To: Dr. Erika Paterson, ENGL 301 Instructor
From: Delsther James Edralin, ENGL 301 Student
Date: March 17, 2023
Proposal on Revising Library Procedures Upon Prevention of Stress and Distractions in UBC Libraries
Introduction
The University of British Columbia (UBC) libraries are a vital resource for UBC students, as it gives access to various educational materials and study spaces. However, even though current policies and procedures are in place to lessen the stress and disturbance of students, they are either not enough or are the cause of disruption and stress for their patrons. Noise levels are still distracting even in silent study spaces, the layout can hinder privacy, and the closing procedures can be jarring and abrupt. These issues can lead to decreased productivity and a negative experience for students.
Considering the significant amount of time students spend studying and working in these spaces, it is crucial to provide them provide a non-disruptive environment. This proposal aims to explore alternative library procedures that specifically target the prevention of stress and distractions for students, enhance the user experience, and support academic success better by using UBC libraries.
Audience Description
UBC Library Team that manages policies, procedures, and guidelines.
Statement of the Problem
Despite being a critical resource for student learning, UBC libraries’ practices can be sources of stress and disruption for their users. Current library practices and procedures, such as noise policies, study space layouts, and closing announcements, may not be sufficient in creating an environment that supports effective studying. These factors can lead to negative impacts on the user experience, academic success, and the library’s mission to support student learning. As such, there is a need to investigate the extent to which these library practices and procedures contribute to student stress and disturbance and to identify potential strategies for improving the library environment for its users.
Proposed Solution
To address the issues of stress and disturbance in UBC libraries, the libraries can adopt several strategies. First, revising noise policies with a focus on visual cues can better designate quiet areas and consistently enforce noise levels. This can be complemented by changing the layouts of study spaces to ensure adequate space and privacy for users during exams. Additionally, the library can explore new closing procedures that are less disruptive and more considerate of patrons, such as gradually dimming lights and offering a gentle reminder before closing. By implementing these changes, UBC libraries can create a more welcoming and productive environment that supports effective studying and enhances the user experience for all patrons.
Scope
This formal report proposal will focus on the following areas of inquiry to evaluate the feasibility of implementing revised library procedures at UBC Libraries:
- What are the current library procedures and practices of UBC libraries?
- How are the users experiencing the current library procedures of UBC libraries?
- What are the potential benefits and drawbacks of revising the procedures and practices of UBC libraries?
- How large is the size of the population that demands less stress and disturbances in UBC libraries? What is the demand to change the current procedures?
- What are the perspectives and possible challenges on implementing these revisions to the UBC Library Team that manages these procedures?
- What are the potential costs associated with implementing revised library procedures and practices, including expenses on hardware, software, and staff training?
Methods
The primary sources of data for this proposal will be surveys and interviews. Surveys will be conducted online among UBC students. Interviews will be held for the library staff to gain their views on the current practices and proposed changes. These can provide insights into the feasibility of implementing the revisions and the potential challenges and issues that might arise from the proposal.
Secondary sources will be gathered from academic journals, research papers, and publications that provide insights into the impacts of academic libraries’ established procedures and policies on user experience. In addition, case studies of other academic libraries that have implemented similar changes will be reviewed to understand the challenges and benefits of different practices of library procedures.
Qualifications
I am a third-year student in the BCS program at UBC with a previous background in architecture. I frequently stay in different libraries for studying, group meetings, and working on assignments which allowed me to become spatially aware and experience the UBC libraries’ current procedures and environment.
Conclusion
In summary, the current library practices and procedures do not adequately respond to stress and disturbances, this can lead to a disruptive environment and negatively impact users’ concentration and overall experience. By exploring alternative library procedures for UBC libraries, these spaces can enhance the user experience and support academic success down to the last minute. From assessing sources of data and inquiries, I will be able to determine the feasibility of the proposed revisions to the current procedures. With your approval, I am eager to begin researching and evaluating the feasibility of this proposal.
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