Group+5

PROPOSAL

Studying Solutions Inc. 1234 Library Avenue Newark, DE 19711

April 18, 2011

Mr. Tom Apple Office of the Provost 116 Hullihen Hall Newark, DE 19716

Dear Mr. Apple:

Thank you for your recent inquiry pertaining to inadequate student resources in the University of Delaware's Morris Library. The enclosed proposal has been designed to show how Studying Solutions Inc. can assist in improving the library to fit the needs of your students.

The propsal outlines the specific services we can provide in dealing with your university's situation as well as credentials based on the firm's past performance. An estimated budget and schedule of activities for the project is also included.

Please feel free to contact me at (302) 123-4567 with any questions regarding the proposal. I look forward to the opportunity to work with you and your university.

Sincerely,

Laura Lloyd, Hena Kumar, Alyssa Pena-Ariet, Megan Long, and Jingfei Shu Lead Design Consultants

Introduction

Study Solutions, Inc. proposes to investigate the study needs of students at the University of Delaware and to develop a plan to revamp Morris Library to fulfill the students' study space deficiencies. Statement of Problem College students are facing a new era in which increasingly more people are applying to attend institutes of higher learning. Additionally, available post-graduation jobs are on the decline. This has created a fiercely competitive learning environment on campuses nationwide. Students need a place to retreat to on campus that provides an atmosphere conducive to studying and learning as well as the resources needed to successfully complete schoolwork. Objectives Our intention is to first understand the study needs of the University of Delaware students. We then want to identify the shortcomings that exist between these needs and the current resources available to students at the campus' primary undergraduate study arena, Morris Library. Next, we wish to create a plan that will aim to improve all areas in which students currently find a deficiency at the least possible cost to the University. Overall, we want for students to feel that the library is adequately equipped to provide them with an environment in which they can successfully complete schoolwork and study with no lacking of space, time, or resources. It is the goal of this company to increase students' feelings that their respective university is effectively fulfilling their academic needs stretching beyond the classroom. =Procedure = 1. Conduct a voluntary survey of 200 students in questionnaire format to identify if the library is lacking in any or all of the following areas: 2. Analyze results of the survey to pinpoint the primary areas of concern 3. Collect information and/or sample contracts on any or all of the following (contingent on student needs identified by survey results): 4. Compose and present to you a report combining our findings and a cost-effective plan of action to improve schoolwork and study conditions at Morris Library Record of Service Study Solutions Inc. has been around since 1995, providing its services for higher level education. We dedicate our time towards the promise of a better atmosphere for students. Study Solutions Inc. gives its professional outlook on how universities can provide their students with the most recent technology available. The company serves as an advocate for students in the need for resources to further their studies in a competitive learning environment. The firm started by holding conference meetings to educate universities about the new technologies available to further learning. Since, we have grown into a large company that has educated more than 2,500 schools in the United States. The company has been a success throughout the years with the amount of knowledge and resources provided to universities as well as its service and product standards. For more information on individuals within the company, please e-mail. Budget The budget includes consulting fees paid to Studying Solutions Inc. and the normal costs of following through with our suggestions. We estimate that charges due to Studying Solutions Inc. for this project will be $2,000 for consulting. The cost allocated to implementing our suggested plan will be determined through our research. Schedule
 * Hours of service
 * Individual and/or group study rooms
 * Number of computers and/or computer software
 * Cost to the University of increasing library hours of service - employee salaries, utility costs, etc.
 * Price per unit or package deal of Microsoft Office software
 * Price per computer in line with current computer styles and standards of the library
 * Areas of the library than can be converted into group and/or individual study rooms
 * Analyze library floor maps to determine which areas of the building could be utilized better as study rooms
 * Assess current study rooms and identify possible renovations that could improve their usefullness to students
 * Contact library employees in an attempt to identify the library spaces that are used the least and consider these spaces for study room construction
 * Contractor bids for construction and/or renovation of new and/or current study rooms

