Navigating the Library:
The True Story of the Obstacles in UNO’s Earl K. Long Library
MKT 6555 - Marketing Research Group Project
December 4, 2013
DeAnna Jeter
Emily Lovitt
Louise Vallejos
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Contents
Executive Summary .................................................................................................................... 2
Purpose of Research Project ........................................................................................................ 4
Data Sources and Methodology .................................................................................................. 5
Time and Personnel ..................................................................................................................... 6
Findings ....................................................................................................................................... 7
Additional Findings ................................................................................................................... 20
Recommendations ..................................................................................................................... 21
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Executive Summary
University of New Orleans’ students and faculty do not recognize the amount and types
of resources offered by the library. Utilization of these resources must improve in order to
justify costs, operating hours and other current and future ventures that require funding from the
University or the library will face the dilemma of further budget cuts. Upon meeting with library
administration, our group received the impression that both UNO’s students and visitors have
issues in finding their way around the physical library using the current maps and signage posted
throughout the building. In order to test the theory, we conducted a scavenger hunt and survey
of questions regarding the layout of the library.
Evidence of respondents’ ability to navigate the library was evaluated through a
scavenger hunt that addressed eight assignments which were to be explored throughout the
library. The desired sample size for this study was 30-50 subjects, of which we were able to
acquire the median with 38 respondents. We approached potential subjects as they were entering
the library and asked for their help through participation. In order to gain subject participation,
library administration provided $5 gift cards to PJ’s Coffee and Rouses that were given to
subjects upon completion of scavenger hunt and survey. Some marketing researchers may claim
this sample size was limited and not necessarily representative of the true population, but
obtaining subjects and having them commit their time to our project was one of the major
hurdles with this experiment design. Subjects actually had to physically visit the library and
commit about 20-30 minutes of their time to completing the project.
Over half, 62% or 24 respondents, had visited the Earl K. Long Library less than 1 week
ago. Of the 40 respondents surveyed, only 10% had never visited the library before participation
in the scavenger hunt. A suggested study for later investigation that would uncover a more
comprehensive understanding of navigation issues was to survey students who have never been
or rarely go to the library to see their knowledge and capabilities of navigating with current
resources available. This project revealed that 29% or 10 respondents visit the library in-person
less than once a month, but conversely 26%, or 9 respondents, visit the library daily. The
primary use of these visits was school related, but other reasons cited included personal use, pick
up scantrons, and purchase coffee.
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One of the key assignments in the scavenger hunt was for subjects to locate the map
located on the first floor upon entrance to the library. This tool was referred back to throughout
survey questions and provided much insight as to how respondents felt about using this tool for
assistance in the scavenger hunt. Only 1 respondent felt that it was very useful in helping
complete the tasks that followed.
Most of the open-ended survey statements that subjects completed in regard to their
feelings and opinions of the UNO Library revealed an overall sense of frustration with map and
signage resources in the library. Of the 38 survey respondents, 8 respondents (21%) stated that
the maps were the most difficult aspect of navigating the library. 9 respondents (24%) indentified
the signage or lack of signage as the most difficult aspect of navigating the library. Other
difficulties with navigating the library include unfamiliarity with the library and lack of available
staff. Only 2 respondents did not identify any difficulty in navigation. Overall, 45% of
respondents indicated that they were “satisfied” with the current layout of the library. 40%, or
15 respondents, indicated a “neutral” response. Only one person answered “very satisfied” with
the current layout of the library. The most significant finding from this project was that
respondents’ overall satisfaction of the current layout of the library can be predicted based on
how helpful they find the current navigation resources.
Based on the results of this research project and the subjects’ opinions, the recurring
theme mentioned from responses throughout the survey indicated that participants would like to
see the map drawn in a more simplistic format. A possible solution to this problem is to draw the
map using the same labeling system found on the campus map. The current signs vary in size,
shape, and information displayed on them. A uniform signage system should be established
throughout the library to help direct students and visitors to main areas. The Americans with
Disabilities Act provides very thorough guidelines that can be helpful to library administration in
designing additional signage for the library.
Many of the ideas and recommendations brought to light by this project can be achieved
with minimal monetary resources. The Earl K. Long UNO Library is a huge asset to the
University and surrounding community and has benefits that attract many visitors. This research
project emphasizes that with a little work more visitors will be more satisfied with the current
layout of the library and potentially use it more often.
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Marketing Problem and Background
University of New Orleans’ students and faculty do not recognize the amount and types
of resources offered by the library. Utilization of these resources must improve in order to
justify costs, operating hours and other current and future ventures that require funding from the
University or the library will face the dilemma of further budget cuts. Upon discussion with the
library administration, a recurring theme was the difficulty of navigating both the virtual and
physical libraries utilizing current resources available to students.
Purpose of Research Project
Were UNO Students able to easily navigate the physical library using the current
resources provided?
Key terms cited in the above research problem had to first be defined in order to clarify
the purpose. The sole purpose of this marketing research project focused on current UNO
students enrolled in all colleges and some visitors. For the purpose of this research, “navigation”
was defined as the ability to walk or find one’s way through all four floors of the library with
awareness of the materials and technological property housed on each floor. In addition, we
defined “resources” throughout the study as existing signage and maps posted throughout the
library.
The scope of our research project did not examine students’ or visitors’ knowledge or use
of the virtual library, nor their use of the databases available through the either the virtual or
physical library. The scope also did not address the ability of UNO faculty members to navigate
the library using the current resources provided. Both of these topics should be explored in
future research to determine necessary steps that should be taken by library administration to
make navigation of all aspects of the library as easy as possible for all UNO library visitors.
One potential limitation faced in this project was the fact that many UNO students do not
live on campus; therefore, they spend much less time on campus than students who reside here
and may have access to or prefer other venues for research databases. Another limitation was
that this smaller sample size could impede research due to subjects being required to devote their
time to physically visiting the library to complete the required activity.
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Data Sources and Methodology
Data supporting the need to explore the ease of navigation through the library was made
evident from handouts presented and topics discussed during the initial client meeting with Lora
Amsberry-Augier, researchers’ personal observations within the UNO Library and researchers’
experiences with libraries at other similar universities. Evidence of respondents’ ability to
navigate the library was evaluated through a scavenger hunt that required eight assignments
throughout the library.
The desired sample size for this study was 30-50 subjects, of which we were able to
acquire the median with 38 respondents. The scavenger hunt only required approximately 15
minutes, but the completion times ranged from 8 to 35 minutes. The survey portion took
respondents anywhere from 1 to 21 minutes.
The survey questions that respondents were asked to answer are as follows:
Filter Questions
1. Prior to participating in the scavenger hunt, when was the last time you visited
in-person the Earl K. Long Library on UNO's campus?
2. How often do you visit the UNO Earl K. Long Library in-person? Please do not
include visits to the Library's website
3. Why do you visit the Earl K. Long Library in-person?
Scavenger Hunt Questions
4. Did you find the map of the library?
5. How useful was the map, which is available on the first floor, as a tool in
navigating the library?
6. What is the room number of the Electronic Classroom on the "quiet floor?"
7. Where is the sign labeling the entrance to the Learning Commons located?
8. On what floor is the KIC scanner located?
9. What is the name of the conference room on the 4th floor?
10. What prevents entry into the Archives Storage?
11. What time does the Special Collections close?
12. How many DVDs can be checked out per week?
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The following 3 questions were open-ended questions that allowed respondents to
finish the sentences in regards to their experiences in the library.
13. The most helpful resource for navigating the library to find the items listed on the
scavenger hunt was...
14. The most difficult aspect of navigating the library is...
15. It would be easier to find my way around the library if...
General Questions
16. Throughout the scavenger hunt, how helpful to your search were the navigation
signs posted in the library?
17. Did you locate the document titled "Navigating the UNO Library" prior to the
scavenger hunt?
18. Were any of the floors of the library restricted?
19. Are there acceptable noise levels, a.k.a. "noise zones", on each floor of the
library?
20. To what extent are you satisfied with the current layout of the library? (i.e. the
ease or difficulty of finding your way through the library)
Demographic Questions
21. What is your current UNO classification?
22. In which college are you currently enrolled?
23. What is your current GPA?
24. What is your age?
25. What is your gender?
Upon completion of the scavenger hunt and survey, results were analyzed, with open
ended questions analyzed for word frequency and common themes.
