Assessing to Reinvent an Aging Learning Commons: A Multimethod Approach to Capturing Student Behavior in Informal Learning Spaces

How does a library transform a beloved but aging Learning Commons (LC) into its next iteration? Now ten years old, the UMass Amherst LC must be reinvented to meet the needs of a constantly changing academic landscape. Prior to the reinvention of this space, we needed to answer the essential questions: Are students learning in the current space? How can we ensure that any changes we make guarantee the continuation of this learning process? This presentation will provide an overview of the assessment work undertaken, which includes multiple quantitative and qualitative methods and partnerships with several outside departments.

Outcomes: Learn how to characterize the value of a phased test area approach to supporting learning space development at your institution * Learn how to cultivate an institutionalized culture of assessment