**<span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif';">April 25-May 6: ** **<span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif';">May 9-16: ** **<span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif';">May 17: **
 * **<span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif';">Conduct survey of students **
 * **<span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif';">Analyze results of student survey **
 * Research costs and sample contracts necessary to providing a solution for a lack of study needs being fulfilled by Morris Library
 * Compose a report of findings and a clear plan of our recommended steps to solve the student study issues
 * **<span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif';">Presentation to Tom Apple and fellow interested University of Delaware staff **

Rough Draft- Report

= **<span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif';">REPORT ** = Transmittal Memo: Studying Solutions Inc. 1234 Library Avenue Newark, DE 19711

May 4, 2011

Mr. Tom Apple Office of the Provost 116 Hullihen Hall Newark, DE 19716

Dear Mr. Apple:

Enclosed is the Studying Solutions, Inc.'s Improving Morris Library's Current Conditions Report. This report contains a review of the current Morris Library's group study rooms, operating hours, and computer software with our suggestions on how to improve them.

The revamping process was analyzed by comparing the current Morris Library's operating hours to other state libraries', and by providing surveys to the University of Delaware students about whether they think the Morris Library could be improved to better suit the schoolwork and studying needs of students.

It is our hope that this report will provide you with the information needed to access the current conditions in Morris Library, and to revamp the library to fit the needs of the University of Delaware students.

Sincerely,

<span style="color: #000000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; line-height: 15.9pt; margin: 0cm;">Laura Lloyd, Hena Kumar, Alyssa Pena-Ariet, Megan Long, and Jingfei Shu

Lead Design Consultants

Enclosure

//**TITLE PAGE**// Improving the Morris Library



A Report by Studying Solutions, Inc.

Laura Lloyd Hena Kumar Megan Long Alyssa Pena-Ariet Jingfei Shu

Table of Contents

<span style="color: #000000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">﻿Executive Summary..............................................................................1 <span style="color: #000000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">﻿Introduction.............................................................................................2

Procedure...............................................................................................3 Results.....................................................................................................4 Recommendations.................................................................................5 Conclusion...............................................................................................6 Works Cited............................................................................................7

During the academic year of 2009-2010, approximately 900,000 individuals visited the Morris Library (About the Library, 2010).
 * EXECUTIVE SUMMARY**

WHAT IS THE SOURCE FOR THIS FIGURE?

Numerous University of Delaware students depend on the Morris Library to provide them with adequate resources. These resources can range from a quiet environment, computers, books, databases to group study rooms. At times, many students leave the Morris Library unsatisfied. To ensure a positive, effective and resourceful environment, Studying Solutions, Inc proposes new ideas to make the Morris Library a better studying environment for the students, faculty and staff at the University of Delaware.

Studying Solutions, Inc. began researching what aspects, if any, of the Morris Library could be improved. Studying Solutions, Inc. created a quick survey online available to many University of Delaware students. The responses from 200 students provided Studying Solutions, Inc. with an insight of various suggestions to improve the Morris Library. 93% of UD students feel the Morris Library can be improved. By looking at the various responses, we came up with a couple of ideas, which are presented in this report.

We recommend creating more group study rooms. There is additional space in the library to create these rooms. Creating these rooms will cost no more than $100,000. Also, we suggest fixing up the older group study rooms in the library. Some of the study rooms lack decent furniture. The study rooms will require tables, chairs, doors and a chalkboard. In addition to creating study rooms, the hours of the Morris Library should be extended. We propose the library remain open until 6 AM on Sunday thru Thursday. On Fridays and Saturdays the library will remain open until 2 AM to provide flexability. However, keeping the library open extra hours would indiciate the use of more staff, utilities and money. The cost of keeping the library open an extra 4 hours is $1,268,064 yearly. Finally, all of the library computers in the main lobby and first floor should have the proper software installed, such as Microsoft Office. In order to access Microsoft Office, a UD login will be required. Installing Microsoft Office on 19 computers on the first floor would cost the University around $1,520.

We understand these changes take a lot of time, effort, space and money. However, we have a plan to insure the University of Delaware gets a discount for most of these changes. Studying Solutions, Inc. believes implementing these changes will benefit a lot of University of Delaware students.

