The Ringling Art Library: Special

Outreach Measures
A Research Proposal

Presented by: CE, EH, EK, RD, and Andrew Mitchell with the Tampa Bay
Special Libraries Association
The Ringling Art Library
The Ringling Art Library is one of the
largest art research libraries in the
southeastern U.S. It is home to an
extensive collections of art and
architectural history, auction catalogues,
children’s literature, artifacts, and 600+
databases. Currently library material can
be viewed in person by anyone but is only
available online remotely through FSU’s
library catalog.
 Overview of Project Need
Objective
This report seeks to employ existing research to devise a contemporary study evaluating the
effectiveness of 1) collection digitization for special libraries and 2) outreach initiatives as a
means of driving and retaining user engagement. This research will address the following key
questions:

1. What digitization efforts (if any) have demonstrably improved user retention over the past
year?
2. Do patrons prefer viewing collections in person or online? What collections would patrons
most like to see digitized, if any? What obstacles prevent users from visiting special
collections in person or online?
3. What outreach initiatives (if any) improved user retention over the past year?
4. Do patrons prefer online or in-person events? What kind of outreach initiatives would
current and potential patrons like to see?
 Overview of Significance

Significance

Defining key user needs through qualitative surveys and other research
methods will better equip librarians working in special libraries to
implement outreach projects that encourage researchers in the community
to utilize the services and collections that the special library offers.
 Project Details

Project Start Date Project Completion Date Amount Requested

September 1st, 2023 February 29th, 2024 $15,300

 Project Resources: Timeline
Month Task
Sept. 2023 Obtain approval for primary and staff surveys
Design surveys
Experts assess survey for content validity
Patron sample group pretests instrument
Compile mailing list
Distribute surveys electronically

Oct. 2023 Monitor incoming survey responses

Continue to obtain contact information and distribute additional
surveys to visitors

Nov. 2023 Begin examining survey responses

Dec. 2023

Jan. 2024 Conclude survey distribution at end of semester

Complete survey response analysis

Feb. 2024 Summarize results

Share results with Ringling College Library
 Research Design
Sampling
● 2,000 Ringling College Library Association members
● 1,571 Ringling College of Art and Design students
● Ringing College Library visitors

Data Collection & Analysis

● 17-question Google Form survey
● Tracking daily visitors
● Circulation statistics
 Research Design

Evaluation
● Five experts will evaluate the instrument to ensure validity
● Four special library or art specialty librarians will assess face validity of questions
● One research methodology expert will review the instrument to identify methodological weaknesses
● A sample of patrons will pretest the instrument to identify misunderstood questions
● Participants are encouraged to provide feedback
 Survey Questionnaire
Establishing Questions
(e.g. “Have you visited the Ringling College Library?” “How often do you visit special libraries?”)

In-Person & Virtual Event Questions

(e.g. “How likely are you to attend an in-person event hosted by the Ringling College Library?”)

Research Questions
(e.g. “What is your level of proficiency navigating a physical source that has been digitized?”
“How frequently do you utilize the Ringling College Library online database?”)

Ringling College Library Staff Survey

Staff members will not be invited to participate in the initial 17-question survey due to potential
biases; however, they will receive an alternate survey evaluating their perspectives on the efficacy
of outreach initiatives and collection digitization in driving engagement with special library
collections
 Project Resources: Budget Breakdown
Requested amount: $ 15,300
● Equipment and Supplies: $11,300
● Salaries for staff
○ Five personnel for six months: $3,000
○ RCLA stipend for participation: $500
○ Ringling College of Art and Design stipend for participation: $500
 References
Clark, J. (2012). User-centered events in a performing arts library. Fontes Artis Musicae, 59(2), 158–167.

https://usf-flvc.primo.exlibrisgroup.com/permalink/01FALSC_USF/un0hgn/cdi_proquest_reports_1112241526

Eyer, E. N., & Shea, E. (2016). Attracting users in a special library: a personalized approach to a standard library

initiative. Reference and User Services Quarterly, 55(4), 277–282.

https://usf-flvc.primo.exlibrisgroup.com/permalink/01FALSC_USF/un0hgn/cdi_gale_infotracmisc_A491137025

Fraser-Arnott, M. (2020). Library orientation practices in special libraries. Reference Services Review, 48(4), 525–536.

https://doi.org/10.1108/RSR-03-2020-0017

Ringling College Library Association. (2023). History - Ringling College Library Association.

https://www.rclassociation.org/rcla-mission/hstory/