Time and Personnel
Our timeline for this project was as follows:
Approval/Feedback from Library: October 25 – October 31
Solicit sample: November 4 – November 20
Conduct Scavenger Hunt & Data Analysis: November 4 – December 3
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Present Findings: December 4
Nonpersonnel costs involved in this research study included an incentive of $5 gift cards
to PJ’s Coffee and Rouses, which were purchased with library funds and distributed to
respondents who participated in our research project. A graduate professor also allowed students
to earn extra credit in particular classes for participation.
Findings
“Percent” refers to everyone who took the survey, even those who did not answer the
question. “System Missing” represents those who took the survey but did not answer the
question. Analysis is based on the “Valid Percents” – the percent of respondents who answered
the question, i.e. the percent without the system missing.
Filter Questions
1. Prior to participating in the scavenger hunt, when was the last time you visited in-person the
Earl K. Long Library on UNO's campus?
Over half, 62%, of the respondents had visited the Earl K. Long Library less than 1 week
ago. This question revealed the possible effects of convenience sampling error created by
surveying subjects upon entry to the Library. Of the 40 respondents surveyed, 10% had
never visited the library before participation in the scavenger hunt.
Prior to participating in the scavenger hunt, when was the last time you visited in-
person the Earl K. Long Library?
Frequency % Valid % Cumulative %
Valid
Never 4 10.0 10.3 10.3
Less than one week
ago 24 60.0 61.5 71.8
1-2 weeks ago 2 5.0 5.1 76.9
3-4 weeks ago 3 7.5 7.7 84.6
Over one month ago 4 10.0 10.3 94.9
Last semester 2 5.0 5.1 100.0
Total 39 97.5 100.0
Missing System 1 2.5
Total 40 100.0
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2. How often do you visit the UNO Earl K. Long Library in-person? Please do not include visits
to the Library's website
28.6%, or 10 respondents, visit the library in-person less than once a month. 25.7% of
respondents visit the library in-person daily. The next largest categories were respondents
who visit daily and those who visit 2-3 times a week.
The mode indicates that the choice “less than once a month” was the most common
response to this question.
3. Why do you visit the Earl K. Long Library in-person?
The vast majority of respondents visited the library for school purposes. Respondents
who answered “other” cited reasons as “both,” to “pick up scantrons,” and to purchase
“coffee.”
Why do you visit the Earl K. Long Library in-person?
Frequency % Valid % Cumulative %
Valid
School 27 67.5 75.0 75.0
Personal 6 15.0 16.7 91.7
Other, please specify 3 7.5 8.3 100.0
Total 36 90.0 100.0
Missing System 4 10.0
Total 40 100.0
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Scavenger Hunt Questions
4. Did you find the map of the library?
74%, or 29 respondents, found the map. 26%, or 10 respondents, did not.
Did you find the map of the library?
Frequency %
Valid % Cumulative
%
Valid
Yes 29 72.5 74.4 74.4
No 10 25.0 25.6 100.0
Total 39 97.5 100.0
Missing System 1 2.5
Total 40 100.0
5. How useful was the map, which is available on the first floor, as a tool in navigating the
library?
Of those who found the map, half of them found it to be a somewhat useful tool in
navigating the library. 35.7% of respondents indicated that the map was a useful tool in
navigating the library. No one chose the response choice of “not useful at all.”
The mode indicates that the choice “Somewhat useful” was the most common response to
this question.
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6. What is the room number of the Electronic Classroom on the "quiet floor?"
85% of respondents answered this question correctly, i.e. most of the respondents were
able to find the quiet floor, the Electronic Classroom and signage labeling the room. All
respondents knew the quiet floor was the third floor based on responses being in the 300’s.
What is the room number of the Electronic Classroom on the "quiet floor?"
Frequency % Valid % Cumulative %
Valid
System Missing 2 5.0 5.0 5.0
304 1 2.5 2.5 7.5
306 I think. I dont have the
sheet on me, but its the first
door on the left whenever
you walk into the main area
1 2.5 2.5 10.0
311 1 2.5 2.5 12.5
318 34 85.0 85.0 97.5
320 1 2.5 2.5 100.0
Total 40 100.0 100.0
7. Where is the sign labeling the entrance to the Learning Commons located?
71% of respondents answered this question correctly.
Where is the sign labeling the entrance to the Learning Commons located?
Frequency % Valid % Cumulative
%
Valid
Above the entrance
doors to the Learning
Commons
5 12.5 13.2 13.2
On the left hand wall
before entering the
Learning Commons
27 67.5 71.1 84.2
On the right hand wall
before entering the
Learning Commons
6 15.0 15.8 100.0
Total 38 95.0 100.0
Missing System 2 5.0
Total 40 100.0
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8. On what floor is the KIC scanner located?
100% of respondents knew the location of the KIC scanner on the first floor.
9. What is the name of the conference room on the 4th floor?
Almost all respondents (92%) were able to locate the conference room on the 4th floor
and the signage indicating the name of the room.
What is the name of the conference room on the 4th floor?
Frequency % Valid % Cumulative %
Valid
Dougie Hitt Conference
Room
35 87.5 92.1 92.1
Earl K. Long Conference
Room
1 2.5 2.6 94.7
Special Collections
Conference Room
2 5.0 5.3 100.0
Total 38 95.0 100.0
Missing System 2 5.0
Total 40 100.0
10. What prevents entry into the Archives Storage?
The responses “Locked Door” and “Wire Fencing” were both correct. 79% said a locked
door prevented entry into the archives storage, while 21% chose wire fencing. No one chose
caution tape. This indicated that all subjects were able to locate the Archives Storage area.
What prevents entry into the Archives Storage?
Frequency % Valid % Cumulative %
Valid
Locked door 30 75.0 78.9 78.9
Wire fencing 8 20.0 21.1 100.0
Total 38 95.0 100.0
Missing System 2 5.0
Total 40 100.0
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11. What time does the Special Collections close?
37 respondents, accounting for 97.4%, correctly identified the 4:30 p.m. close time for
the Special Collections. One person answered 10:00 p.m. Neither of the other response
choices was selected.
12. How many DVDs can be checked out per week?
Over half of the respondents were able to locate the sign stating the number of DVDs that
can be checked out per week and accurately answer the question. No respondents answered 1
or 2 DVDs could be checked out per week.
How many DVDs can be checked out per week?
Frequency % Valid % Cumulative %
Valid
3 27 67.5 71.1 71.1
4+ 11 27.5 28.9 100.0
Total 38 95.0 100.0
Missing System 2 5.0
Total 40 100.0
13. The most helpful resource for navigating the library to find the items listed on the scavenger
hunt was...
Theme: Maps & Library Staff
Of the 38 respondents, 13 (34%) stated that the most useful resource was the maps
located in various locations throughout the library. 8 respondents (21%) asked library staff
to help them in locating the items on the scavenger hunt. Other key responses included
asking others in the library. Only 2 respondents mentioned prior experience as helpful in
navigating the scavenger hunt.
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Actual responses:
1. the lady from Mississippi 2. librarian
3. the map 4. map
5. The Maps of the floors. 6. staffs
7. the staff 8. the map
9. The map on each floor 10. Asking someone
11. Other people 12. Other people
13. The map helps 14. The labeling on the walls
15. The people working in the library 16. Info table before the learning
commons
17. different maps on different floors 18. My brain :)
19. Using the map by the elevator. 20. The quiet room
21. Going to the library on a regular basis. 22. A person whom I asked questions
23. Asking questions 24. The maps, library staff
25. the floor by floor guides provided next to the
circulation desk
26. common sense
27. prior knowledge 28. asking employees
29. Asking questions 30. website
31. people 32. map
33. the clues within the scavenger hunt document. 34. Circulation Desk
35. the papers that listed the things that were on each
floor.
36. Lady working in Special Collections
area
37. the front desk attendants 38. The map
14. The most difficult aspect of navigating the library is…
Theme: Signs, Maps and Unfamiliarity with what was on each floor.
Of the 38 respondents, 8 respondents (21%) stated that the maps were the most difficult
aspect of navigating the library. 9 respondents (24%) indentified the signage or lack of
signage as the most difficult aspect of navigating the library. Other difficulties with
navigating the library include unfamiliarity with the library and lack of available staff. Only
2 respondents did not identify any difficulty in navigation.
