Studying in Willis Library

Cassiee Latshaw Jenna Dibble Ronny Gale

Table of Contents

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Table of Contents
Summary ......................................................................................................................................... 5 Introduction ..................................................................................................................................... 5 Methods........................................................................................................................................... 5 Results ............................................................................................................................................. 6 Noise Level ................................................................................................................................. 6 Space Availability ....................................................................................................................... 6 Services Offered.......................................................................................................................... 6 Raw Data ..................................................................................................................................... 6 Survey for Floor Preference ........................................................................................................ 6 Conclusions ..................................................................................................................................... 6 Recommendations ........................................................................................................................... 7 Index ............................................................................................................................................... 9

Summary | Introduction | Methods

Summary
In order to decide which floor of Willis Library students prefer when studying individually and which floor students prefer when studying in a group, we conducted a survey in front of Willis entrance. We created a ranking system based on the general noise level, space availability, and services offered on each floor. These rankings gave us a good background to work with, but the survey results helped us make a final decision. We decided the third floor accommodates individual study best, and the second floor suits best for group study.

Introduction
Here at UNT, all enrolled students have access to Willis library. Some students choose to study in their dorms or apartments, but a large proportion choose to study in Willis Library. Each level supplies its own advantages and disadvantages for different types of study based on noise level, space availability, and the services they offer. We analyzed our results to determine which floor is best for individual study and which floor is best for group study.

Methods
We compared the different floors of the library based on three factors: Noise Level: The level of noise in a study area needs to be moderately quiet. We ranked each floor on a scale of 1-5, giving the quietest level a ranking of 5. Space Availability: We ranked each floor on a scale of 1-5 based on the space provided for group and individual study. In order to do this in an unbiased manner, we counted chairs on each floor. Services Offered: We ranked each floor on a scale from 1-5 based on the amount of amenities offered.

After adding the points for each floor, we administered a two-question survey to random UNT students to keep our study unbiased. On a Tuesday night between 7 p.m. and 8 p.m., we obtained our data by standing at the front entrance of Willis and giving students a survey that asked them these questions. Our study questioned 50 participants. 1. What floor of the library do you prefer to study on when you are alone? 2. What floor of the library do you prefer to study on when working in a group?

Studying in Willis Library

Results
Noise Level
After visiting each floor, we declared the first floor the loudest and the lower level the quietest. The second, third, and fourth floors qualified at a moderately quiet noise level.

Space Availability
The first floor houses the most seating with roughly 530 seats. The second floor houses 425 seats, the lower level contains 295 seats, the third floor holds 226 seats, and the fourth floor offers 163 seats.

Services Offered
All of the floors in the library offer different services, but the fourth floor offers the most with 7 different services for students to access, such as computer stations, scanning stations, and a help desk. The main floor includes food, drink, and rentable study rooms.

Raw Data
Noise Level Space Availability Services Offered Total Lower Level 5 3 2 10 First Floor 1 5 4 10 Second Floor 2 4 1 7 Third Floor 3 2 3 8 Fourth Floor 4 1 5 10

Survey for Floor Preference

Individual Study Preference Group Study Preference Total Lower Level 10 0 10 First Floor 8 28 36 Second Floor 9 16 25 Third Floor 16 3 19 Fourth Floor 7 3 10

Conclusions
Three of the floors tied in the ranking scales based on noise level, space availability, and services offered. An individuals purpose for studying determines which floor they prefer to use. For a quieter atmosphere, students typically choose the lower level or third floor. The quiet lower level works well for individuals who want to focus solely on their studying without distractions. For a relaxed and serviceable area, students tend to choose the fourth floor or the main level. According to our survey results, group study takes place on the main floor and the second floor.

Recommendations

Recommendations
Based on the data we collected, our group recommends individuals to study on the third floor. The noise level on the third floor is moderately quiet, and individuals in our survey preferred the third floor. We recommend groups to study on the second floor, because our survey showed individuals prefer the second floor for group project activities, and it stays at a moderately quiet noise level. Each of these floors offer an adequate number of seats and amenities to accommodate both types of studying.

Index

Index
first floor, 6 fourth floor, 6 lower level, 6 main floor, 6 Noise Level, iii, 5, 6 ranking scales, 6 ranking system, 5 second floor, 5, 6, 7 Services Offered, iii, 5, 6 Space Availability, iii, 5, 6 survey, 5, 6, 7 third floor, 5, 6, 7 Willis Library, 1, 5