THE EX. SUM. SHOULD BE MORE DETAILED IN TERMS OF WHAT YOUR RECOMMENDATIONS EXPLICITLY CALL FOR AND WHAT THESE THINGS WILL COST. THESE ARE KEY FACTS FROM THE REPORT ITSELF AND SHOULD BE PRESENT IN THE EX. SUM.

<span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">Each college faces the challenge of providing all the adequate facilities to maximize their students experiences. The University of Delaware is a great university with much to offer for their students, but it would seem odd if the student body did think that some improvements could be made to the current state of the campus. Study Solutions Inc. is a company that tries to help aid a school in finding solutions to the problems they may encounter over the years, especially in regard to educational amenities the school provides. <span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">Study Solutions, Inc. has been actively researching the programs and educational amenities available in library at the University of Delaware. By consulting with both the university staff and students our company has come up with interesting findings and results that will b e useful for the university and beneficial for its students. Information was collected about the programs available on university computers available in the library, study spaces in the library, and the hours the library operates. Our company has organized our information to display results that were found and has provided a plan to rectify the problems that many students have expressed about the library at University of Delaware. <span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">With time and our plan the University will be able to implement suggested improvements, creating a better experience for their students. By allowing the students to have the best opportunities the university will also be helping itself by creating a stronger and more intelligent student body. <span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">In the report we will outline the problems the students have with the library and the results of the survey that was provided for a number of students. We have focused on multiple trouble areas and will give suggestions on how to improve all areas.
 * INTRODUCTION**

An onlne survey was conducted of 200 University of Delaware students. The goal of the survey was to determine what aspects of Morris Library, if any, students felt could be improved to better accomodate their studying needs. Studying Solutions requires that all surveys conducted by the company have a 95% confidence level and a confidence interval of 7. Based on these standards, we used the Sample Size Calculator from Creative Research Systems and determined the appropriate sample size to be 200. At this size sample, we can be 95% sure that percentages of student responses represent the portion of the whole population with the same opinions within seven percentage points.
 * PROCEDURE AND RESULTS**
 * Survey**

Survey Monkey was used to create and conduct the student survey. The services of this website are free for those creating and those taking surveys. Studying Solutions has found that this is the most convenient method for students to complete our surveys. A link to each survey is provided to the creator that can be sent out to as many participants as they choose. Our student sample included students of various levels of study, majors, and backgrounds. Invitations were sent to various organizations on campus including a social sorority and a service group. The link was also sent to randomly selected students on facebook that are a part of the university's network. The responses were collected from April 29 to May 4. A copy of the survey can be found in Appendix 1.

Studying Solutions determined what areas to focus on in the survey based on research and areas we determined were already sufficiently fulfilled in Morris Library. For instance, the library offers a very impressive range of media and design technology, so we felt it was not necessary to include this in our questionnaire. "The Really Effective College Library", a report by Sharon Markless and David Streatfield is used by Studying Solutions as a general basis in understanding what students need from their university libraries. This report is based on years of research on several college campuses. Using the report combined with our good judgment and personal experience, we focused our survey on the following topics: individual study rooms or areas, group study rooms, the number of computers available, computer software available, and library hours of service.

Studying Solutions used the results of this survey as the basis for its plan of action to revamp the library to fit the needs of the University of Delaware students.

The survey results show that an overwhelming majority of students feel that Morris Library can indeed be improved to better suit the schoolwork and studying needs of students. Graph 1 shows that 93.94% of the students surveyed responded yes when asked about room for improvement. This provides a basis for further research regarding which exact aspects can be fixed.

Graph 1

The survey asked students to identify which of the aspects of the library they personally felt could be improved to benefit students' ability to study and complete schoolwork. Graph 2 displays the student responses regarding each of the five aspects Studying Solutions mentioned above. Our firm has decided to include in our plan to fix the library any response that has gathered a vote of fifty percent or higher. So, as the graph shows, plans for change were developed for group study rooms, library hours, and computer software based on the high number of students who feel these could be improved.