Actual responses:
1. Lack of directions 2. Confusing maps
3. Everything being on different
floors
4. Everything is hidden
5. Everything was easy to find 6. Finding a certain room
7. Finding signs 8. Finding staff to ask on the second and third floor
9. Finding the library map 10. Finding the quiet floor
11. Going to the back of each floor 12. I do not find it difficult
13. I have a terrible sense of direction 14. It is a large library with a large area to look around
15. Lack of motivation 16. Lack of signs
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17. Lack of updated mapping and
fluidity of the building
18. Maps should be located more directly by the
entrances/elevators/stairs
19. N/A 20. Never having been here before, not knowing what
any of the items listed are, learning commons,
archives storage, special collections or KIC scanner
21. Never having visited or toured the
library
22. No signage, bad maps
23. Not knowing what I was looking
for
24. Nothing really, its self explanatory, no mystery
hallways or doors
25. nothing 26. Only a few doors that can be entered through
27. Plenty of nooks and crannies. You
need to be somewhat familiar with
it to navigate it well
28. Reading the map
29. sign 30. signage
31. the list of what is on the floors
wasn’t very specific
32. the maps
33. the names of the rooms 34. the signs are small
35. the staff 36. The stairs
37. Very little help 38. Walking the stairs
15. It would be easier to find my way around the library if...
Theme: Signs & Maps
Of the 38 respondents, 13 (34%) stated the library needs better signage. 34% also stated
problems with the map. Other key responses included incorporating library tours into
courses, especially those that will require use of the library for research, and signage near the
entrance of the library clearly stating what is on each floor.
Actual responses:
1. I had a segway 2. more signs on each floor
3. there was signs showing where
everything was
4. things are better labeled and easily accessible
5. Bigger signs. 6. there is a library catalog
7. the signs of the rooms were more
obvious (big signs, bright posters,
etc.)
8. there were plenty of signs
9. Everything was easy 10. I came more often
11. I had been introduced to the library
through a tour within a class that will
require the library for research
12. The maps were better
13. I find it easy to navigate the library. 14. I came to the library more regularly and if the
maps were more helpful
15. there were bigger maps 16. I was familiar with the layout
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17. things were more clearly labeled 18. There were more maps
19. Everything was closer together and 20. There was a map in the entrance there was
something labeling it on the maps.
21. the map was posted outside of the
library upon entry
22. there was a sign on the first floor by the stairs
telling you what is on eaach floor
23. If it had more signs saying where are
certain locations.
24. The maps were created like the campus map
with numbers labeling everything and a key to
state what each number was. The maps are a bit
too busy to read easily.
25. maps and labels were updated 26. better signs, better maps
27. a list of locations near the entrance 28. maps
29. The map was by the door 30. More maps
31. more signs 32. use color sign
33. There were bigger signs and arrows
pointing to destinations.
34. It wasn't difficult at all.
35. The maps were better at describing
certain areas.
36. I don’t know, I don't use it enough to worry
about it
37. You could enter the library from the
backside
38. The staff was more helpful
General Questions
16. Throughout the scavenger hunt, how helpful to your search were the navigation signs posted
in the library?
The mode of this question was 2—Some. 47% of respondents indicated the signs were
somewhat helpful in navigating the library. 16% indicated that signs were not helpful at all,
and only 5% felt they were extremely helpful.
Throughout the scavenger hunt, how helpful to your search were the
navigation signs posted in the library?
Frequency % Valid % Cumulative %
Valid
None 6 15.0 15.8 15.8
Some 18 45.0 47.4 63.2
Quite a Bit 12 30.0 31.6 94.7
Extremely 2 5.0 5.3 100.0
Total 38 95.0 100.0
Missing System 2 5.0
Total 40 100.0
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17. Did you locate the document titled "Navigating the UNO Library" prior to the scavenger
hunt?
76.3%, or 29 respondents, answered “No” to this question. Only 9 respondents answered
“Yes.”
18. Were any of the floors of the library restricted?
Over half of the respondents answered this question correctly; however, nearly 37%
either thought there were restricted floors or they didn’t know.
Were any of the floors of the library restricted?
