Impact of table sizes on consultation services use in an undergrad research and writing studio

Abstract

The opportunity to relocate the Oregon State University (OSU) undergrad Writing Center to OSU's Valley Library and reformat the services utilizing a studio model provided an ideal opportunity to study student seating habits to inform future furniture purchases. The exploratory study revealed an unexpected finding that students working at small tables or working alone were more likely to engage with studio peer consultants (studio services) than those students working at large tables or working in a group. Students using Studio services and sitting alone were also more likely to be working at small tables. The findings suggest that intentional furnishing decisions can support higher student engagement with the desired consultative activity, especially in spaces like OSUs Undergrad Research & Writing Studio that are purpose-designed but allow students the freedom to engage in other learning or downtime activities. This study begins to fill a gap in the literature related to student use of studio-type spaces for writing and research support.