While studies have shown a statistically significant correlation between academic library use and individual student success, the relationship between general library use and overall student success is more elusive.  In addition, it is not practical, and in many cases not possible to distinguish between students and staff using the library; people leaving the library to use the restroom and immediately returning; students cutting through the library on their way to other areas of the building; and other "uses" that would register on a door counter but not indicate a use of the library's resources.

Door count data can be used to look at longitudinal trends in activity and can be used to help make staffing decisions, however it is best when used as one part of a larger picture of library space usage.

The following are two examples of how to assess how students are using library spaces and who isn't using the library space.

The University of Rochester study is a classic example of library space analysis. Fairfield University has also done significant work in this area.