The University Library: The Center of a University Education?

This paper discusses a formal study conducted in 2001 at Brigham Young University to determine the value of the library to the university community. Methods used to collect data for the study included an e-mail survey, usage statistics, naturalistic observations, and interviews. Two years after the study, the authors wondered if the conclusions of the study were still valid. Replicating the original study was impossible, but certain data were readily available for comparison. The comparable data are presented and analyzed. Two new services implemented in response to student requests and their possible influence on continued library usage are presented.