Student Survey: Fighting COVID-19 by Mapping Library Spaces

With the start of fall semester, many students have been looking forward to being able to return to campus. Unfortunately, COVID-19 has thrown a curveball in those plans as many campuses are opting for hybrid or fully online instruction. 

Although many libraries will remain closed, we asked 180 college students across the US about their library habits, goals and expectations for the upcoming semester.

Among the many things students will miss in their libraries, study spaces come in at the top of the list. From our survey respondents, 94% say that they utilized study spaces within the library before COVID-19. A majority of those same respondents indicated that if libraries re-opened, having disinfecting wipes available in all rooms for student use would be extremely helpful.

“I would hope that once libraries re-open they take every precaution possible to prevent the spread of COVID.” - Sophomore at Emory University

One way to safeguard your space is to decrease the overall spread. This can be achieved by limiting movement and/or providing guided pathways in your buildings. StackMap can help you do this by providing your users with the exact location of these rooms (as well as collections, computers and other spaces) and directions to guide them. This ensures that your users can find what they are looking for with ease and help maintain the health and safety of your spaces!

"This sort of mapping tool could be helpful since it gives directions, preventing people from unnecessary interactions with others" - Sophomore at University of Iowa

Using StackMap is one of the many steps you can take to adapt your library to unique conditions. For example, at the University of Delaware Library, Museums and Press, they use StackMap’s Room Mapping alongside Springshare LibCal to allow students to reserve and find available spaces. 

By implementing these practices, you can ensure that the safety and health of your students and staff are prioritized.