July 21, 2026

Circulation coordinator Lailah Ramos and professor Whitney Hilley of OSU Libraries will present their research and assessment project on study room usage and user preferences for the American Library Association’s “Best of Core Forum” series. CORE: Leadership, Infrastructure, Futures is a part of ALA, a national association that fosters the advancement of librarian mentorship, management, technology and more.

Hilley and Ramos’ work was originally presented at the 2025 Core Forum in November 2025. Their presentation was voted on by attendees to earn a “Best of Core” recognition. This distinction is awarded to the highest-rated sessions at Core Forum, earning a spot to present at “Best of Core Forum.” Their presentation is now adapted as a webinar for any librarians or professionals who manage study rooms, reservable spaces or other public-facing library services who want to run similar assessment projects at their own libraries, diversifying resources offered. 

Ramos and Hilley will discuss research methods, findings, results and offer practical strategies for assessing study spaces. A focal point of their assessment is implementation, showcasing how an assessment can directly inform strategic decisions.

“These improvements, such as offering cleaning wipes in every room or providing height-adjustable tables, received immediate use and feedback,” Ramos said. “The assessment project overall has guided us in the right direction to improve the study room experience for patrons.”

Though the project was curated for Edmon Low Library, its implications have expanded beyond OSU, resonating with librarians across multiple universities and institutions. Common challenges among libraries were observed and studied. ALA and Core provide an important space for libraries to share their challenges, ideas, research and practical experiences with others across the profession.

While receiving a “Best of Core” distinction and being invited to present their findings was a welcomed surprise, Ramos and Hilley hope attendees will feel inspired. The webinar is July 22 from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. For more information and to purchase registration, visit the webinar webpage.

URL: https://library.okstate.edu/news/articles/osu-libraries-colleagues-to-present-at-ala-best-of-core-forum-webinar-collection

Last Updated: 29 July 2026