Library Usage Study, the How and What: A Survey of Space Usage at a Mid-Sized Research Library (original) (raw)
Related papers
Surveying User Activity as a Tool for Space Planning in an Academic Library
2002
Florida (USF) Library, are used for many different purposes that go beyond traditional library services. Activities users engage in while in the library should factor into decisions regarding the allocation of library space or expenditure of resources. The results of this survey illustrate how patrons are using the USF Library building on a daily basis. The anonymous, self-administered exit survey was administered for one week during two separate semesters. Users exiting the library building were given the opportunity to fill out a survey form. Data collected through this questionnaire, along with daily library gate counts, were analyzed to determine overall use patterns of the library facility and use patterns by specific groups of patrons (faculty, students, staff, and non-USF users). A copy of the questionnaire is appended. (Author/MES) Reproductions supplied by EDRS are the best that can be made from the original document.
TEALS (Tool for Evaluation of Academic Library Spaces) Project: Evaluating Physical Library Spaces
LIBRARY ASSESSMENT CONFERENCE
The aim of TEALS project was to establish a setting for evaluation of academic library spaces. The outcomes of such evaluation were anticipated to provide insights into the impacts of library spaces on students’ learning experiences, faculty’s teaching and research and lead to identifying the area of weakness and strength, developing improvement plans and defining specific goals and means for project decision-makers. TEALS was developed in three phases. In the first phase of Exploratory Research, the research and practice of library planning and design along with the existing library assessment tools were reviewed. In addition, eleven academic libraries in Australia were visited. The literature review and site visits helped in identifying ten evidenced-based Criteria of Quality (CoQ) for effective and responsive library spaces. The ten key categories of CoQ for TEALS were ‘Positive Image & Identity’, ‘Inviting & Welcoming Nature of Entry’, ‘Functionality & Efficiency’, ‘Flexibility & Adaptability’, ‘Variety of Spaces Supporting Different Users & Uses’, ‘Social & People-Centred Spaces’, ‘Sense of Place & Inspiration’, ‘Environmental Comfort & Sustainability’, ‘Accessibility, Safety and Security’ and ‘Integration of Technologies’. The CoQ were then linked to a number of Quality Indicators (QIs) and formed the basic elements of the TEALS framework. This meant that when an academic library is evaluated using TEALS, the library spaces are measured and scored against the QIs. TEALS also included three types of data collection tools - Students’ Library Experience Survey, Observational Study Checklist and Library Staff’s Perception Survey - which facilitate scoring. In the second phase of Pilot Study, TEALS package was trialled in Deakin University Library at Burwood campus, Melbourne, Australia. This trial of TEALS package proved to be an obvious success providing critical information on the quality of library spaces, students’ experiences and levels of satisfaction with these spaces and the library staff’s perceptions. The evaluation process was also found to be relatively straightforward and user-friendly. Finally, the findings of the pilot study helped in improving the package including modifications to the online survey instrument of Students’ Library Experience and development of a survey instrument for library staff and the final launch of TEALS. The TEALS package will soon be used to evaluate Deakin University libraries at two other campuses. Enhanced versions of TEALS will also be further applied to conduct ongoing assessment of existing library spaces and any spatial transformation in the future. Development of TEALS package made important contributions to filling the gap in appropriate evaluation methods which can provide support for long-term decision-making about academic libraries. TEALS adopted a participatory approach to space evaluation and its data collection tools facilitated engagement of students and library staff in the process of assessing the physical library. Developed to act as a reflective tool, the TEALS package is hoped to be used at different stages of a library’s life with little adjustment. This will certainly assist libraries in performing ongoing evaluation and reflecting upon the implementation of changes, reviewing the effectiveness of the programs and comparing space utilisation over years.
The Evolution of the Function and Design of Spaces in Academic Libraries Through the Digital Era
2020
Along with technology development in all fields of contemporary life, activities come development regarding architectural requirements. The functions, spaces usage, types of buildings, etc. have changed. Certain architectural elements and spaces have disappeared while other functions have either disappeared or been minimized. The change has also exceeded the architectural level to the urban level, affecting the urban planning elements, sizes, and decision-making processes. Developments in technology exert a great influence on communication as well as data entry, saving, and archiving; which, in return, has had a direct impact on libraries' spaces, operating systems, functions, and user types. As a result, the traditional space requirements and old architectural theories should be revised. This research aims to study the theoretical requirements of architectural academic libraries and the implications of technology development for spaces, functions, and types of users in the last ten years, through analyzing ten university libraries that were recently established in Europe and the USA that use the latest technologies. The outcome is applied to a case study: the architectural academic library of Beirut Arab University on Debbieh campus. The research finds that physical libraries will not be replaced by digital libraries easily, although the extensive use of technology has led to continuous changes in library spaces. The technological revolution in the field of mobile phones and applications which facilitated the accessibility of information and the possibility of searching and indexing has boosted the trend in changing library collections from physical to digital phenomena. In addition, the ideas of shared spaces and Pop-up Campuses, where libraries are completely virtual and universities are without boundaries, will also affect these traditional library-related theories. It is hoped that the results and recommendations will assist the development of a new approach and method regarding library design, which may consequently affect university buildings design, especially since the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic is pushing us toward social distancing and online applications.