Graph 2

Expansion of Morris Library at this time is out of the realm of our plan, so we instead will utilize the current space of the library to include additional or renovate current group study rooms and areas to better suit student needs for these areas in which groups can freely work together with adequate space and resources. Group projects have become a large part of many courses at the University of Delaware. Professors use them to acclamate students to their future working with bosses, employees, and co-workers. Sound proof study rooms equipped with multiple outlets for laptops to be plugged in, conference tables for group discussion, and dry erase boards for lecture-type work are exactly the place for students to productively work on group projects.
 * Group Study Rooms**

The first step was to do a walk-through of the library to analyze how space is presently being utilized. There are currently 29 group study rooms available for student use. Studying Solutions found there to be adequate space on the second floor of the library that could be used for group study rooms. A map of the second floor, shown in Figure 1, has been highlighted in red to show an area of the floor that can be used for these rooms. This space is currently open and already has internet access, shown by the grey highlighting in the figure.

Figure 1 - Second Floor of Morris Library

W HERE IS YOUR EVIDENCE THAT AN ADDITIONAL 7 ROOMS COULD BE PUT HERE? HOW BIG WOULD THOSE ROOMS BE? WHAT IS THE SPACE PRESENTLY USED FOR? WHAT RESEARCH HAVE YOU DONE TO SUPPORT YOUR ASSERTIONS? THAT IS WHAT YOU SEEM TO NEED MORE OF THROUGHOUT SO FAR.

The most recent addition of study rooms to Morris Library occurred in September of 2010. These study rooms are soundproof and can hold up to six students comfortably around a conference table. These rooms are the most up-to-date with technology and provide the best atmosphere for group study of the rooms currently in the library. They are the group study spaces most frequented by students. Studying Solutions finds these study rooms to be exactly on target to satisfy the student need for more group study space. As reported in the University's student newpaper, The Review, the construction of these rooms cost $132,000 for eight soundproof units. Of this, $120,000 was for coring of the floor and additional wireless access points.

Our plan is to install the same size and type of study room on the second floor. Based on the dimensions, we estimate that an additional six study rooms could be constructed in the space highlighted in Figure 1. As this plan involves two fewer rooms than the 2010 construction and because wireless internet already exists in this area, Studying Solutions estimates that installing the new rooms will cost no more than $100,000.

The newer study rooms in Periodicals are the first in the library to be soundproof, a necessary requirement for many students as the rooms are located in otherwise silent areas. In order to increase the use of current study rooms, they could be revamped, staring with soundproofing. This is not the only issue with the current rooms, however. Figure 2 shows a series of study rooms on the third floor highlighted in red. These rooms are rarely used. Some do not have doors, most have worn down and destroyed tables and chairs, and few outlets, if any, exist in them. These rooms may have been practical in the past, but now they appear abandoned. With the addition of new conference tables, chairs, outlets to plug in computers, and soundproofing, or doors at the very least, students would be more willng to use these rooms for their group study needs.

Figure 2 - Third Floor of Morris Library

Morris Library currently has the following hours of operation:
 * Library Hours**

Monday-Thursday 8:00AM-2:00AM Friday 8:00AM-8:00PM Saturday 9:00AM-8:00PM Sunday 11:00AM-2:00AM

This, unfortunately, is not satisfying students' needs. According to the survey, 60% of students claim that they would use the library more if it extended its hours. Classes at the University begin at 8AM Monday through Friday. This leaves no time for students to go to the library before their first class to print class materials or do some last minute studying in a quiet environment. Many students are involved in part-time jobs, volunteer work, and extracurricular activities, leaving them little time during the day to complete their schoolwork. The option of a quiet, focused area that they can study at through the night or very early in the morning could be just what they need to successfully complete their schoolwork.

Also found in the survey, 74% believe that students would actually derive more benefit if the library was open 24 hours a day. Students are taking action to make this a reality. The Student Government Association, as reported in The Review, passed a resolution to extend library hours to 24 hours a day during the week leading up to finals and for finals week. It is very clear that students find the library to be the most productive place on campus for them to complete their schoolwork and study. It is also clear that the University has the resources to keep the library open 24 hours a day, based on the fact that it is willing to do so for the two weeks for finals.

