Technology, Collaboration, and Services in an Academic Library: An Assessment of the Collaborative Learning Spaces in the North Carolina State University Libraries

This exploratory study assesses use of the group study rooms at North Carolina State University D.H. Hill Library. Two approaches were used to collect data: observations by the researcher, and surveys distributed to users of the group study rooms. The study focused on collaboration amongst students, and technology usage. It was discovered that the students using the Libraries collaborative learning spaces value flexibility and control of their learning spaces, and enjoy working with their peers. The results of this study identified the strengths and weaknesses of the current collaborative learning spaces, and provided recommendations for design of the group study rooms for the new Hunt Library, scheduled to open in 2013