Library Seat Trial: One Week of Reservations

The library tested a reservation system for twelve study seats. A student could book one 30-minute period each afternoon. Eighty booking periods were available during the trial week; sixty were reserved. The library did not record whether every person who reserved a seat actually arrived.

After the trial, staff asked the thirty students who had made at least one reservation for comments. Twenty-four replied. Eighteen respondents said the system made planning easier, and six said it did not. Students who had never reserved a seat were not included.

Miki: I reserved a seat twice. Knowing where I would sit helped me decide when to start studying. This is the most welcoming library system we have ever had.

Joel: I used the system once. Booking was simple, but I would like staff to ask students who did not use it as well. Some may prefer arriving without a plan.

Staff note: Before extending the trial, we will ask non-users about their needs and count actual arrivals separately from reservations. The current figures describe bookings and selected users' comments, not the views of all library visitors.

Library Seat Trial: One Week of Reservations

The library tested a reservation system for twelve study seats. A student could book one 30-minute period each afternoon. Eighty booking periods were available during the trial week; sixty were reserved. The library did not record whether every person who reserved a seat actually arrived.

After the trial, staff asked the thirty students who had made at least one reservation for comments. Twenty-four replied. Eighteen respondents said the system made planning easier, and six said it did not. Students who had never reserved a seat were not included.

Miki: I reserved a seat twice. Knowing where I would sit helped me decide when to start studying. This is the most welcoming library system we have ever had.

Joel: I used the system once. Booking was simple, but I would like staff to ask students who did not use it as well. Some may prefer arriving without a plan.

Staff note: Before extending the trial, we will ask non-users about their needs and count actual arrivals separately from reservations. The current figures describe bookings and selected users' comments, not the views of all library visitors.