Around the World to the University of Arizona: one year of lessons learned in the new information commons ...

Oxnam, Maliaca; Talamonti, Laura; Mills, Victoria

doi:10.1108/lhtn.2003.23920faf.005

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“…The first floor is occupied by the Information Commons, a map collection, compact shelves, etc. (Oxnam et al , 2003). The second floor is divided into three major sections for reference books, circulations, and newspapers/journals.…”

Section: Research Locationmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Visualizing occupancy of library study space with GIS maps

Xia

2005

New Library World

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PurposeThis research seeks to observe the occupancy of study areas in a university library over a period of several months with the aim of evaluating the efficiency of library resources usage.Design/methodology/approachIn undertaking the research, study facilities of a library, such as chairs, sofas, carrels, and tables, were first drawn as features on maps using a GIS application. Geospatial databases were then created to store data of occupancy of the facilities by library users, which were observed by the author. On connecting records in the databases to features on the maps, GIS functions were explored to analyze observed data and exhibit the analytical results on the maps.FindingsThe findings of this research challenge the predominant opinion that insists that academic library users have a preference of study carrels over tables for studying. Instead, the research reveals that student users tend to select tables to study, especially tables equipped with electrical and internet connections. At the same time, group study rooms are overwhelmingly welcomed.Practical implicationsThis research demonstrates the potential of GIS technology for assisting library operations with regard to study space management. With GIS, libraries can have an automation tool to record their daily activities, analyze the data, and exhibit the analysis on maps for better understanding.Originality/valueThis is an experimental work. Librarians may find it useful in managing the activities of their library and helpful in providing information for space rearrangement and service enhancement.

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Section: Research Locationmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The “information commons” in many libraries now have a new definition featuring powerful PC and Mac computers as well as other advanced technological systems. For example, the University of Arizona Main Library renovated its Information Commons in 2002, and added 230 computers, 13 scanners and 12 print stations (Oxnam et al , 2003).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Visualizing occupancy of library study space with GIS maps

Xia

2005

New Library World

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

Around the World to the University of Arizona: one year of lessons learned in the new information commons ...

Cited by 1 publication

References 0 publications

Visualizing occupancy of library study space with GIS maps

Visualizing occupancy of library study space with GIS maps

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