Library Space Assessment: User Learning Behaviors in the Library

Montgomery, Susan E.

doi:10.1016/j.acalib.2013.11.003

Cited by 77 publications

(62 citation statements)

References 8 publications

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“…Cha & Kim (2015) used surveys of academic library users in the Netherlands, while the TEALS standard was the product of another (Abbasi, Elkadi, Horn, & Owen, 2012). Only two longitudinal studies exist (Fox & Doshi, 2017;Montgomery, 2014). We believe that our research makes a strong contribution to this important post-occupancy category of library space assessments and data.…”

Section: Literature Reviewmentioning

confidence: 99%

Student Use of the Information Commons: An Exploration through Mixed Methods

Archambault

Justice

2017

EBLIP

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Objective -In this case study, librarians at the William H. Hannon Library at Loyola Marymount University explored user behaviour in the Information Commons, user preferences for furniture style and configuration, and how users engaged with a mix of technology, resources, and activities inside the space.Methods -The researchers used a mixed-methods case study consisting of 2,443 "direct observations," 646 environmental scans, 248 patron surveys, and 46 whiteboard poll questions. They created visualizations of results in Tableau, with filters for zone and variable. They then carried out a follow-up furniture preferences survey with 190 respondents.Results -Independent study dominated the space usage. Users valued spaciousness, quiet, privacy, and a clean environment. Users frequently multi-tasked with additional devices as they Evidence Based Library and Information Practice 2017, 12.4 14 simultaneously used the library computers, including cell phones, headphones, and laptops. The majority of students self-reported using a library computer for email and to access the campus online learning platform. They also reported reading/studying and printing as frequent activities, although these were less frequently observed. Unattended belongings were observed along with broken electrical outlets. Temperature and noise levels were highly variable.Conclusions -This methodology allowed for the exploration of space use and satisfaction and uncovered implications for the redesign of the library space. The library has already taken steps toward making improvements based on this assessment project including: removing some reference stacks in favor of additional seating space, an inventory of all electrical outlets, and the exploration of new furniture and noise control strategies.

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Section: Literature Reviewmentioning

confidence: 99%

Student Use of the Information Commons: An Exploration through Mixed Methods

Archambault

Justice

2017

EBLIP

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“…Café is also providing a space for social engagement where the people gather and converse comfortably. As for study place, Montgomery (2014) notes that even though people opt to work alone for most of the time, they prefer a working environment, surrounded by other people. Obviously, people get motivated and inspired by seeing the others working.…”

Section: Library As the Third Placementioning

confidence: 99%

Public Library as a Social Interactive Space

Ismail

Shu

2018

E-BPJ

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This paper elaborates on the current condition of the public library, focusing on the one in Alor Gajah. One of the main issues faced by the public library today is the lack of visitors. Scholars suggest that it is crucial to integrate the users' perspectives into the building design as the sense of attachment of the user to a place can greatly affect their attitude towards the spaces perceived. The study aims to investigate the new approaches in the design of a library, to upgrade it as a social interactive space, particularly in Alor Gajah, Melaka. IntroductionThe public library today is the least preferable place to go for leisure time. Most of the people recognize the library as a place for borrowing books only but not a community place for social activities. The orthodox mindset of the public contributes to the underutilization of the library. The scholars consider that the library is always set in a serious and restrained environment with total silence and the visitors will automatically behave silently when visiting the library. Apart from that, the poor library space planning leads to the creation of unfriendly and uninviting spaces. The public is not given clear and direct access to the important spaces, causing the public to have less interest in visiting the place again.The study seeks to understand the locals' perceptions and preference of place in Alor Gajah in order to formulate the relevant library design strategies. The suggested strategies are based on the investigation towards the public library of Alor Gajah. The role of the library needs to be redefined as social interactive space for the community and not merely as a study place. In additional of that, the proposed library design should be able to create a safe and accessible public sphere for the community at the same time inculcating the public values among the community. Scholars suggest that it is crucial to integrate the users' perspectives into the building design as the sense of attachment of the user to a place can greatly affect their attitude towards the spaces perceived. Therefore, the study aims to investigate the new approaches in the design of a library, to upgrade it as a social interactive space, particularly in Alor Gajah, Melaka. The first objective was to clarify the reasons why the public library in Alor Gajah not popular among the locals. Secondly, to investigate the kind of activities preferred by the locals in Alor Gajah. Thirdly, to investigate the new approaches to designing a public library that suits the locals in Alor Gajah.

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“…They love to study in an environment where they see other members of the learning community are also engaging in reading, writing and other kinds of intellectual reflection. "Being seen studying" or "seeing others study" seems to be a valuable stimulus in their learning behavior (Montgomery, 2013). The strategy for future learning space should focus on how to design and rejuvenate space for effective and inspirational study and learning.…”

Section: Into the Futurementioning

confidence: 99%

“…To the question, "what is it about this space that works well for you", she found that users frequently commented on the ability to work in groups and collaborate -and this was true both prior to and after the renovation. This kind of collaborative space supports students' social learning behaviors (Montgomery, 2013). The Ithaka Library Survey (Long and Schonfeld, 2014) has chosen 24 library functions for library directors to rate.…”

Section: Into the Futurementioning

confidence: 99%

Space development

Chan

Spodick

2014

New Library World

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Purpose: This case study describes the space transformation of the HKUST Library into a Learning Commons and how learning activities have been substantially multiplied by engaging academic and supporting units. This experience is used to posit a number of anticipated directions for Library space planning.Design/Methodology/Approach: This paper focuses on the design elements of the Learning Commons and how these elements have created an effective platform for a variety of learning activities. It outlines an assessment study on how students liked the transformed space and viewed its added values. Findings:In the digital era, academic libraries can be transformed for new, effective and collaborative use. By integrating technology and flexible design, the new space excites existing scholars and attracts a broad range of new users. Students, faculty, and administrators react positively to the new space as it offers effective learning ambience. By engaging and co--creating with university partners, the new space functions as an active facilitator of learning -a hub that supports interaction and an effective platform to support pedagogy towards team projects, multimedia work, and whole--person development. Future library spaces need to exhibit characteristics tailored to various user groups and their specific usage needs. Originality and value:The experience of HKUST library will have broader implications for other academic libraries embracing their mission--critical nature and assets. It shows that libraries can embrace challenges in the digital and virtual world by creative and innovative use of their physical space. Transformation of Library SpaceSpace is one of the most valuable assets a library possesses. Space is required to collect, archive, and access recorded information. Space is needed to study, to research, to engage in intellectual pursuits for the betterment of mankind. Changes from the printing press to virtual reality systems have reshaped the scale and scope of the library's role, along with the many changes in learning from shifts in instructional pedagogy to the availability of anytime, anywhere information access to the general populace.Rapid expansions of electronic information systems have taken the easy and immediate availability of vast quantities of information to dizzying heights, expanding library space into the virtual realm and leading many to envision a future where physical library space would be an archaic and outdated model.

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Library Space Assessment: User Learning Behaviors in the Library

Cited by 77 publications

References 8 publications

Student Use of the Information Commons: An Exploration through Mixed Methods

Student Use of the Information Commons: An Exploration through Mixed Methods

Public Library as a Social Interactive Space

Space development

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