To determine the additional costs of keeping Morris Library open 24 hours a day, Studying Solutions corresponded with Susan Brynteson, a reference librarian at the library, on the matter. For the 2008-2009 academic year, the most recent for which budgetary information is available, the annual budget for the library was $18,400,000. Of this, $8,800,000 was spent on books, journals, binding, and electronic resources. The remaining $9,600,000 was spent on staff, Public Safety officers, supplies, equipment, and other necessary expenditures.

Morris Library is open 106 hours a week for about 48 weeks out of the year. This means that every hour of operation costs approximately $1,887, based on 2008-2009 costs, which we feel are accurate enough to use for calculations. To increase the hours of service to 24 hours a day Monday through Thursday, the primary days in which students utilize the building and its services, an additional $2,173,824 would be spent.

Studying Solutions does not necessarily feel that Morris Library needs to stay open 24 hours a day, with the exception of during finals. Instead, we recommend that the University extend the hours Monday through Friday to open the library at 6AM. This gives students time before their early classes to get necessary work done. We also recommend that the library remain open until 3AM Monday through Thursday. These extra hours each day should fill the current void that students feels exist. With these changes, additional costs for the year would amount to $1,268,064.

Studying Solutions also corresponded with reference librarian Susan Brynteson regarding computers and computer software in the library. Morris Library currently has about 275 computers available for student use. Of these, only the 82 located in the Student Multimedia Design Center on the lower lever of the building have Microsoft Office installed.
 * Computer Software**

Based on pricing research conducted by the company, we have found that Microsoft Office 2010 Student version can be purchased for as low as $114 from Amazon with a limit of three installments per unit. To add the programs to every computer that currently does not have them would require 65 units of Office. This would amount to a total cost of $7,410. Studying Solutions does not find it necessary to have the programs installed on every computer in the library to suit students needs. We do, however, recommend that it be added to all computers in the main lobby of the library for easy access for all students. To do so, 19 units of the product would need to be purchased for the 55 computers to have it installed. This plan would cost a total of $2,166.

A main concern of the University is that non-students will have free access to these software resources. To solve this problem, these computers could require a University login prior to use, like the computers in the basement of Morris that currently carry Microsoft Office. If not all computers have the programs installed, as we reccommended, then there will still computers available for use by the public, as the University currently allows.

From the results collected Studying Solutions,Inc. recommends the following:
 * Recommendations**
 * Renovating the current study rooms to be soundproof, dry erase boards, and multiple outlets.
 * Providing seven more group study rooms with the estimated cost of $115,000.
 * Having Microsoft Office available on the first floor computers with the estimated total of $1,520 for 55 computers.
 * The following computers with Microsoft Office will require a University login to use.
 * Extending Morris Library hours, Monday through Thursday 6am to 3am and Friday 6am to 2am

Studying Solutions,Inc. hopes the Morris Library will take into consideration the proposal we have written for the improvements. The survey done showed a sufficient amount of unsatisfied students. We believe once the corrections are made that we have suggested, the improvements will provide students with the best environment to study. After the research done we want the University of Delaware to improve their amount of study rooms available, extended hours, and computer software in the library. We have provided the best solutions without making the University have too many costs. Studying Solutions,Inc. believes these changes will be a large improvement for the University of Delaware.
 * Conclusion**

Rodowicz, Chelsea. "Library Adds Eight Quiet Study Rooms." //Review// 06 Oct 2010: n. pag. Web. 5 May 2011. [].
 * Works Cited**

Shannon, Josh. "SGA Calls For Extended Library Hours During Finals Week." //Review// 15 Mar 2011: n. pag. Web. 6 May 2011. [].

"About the Library." //University of Delaware Library//. N.p., 30 August 2010. Web. 6 May 2011. <http://www2.lib.udel.edu/new/about.html>.