TopIntroduction and Location Background
Each institution is unique in its own way. The idea of this case study is to analyze its components by the following general sections and detail considerations that are either good or poor. Being a case study, observations are subjective to the observer. This introduction takes into account the following general points of consideration (not all points will necessarily apply to this institution): location data, purpose/mission of the institution, its background/history, and general feel of the facilities on arrival, etc.
The ITT Technical Institute, Atlanta campus is located in southwest Atlanta. The campus shares the building with another company which is not an ideal environment for a college. The library or Learning Resource Center (LRC) as it's called at ITT is located near the rear of the campus next to the student lounge.
The LRC contains 16 computers for student use as well as study tables used for tutoring and/or quiet study. The tables are also used by students looking at the books and periodicals located in the LRC.
Collection Space Observations
Collection
Section general rating: 2
Rating scale: 1 = bad, 2 = bad-average, 3 = average, 4 = average-good, 5 = good
This section focuses on specifics in collection development of the institution's collection space. The general rating (listed above) took into account the following general points (not all will necessarily apply to this institution): general stacks, special collections, rare books/artifacts, ready reference area, dedicated interest areas (business area, art, etc.), special events areas (holiday/seasonal); as well as the shelving layout, the space on shelves, order of material, and indexing system of each of these sections.
Specific considerations worthy of a 1 (poor) rating or 5 (good) rating are detailed below. Considerations rating 2-4 will not be as well documented. The idea is to highly document practices which can either be avoided (in the case of poor) or utilized (in the case of good) in future planning and design in either library renovations or new establishments. Documenting and re-documenting standard practices and mediocrity here will not lead to the elucidation of superior or inferior methods. As a whole, the institutions of tomorrow can learn from the practices of today.
Physical collection poor; virtual collection average good
Physical: too few books, periodicals are mostly older issues (need more current issues especially in technical titles).
Virtual: Virtual Library contains several book and periodical databases but could use more that support broad (general) subject areas.
Commons Space And Layout Observations
Section general rating: 3
Rating scale: 1 = bad, 2 = bad-average, 3 = average, 4 = average-good, 5 = good
This section focuses on specifics of the learning spaces of the institution's commons space and layout. The general rating (listed above) took into account the following general points (not all will necessarily apply to this institution): technology areas/labs (computer rooms, A/V areas, etc.), study/reading areas and rooms, and classrooms.
Specific considerations worthy of a 1 (poor) rating or 5 (good) rating are detailed below. Considerations rating 2-4 will not be as well documented. The idea is to highly document practices which can either be avoided (in the case of poor) or utilized (in the case of good) in future planning and design in either library renovations or new establishments.
The LRC contains 16 computers, so it is considered one of the computer labs. The school also has four other computer labs, one containing 12 computers, one containing 18 computers, and the other two containing 40 computers each.