Mapping User’s Activities and Space Preferences in the Academic Business Library

Abstract

Examines patrons’ use of spaces in a small academic library using observation and GIS technology. A questionnaire was used to assess patrons’ perceptions of space use. Results of the study can guide the design of library spaces and help researchers and librarians better understand patrons’ needs in these settings.Cette communication examine l’utilisation de l’espace-usager d’une petite bibliothèque universitaire par l’observation et la technologie SIRS. Un questionnaire a été utilisé pour évaluer la perception des usagers de l’aménagement des lieux. Les résultats de cette étude peuvent guider la conception de l’aménagement des bibliothèques et aider les chercheurs et les bibliothécaires à mieux comprendre les besoins des usagers dans ces lieux.

The Impact of IT Developments on Space Usage in Manukau Institute of Technology (MIT) Library

“…The topic of access to books and browsing seems to be a low priority for researchers as more items have moved from print to electronic, and more students have off-campus access to databases and electronic resources, which resulted in both decreasing circulation of print items and reduction of reference enquiries in academic libraries. These trends have led to issues of whether or not the physical space of academic libraries still required (Martell, 2008;Silver, 2007;Thomas, 2000), while others see the changes in the use of academic libraries as an augmentation of these institutions as part of the public infrastructure (Simpson, 2007).…”

“…Although electronic resources are most likely the replacement for print collections, it may be difficult for print collections to be completely replaced by electronic resources, and there is a continuing need for physical space for collection growth and the technology to use both the physical collection and electronic resources (MacWhinnie, 2003;Simpson, 2005). There are several reasons for this:  Books are published in an increasing number every year (MacWhinnie, 2003;Simpson 2007), and libraries continue to acquire large number of books to add to their collections. Martell (2008) found that from the ARL (Association of Research Libraries) Statistics, there were about 358,950,000 total physical volumes held by ARL Libraries in 1995, and it had increased to 470,283,000 (which gives about 31% increases of physical volumes held).…”

“…Therefore users have full access to the library"s electronic capabilities (Thompson and Sonntag, 2008, p. 167). Simpson (2007) discussed how users are now expects libraries to provide special areas for wireless access, which are separated from the quiet study areas. This not only benefits other patrons who are laptop users but also benefit other users who need quiet study as the noises such as starting up Windows, laptop fans and noises from patrons typing can be distributing others who wish to carry out quiet study.…”

“…The creator may not wish their work to be digitised as publishers and creators may have disagreements regarding how the information should be used, and there is a possibility that the creator may no longer maintained ownership of their work, having it sold to a third party who cannot be identified or located once their work has been digitised (Moore, 2007;Naylor & Karp, 2008). From all the reasons mentioned above, introduction of electronic resources will not fully replace the print collections, and the physical spaces of academic libraries are still necessary not only to house reasonable amount of paper resources owned by the library, but they are also essential to house more electronic equipment in order for users to access a wide range of electronic resources, for individual and group study rooms, and to provide areas for laptop users, which are becoming highly desirable by tertiary students (Moore, 2006;Simpson, 2007).…”

“…The topic of access to books and browsing seems to be a low priority for researchers as more resources have moved from print to electronic, and more students can access databases and Internet resources from any location at any time. In a review of the literature conducted in 2007, Simpson found that some people believe with the increase in use of internet resources the physical space of the library becomes less useful, while others see the changes in the use of academic libraries as an augmentation of these institutions as part of the public infrastructure (Simpson, 2007). There are a large number of activities carried out in the spaces available in libraries, which includes the following (Simpson, 2007):…”