SPEC Survey Distribution

ARL gathers data from its member libraries in a variety of ways. The two most prominent methods are the annual statistical compilations conducted by the ARL Statistics and Assessment program and the SPEC surveys. Six SPEC surveys are distributed annually to ARL member libraries via this ARL Web page. Each member library has a designated SPEC Survey Liaison who coordinates distribution of the surveys to the relevant person in the library and tracks survey responses.

2012 SPEC Surveys

SPEC Survey on Collaborative Teaching and Learning Tools

• Online survey
• Survey worksheet [PDF]

Recent library literature emphasizes the increase in technologically savvy library users and the development of “information commons” or “collaboration labs” to serve them. However, little has emerged to give insight on the details of offering complex and technologically advanced collaborative teaching and learning tools, such as interactive whiteboards, to library users. The ability of a library to offer such equipment carries with it a large learning curve, for both users and library staff, along with financial and technical support issues.

This survey is designed to gather information about what collaborative teaching and learning tools are currently being offered to users in ARL member libraries. It covers questions on which kinds of tools are offered, how many, and why, where they are located, who may use them, the sources of funding, who provides training and support, and what techniques are used to promote and evaluate the tools.

This survey was designed by Marilyn N. Ochoa, Assistant Head of the Education Library, and Thomas Caswell, Associate University Librarian, Architecture and Fine Arts Library, at the University of Florida.

Survey posted February 6, 2012.

Survey deadline February 27, 2012.