Frequency % Valid % Cumulative %
Valid
Yes 8 20.0 21.1 21.1
No 24 60.0 63.2 84.2
Don't know 6 15.0 15.8 100.0
Total 38 95.0 100.0
Missing System 2 5.0
Total 40 100.0
19. Are there acceptable noise levels, a.k.a. "noise zones", on each floor of the library?
76% of respondents were aware of the noise zones on each floor. 13% of respondents
were not made aware of the noise zones even after visiting each individual floor.
Are there acceptable noise levels, a.k.a. "noise zones", on each floor of
the library?
Frequency % Valid % Cumulative %
Valid
Yes 29 72.5 76.3 76.3
No 4 10.0 10.5 86.8
Don't know 5 12.5 13.2 100.0
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Total 38 95.0 100.0
Missing System 2 5.0
Total 40 100.0
20. To what extent are you satisfied with the current layout of the library? (i.e. the ease or
difficulty of finding your way through the library)
45% of respondents indicated that they were “satisfied” with the current layout of the
library. 40%, or 15 respondents, indicated a “neutral” response. Only one person answered
“very satisfied” with the current layout of the library.
The mode is 4, stating “satisfied” as the most frequently chosen response.
Demographic Questions
21. What is your current UNO classification?
Over half of the respondents were undergraduate students and approximately 30% were
graduate students. Respondents who answered “Other” included regular visitors, undergrad
students and graduate students at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, and “post
bachelor” students.
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What is your current UNO classification?
Frequency % Valid % Cumulative %
Valid
Undergraduate Student 21 52.5 55.3 55.3
Graduate Student 12 30.0 31.6 86.8
Other, please specify 5 12.5 13.2 100.0
Total 38 95.0 100.0
Missing System 2 5.0
Total 40 100.0
22. In which college are you currently enrolled?
Only 34 subjects who participated were enrolled at UNO. Of those, 35% were in the
College of Business Administration and 35% were in the College of Science. Both the
College of Engineering and the College of Liberal Arts comprised 12% each of the total
respondents. The final 6% were enrolled in the College of Education and Human
Development.
In which college are you currently enrolled?
Frequency % Valid % Cumulative %
Valid
College of Business
Administration 12 30.0 35.3 35.3
College of Education and
Human Development 2 5.0 5.9 41.2
College of Engineering 4 10.0 11.8 52.9
College of Liberal Arts 4 10.0 11.8 64.7
College of Science 12 30.0 35.3 100.0
Total 34 85.0 100.0
Missing System 6 15.0
Total 40 100.0
23. What is your current GPA?
Over half of the respondents (65.8%) have a GPA in the range of 3.0-3.9. Seven
respondents had a GPA of 4.0 and 6 respondents had a GPA in the range of 2.0-2.9. No
respondents had a GPA below 2.0.
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24. What is your age?
Respondents’ ages ranged from under 18 to over 30. The largest categories included 18
years old, 20 years old, 23 years old and 25 years old. None of the respondents were 24 or 29
years old. The median age was 21.5 years old.
What is your age?
Frequency % Valid % Cumulative %
Valid
Under 18 1 2.5 2.6 2.6
18 7 17.5 18.4 21.1
19 2 5.0 5.3 26.3
20 8 20.0 21.1 47.4
21 1 2.5 2.6 50.0
22 1 2.5 2.6 52.6
23 5 12.5 13.2 65.8
25 4 10.0 10.5 76.3
26 3 7.5 7.9 84.2
27 3 7.5 7.9 92.1
28 1 2.5 2.6 94.7
Over 30 2 5.0 5.3 100.0
Total 38 95.0 100.0
Missing System 2 5.0
Total 40 100.0
25. What is your gender?
49% of the subjects were male and 51% were female.
Statistics
What is your age?
N Valid 38
Missing 2
Median 5.50
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What is your gender?
Frequency % Valid % Cumulative %
Valid
Male 18 45.0 48.6 48.6
Female 19 47.5 51.4 100.0
Total 37 92.5 100.0
Missing System 3 7.5
Total 40 100.0
Additional Findings
Significant Findings
Respondents’ overall satisfaction of the current layout of the library can be predicted
based on how helpful they find the current navigation resources. This factor accounts for
19.7% of the prediction.
