Using suma counting software to assess usage throughout an academic library renovation

ABSTRACT

Data from assessment of library building use can aid in making important decisions, such as where a renovation would be most impactful, in addition to the actual impact of those types of renovations. This article examines space usage data collected at Valdosta State University’s Odum Library from 2017 to 2021. Renovations in two key areas occurred during that time. Patron counts were conducted using the Suma Space Usage software that was initially developed at North Carolina State University. Initial examination of this data shows a marked increase in use in areas where renovation occurred and a modest increase in overall library usage, after the renovation ended. Full and expected collection of data was interrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic.