University of Sheffield, Information Commons

Post Occupancy: Changes Made As A Result Of Feedback

The IC is designed to evolve according to its users' needs. So IC staff are always interested in hearing suggestions and comments about what they do well and what they could do better. They encourage users to talk to staff or email the infocommons mailbox with suggestions.

Students have formed a number of information commons groups on Facebook with overall feedback being mainly positive. Any negative comments can be addressed immediately.

The evaluation of the building has started through the use of comments cards, a web site for comments, and an independently conducted student survey. Initial staffing requirements were underestimated and as a result of feedback and 'bedding in' evidence the staffing has been supplemented by students working on 15 hour contracts.

Also, due to the 'open all hours' nature of the building there have been some challenges in keeping the space clean and as a result additional cleaning staff are being provided in order to provide a cleaning service at regular intervals throughout the day - initially cleaning was carried out once, in the mornings. Additionally, hand driers have been installed in the main toilet blocks and paper towel dispensers removed. This has reduced littering and blockages in the toilets.

Cold drinks can be consumed anywhere in the building and cold snacks can be consumed in the designated soft-seating areas. Hot food and drink however can only be consumed in the ground floor café area. The café space is open 24/7 but the servery in the café is not. Hot food and drink brought into the building can be consumed in the café space only.

As only two members of staff are available in the building overnight it is understandably difficult for them to police the consumption of food and drink and the subsequent generation of litter.

The cleaning issue is one that has been something of a challenge in the initial months of operation. Students are being encouraged to clean up after themselves and 'rules' on food and drink in the building are being widely advertised, including in the Information Commons newsletter.

Rubbish bins and recycle bins are available throughout the building for the collection of litter. The number of rubbish bins provided has been increased in size as a result of the amount of litter produced by users being greater than initially estimated.

When the building was opened users tended to be very quiet, as students had only had experience of the other sites of the University Library. The noise level increased over the first few weeks of use of the building and then became too noisy. Now behavioural guidelines have been formulated to guide users in expected levels of noise.

The use of laptops and computers was not allowed in silent study areas originally but as a result of student feedback a silent study balcony area now permits their use. Also, an entire PC room has been designated silent study space.

The IC can become very busy and the availability of study spaces can be at something of a premium at times. As in most spaces such as this there is an issue with students using the 'beach towel' method to make sure that they can access a computer for long periods of time. They leave their bags and belongings on the desk and the seat while they leave the area - and often the building. When this sort of behaviour is seen to be happening IC staff leave a warning note for the student on their return. Any student found to be persistently using this method of saving a space will have their belongings removed, sealed in a plastic bag and held at the security desk for collection by them on their return.

If users leave a PC unattended they will receive a warning email, and the second time they offend will be logged out and their belongings removed as above.

A longer-term evaluation strategy for the IC using the 'Theory of change' process is being developed.