ANOVAa
Model Sum of Squares df Mean Square F Sig.
1
Regression 4.554 1 4.554 10.065 .003b
Residual 16.288 36 .452
Total 20.842 37
a. Dependent Variable: To what extent are you satisfied with the current layout of the library? (i.e.
the ease or difficult...
b. Predictors: (Constant, Throughout the scavenger hunt, how helpful to your search were the
navigation sings posted in the li...
Model Summary
Model R R Square Adjusted R
Square
Std. Error of the
Estimate
1 .467a .218 .197 .673
a. Predictors: (Constant), Throughout the scavenger hunt, how helpful
to your search were the navigation signs posted in the li...
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Insignificant Findings
There is no relationship between college enrollment of respondents and how often he or
she visits the library.
There is no relationship between why a respondent visits the library and how often he or
she visits the library.
There is no relationship between college enrollment or classification of respondents and
how often he or she visits the library.
There is no relationship between how often subjects visit the library and their overall
satisfaction with its current layout.
There is no relationship between overall satisfaction with the current layout of the library
and respondents current UNO classification.
There is no relationship between overall satisfaction with the current layout of the library
and respondents’ current UNO classification and/or current college enrollment.
There is no relationship between overall satisfaction with the current layout of the library
and respondents’ current GPA.
There is no relationship between overall satisfaction with the current layout of the library
and respondents’ age.
There is no relationship between overall satisfaction with the current layout of the library
and respondents’ gender.
Recommendations
This research project focused solely on the physical layout of the UNO Earl K. Long
Library and its current visitors. Of the 40 respondents surveyed, only 10% had never
visited the library before participation in the scavenger hunt. Another study for later
investigation that will lead to a more comprehensive understanding of navigation issues
would be surveying students who had never been or rarely go to the library to see their
knowledge and capabilities of navigating with current resources available.
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The recurring theme mentioned from responses throughout the survey indicated that
participants would like to see the map drawn in a more simplistic format. The current
maps contain a wealth of information, but participants indicated that it is difficult to read
and everything is not labeled or is labeled incorrectly. A possible solution to this
problem is to draw the map using the same labeling system that is found on the campus
map. This is a format with which students are familiar, and it also makes communicating
locations easier for staff.
The location of the information caddy, where the map is currently housed, is not easily
accessible upon entry to the library unless one is going to the Learning Commons or
some other first floor area. The map would be utilized by more visitors to the library if it
was located in an area that is more centralized, such as by the door leading to the stairs.
The map could be condensed to one publication that shows diagrams of all floors on one
or two pages. This map should only show the major areas of interest, such as computers
available for Internet access, printers, and categories of publications.
47% of respondents indicated the signs were somewhat helpful in navigating the library.
16% indicated that signs were not helpful at all, and only 5% felt they were extremely
helpful. This was another recurring theme throughout the survey and an area where
students felt that Library Administration could improve to ease navigation.
The existing signs vary in size, shape, and information displayed on them. A uniform
signage system should be established throughout the library to help direct students and
visitors to main areas.
More color should be introduced in new and existing signage to enhance the environment
visual appeal.
Sign legibility is extremely important!
o Effective signs differentiate regions through differing visual characters
and give corresponding regions and areas similar visual effects.
o Provide signs at decision points to guide visitors to different areas.
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o Within a single sign, information should be “layered” to allow users to
make faster and more accurate decisions.
o Certain messages should be emphasized through font size, typestyle, or
background color.
o The Americans with Disabilities Act provides guidelines for wayfinding
signs that specify the size, type style, location, and color to meet the
requirements necessary to meet ADA standards.
All signs should be visible immediately upon entry of building or floor with no
obstructions in the visitors’ line of sight.
Pictorial signs allow messages to be conveyed in a manner that is independent of
language barriers and can be understood by all visitors. Use of pictures on all signs is
encouraged, if possible.
76% of respondents were aware of the noise zones on each floor. 13% of respondents
were not made aware of the noise zones even after visiting each individual floor.
Each zone should be represented on the map with a different character or color and
posted upon immediate entry to each area with a corresponding symbol.
The diagram to the left shows a
sample of the locations of signs at
a similar university at the Entry
Lobby. Notice the number of signs
displaying different information at
this decision point.