Library Space Design Framework: A Conceptual Analysis
Asia-Pacific Social Science Review, 2021
Academic library spaces are a crucial element in library management that should be taken zealously because it serves as the frontispiece of the entire educational institution. It is more than sketching a floor plan; it transcends beyond the physical layout of the library. It must be able to provide new opportunities for collaboration, focus highly on diversity and personal adaptability, and customization (Neal, 2010). Gone are the days where libraries are considered as a "single-purpose building," completely stacked up with shelves of voluminous collections (Choy & Go, 2016). Contemporary libraries must be "multifunctional, flexible, user-centered, and supportive of an array of scholarly activities" (O'Kelly et al., 2017, p. 843). Cunningham and Tabur (2012) asserted that libraries have always been more than a "warehouse for recorded knowledge" because they can provide a venue for introspection, assimilation, and construction of novel ideas. Koen and Lesneski (2019) quoted Holmgren and Spencer's (2014) conclusion that by 2024, a multitude of libraries will be transformed into academic commons whose paramount purpose is to hold academic support services while sustaining a space for the library's physical collections. This means that academic libraries are striving to achieve more in the upcoming years. The trend in library space design for the past decades up to the present exhibited a global transformational shift activated by academic librarians in collaboration with various building 2 This is an accepted manuscript of an article published by the Asia-Pacific Social Science Review on June 14, 2021, available online: http://apssr.com/volume-21-no-2/libraryspace-design-framework-a-conceptual-analysis/ professionals, that is, architects, engineers, and interior designers. An explicit example is the rising trend of the creation of a one-stop facility by integrating non-traditional units in the library such as cafés, galleries, and museums (Cunningham & Tabur, 2012). These trends provide prospects for intentional learning, and the design may possibly be propelled by various learner-centered concerns (Bennett, 2009). The change is triggered primarily by the present pedagogy with emphasis on collaborative work (Cunningham & Tabur, 2012), today's students' learning preference styles (Oliveira, 2018), fluctuating user preferences and behaviors, diversity of personal and professional needs of the academic community, and the changing roles of libraries due to technological advancements. The academic community members are the central reason why libraries exist. Without them, the library will cease to exist. After all, the prime goal of effective library space and design is to respond to the needs of its service people (Lin et al., 2010; Whole Building Design Guide, 2017). Woodward (2010) also pointed out that libraries must reflect what their clientele wants them to be. The varying needs of the library clientele posed a great challenge in designing library spaces because the library must be able to respond to those needs to maintain equilibrium in the academic ecosystem. Adjusting to the changing conditions and the capability to offer various services right away to users is indisputably needed to stay in demand (Zverevich, 2012). Designing a library space is a crucial process that needs deliberate planning before construction and implementation could be done to prevent the possible misuse of available resources, that is, budget. Library space and design arrangement, whether it is a renovation or new construction, is not an easy thing (Zverevich, 2012). It is also one of the costly managerial activities that library managers may deal with (Nitecki, 2011). In planning for library space, there are many factors to be considered-time investment, financial resources, political capital (Nitecki, 2011), workforce, existential standards and guidelines, local and international directives, policies, among others.
Library Space Assessment: User Learning Behaviors in the Library
As an essential department at a higher education institution and an informal learning space, little is known about how academic libraries contribute to student learning on campus. At the [library name retracted] we sought to learn about the role of library space in our students' learning. A scheduled renovation of the main floor of the library provided us the opportunity to determine how the change in space impacts our students' perceptions of their learning in that space. We surveyed our users in the space prior to the renovation and then surveyed them in the same space following the renovation. The survey focused on learning styles and how the space facilitated those different behaviors. At the [library name retracted], we wanted to determine how a renovation of a library space changed users learning behaviors in that space.
2009
The redesign of the first floor of the Evansdale Library at West Virginia University is now on track. An interior designer from the university has been assigned and completion is expected by fall 2009. However, we wanted to know what our students and faculty had in mind for our space. We will have wasted much time and energy if we do not know what the users want and will use. We collected data from an online survey and conducted a series of focus groups in the fall with undergraduates, graduate students, and faculty. This was the first time we had the time, expertise, and administrator support to collect and use data from students and faculty to recreate space in the library. The redesign of the space should be more functional and pleasing to the users since their needs were considered and will be incorporated where possible.
