research assistance, and learning skills instructors can help them manage their time effectively,” explains Bulsara, graduate (’12) of the Film Production program. “If I had known these supports were available and so easily accessible I’m positive my coursework and assignments would have been easier to manage.”

Li, a student of the Design program, added, “I hadn’t taken full advantage of the research, writing, or learning skills resources because I wasn’t entirely aware of their benefits. Working on these videos was the catalyst for me to seek advice and assistance from the Learning Commons. I hope these videos do the same for other students.”

The overarching goal for the project was to create engaging content that that could easily be shared and disseminated among peers on web sites and in social networking sites.

Murnaghan believes these videos can also complement course curricula. “Many if not all faculty members require students to source academic or scholarly journals, write an essay, or manage conflicting academic priorities,” Murnaghan explains. “Faculty members can integrate one or all of the applicable videos into their course curricula and introduce support services that will help students achieve success – not just on that one assignment, but for the rest of their academic careers.”

The Access to Success video series can also be viewed via the York University YouTube page.

It “is not so much about books as about bringing together all the student supports on campus – and giving a place for students to work together,” says James, who led the design team.