Zooming in Duke’s West Campus Libraries - April 2025

Abstract

In response to student concerns about virtual meeting spaces, identified in a biennial survey, Duke University Libraries’ Assessment and User Experience Strategy (AUXS) Department conducted focus groups with graduate and undergraduate students to better understand their experiences Zooming in the West Campus Libraries. Students identified key challenges, including a lack of private, acoustically secure spaces, limited room availability, and confusion around room reservation systems and policies. Within the constraints of existing infrastructure, students proposed practical solutions ranging from enhanced communication and reservation system features to the introduction of a “Zoom Hall” and spatial modifications using low-cost dividers. Recommendations were prioritized based on ease of implementation and potential impact, though further cost-benefit analysis is advised. This report offers actionable insights to help library leadership improve the overall student experience of Zooming in the West Campus Libraries.