Measuring Library Space Use and Preferences: Charting a Path Toward Increased Engagement
portal: Libraries and the Academy, 2008
The University of Dayton (UD) used a multi-method research approach to evaluate current space use in the library. A general campus survey on study spaces, online library surveys, a week-long video study, and data from the National Survey of Student Engagement (NSSE) were examined to understand student choices in library usage. Results suggest that although UD students prefer to study at times alone and at times with or near others, students used the UD library primarily to study alone. We determined that the following characteristics are important in considering student selection of group study spaces: spaces that are comfortable, spaces that facilitate interpersonal communication, spaces that they can control, and areas that promote the integration of basic human needs and desires (such as eating, drinking, and enjoyment) with learning activities. Library spaces have been reconfigured and redesigned to increase student selection of the library for group study.
"A Really Nice Spot": Evaluating Place, Space, and Technology in Academic Libraries
This article describes a qualitative mixed-method study of students' perceptions of place and space in an academic library. The approach is informed by Scott Bennett's model of library design, which posits a shift from a 'book-centered' to a technology supported 'learning centered' paradigm of library space. Two surveys gathered data on (a) students' perceptions of places in an academic library, and (b) on occupancy rates in the same library. When triangulated, the results identified two distinct and contrasting models of place: a more traditional model based on individual study near stacks of books, and an emergent technologically-supported group study model. The results suggest that academic libraries should develop new metrics to measure library place and space in settings of technologically-supported group work.
Changes in academic library space: A case study at the University of New South Wales
Australian Academic & Research Libraries, 2011
As the digital environment continues to become more pervasive in our lives, academic libraries have had to adapt to ensure that services remain relevant to users needs. Research was conducted to examine the 2009-2011 refurbishment at the University of New South Wales (UNSW) Library and evaluate its success in meeting users' needs in terms of space and place, while also suggesting areas for improvement. The investigation used structured interviews to gauge students satisfaction with the Librarys space and/or facilities. Findings are explored under the following themes: collaborative study; individual study; spatial design; social space; technology; noise levels; and Help Zone. This research shows that users still require a physical space and the Library is highly valued as a place to congregate and study as it offers a welcoming and well designed environment with modern facilities.
Evaluation of University of Queensland Library Spaces: three case studies at St Lucia Campus
ALIA Annual Conference: Together we are stronger, Melbourne, Australia
Introduction: The paper reports on part of the findings of an evaluation study of spaces in Social Sciences and Humanities (SSHL), Biological Sciences (BSL) and Walter Harrison Law (WHLL) Libraries of the University of Queensland (UQ). The study was part of a major evaluation project which aimed to examine the quality and patterns of use of spaces in UQ libraries and propose a set of recommendations to be used for future improvements and decision-making. As SSHL is awaiting an upgrade to its exiting spaces, this part of the evaluation study focused on identifying the areas of weakness. The evaluation of BSL and WHLL considered the impacts of refurbished library spaces on students’ experiences. The findings related to these libraries were enlightening providing evidence for the link between students’ learning experiences and library spaces. The lessons learned from this part of the study informed recommendations for further improvements to SSHL spaces. Methods: An online survey, “Students’ Experiences and Perceptions of Library Physical Spaces”, was designed to collect data from students. The survey questions addressed topics including: (1) overall satisfaction with spaces in the UQ Libraries; (2) welcoming nature of the library entry; (3) lighting; (4) acoustics; (5) furniture; (6) wayfinding; and (7) preferences for different space types in the library. In the second section of the survey, students were asked to specify the library they frequent. According to their responses, students were directed to complete the relevant set of questions or terminate the survey. Results: Around 1505 students completed the survey, with 714 students answering the set of questions related to SSHL, followed by 420 and 100 students completing the survey sections related to BSL and WHLL, respectively. In addition, 1098 responses were recorded to the open-ended question which asked students to state other reasons which account for their visits to case study libraries, addressing features of physical spaces which influence their experiences. Quantitative and qualitative analysis of the survey data provided important insights into impacts of physical spaces on students’ library experiences and key design challenges and considerations. In particular, the data suggested that a key role of academic libraries still remains as to provide spaces for individual quiet study, with Studying Alone coming as the most important reason for which students visit one of the UQ library branches. Conclusions: The findings highlight the importance of individual study spaces and propose a number of design considerations in order to create functional and inspirational study spaces. The paper concludes with recommendations in relation to physical spaces design and management which may apply to libraries in different contexts. Relevance: Academic libraries are facing with the challenge to keep pace with changes in relation to students’ demographics, pedagogy and technology. In doing so, it is important to have an understanding of the evolving patterns of students’ learning behaviours, space uses and preferences. This brings to the fore the need for an ongoing evaluation of library spaces in order to identify weaknesses and strengths and inform future improvements and new developments.