Space Preference at James White Library: What Students Really Want

Oliveira, Silas Marques de

doi:10.1016/j.acalib.2016.05.009

Cited by 44 publications

(39 citation statements)

References 61 publications

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“…In a study by Oliveira (2016) 54% of students preferred spaces designed for group interactions and 46% preferred individual study areas. This reinforces the idea that while group interactions are popular, individual study areas still need to be a priority in academic libraries (Oliveira, 2016). Overall library usage also tends to go up towards the end of the semester suggesting that library use is directly related to studying as opposed to social interactions (Applegate, 2009).…”

Section: How Students Are Using Library Spacessupporting

confidence: 52%

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Student and staff perceptions of university library usage: Comparing reality to interpretation of space usage

Mangrum

Foster

2020

Journal of Access Services

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The role of the academic library, student library usage, and faculty perceptions of student learning have been separate ongoing discussions in higher education for many years. The purpose of this study was to bring those conversations together and illustrate how students at The University of Southern Mississippi are currently using Cook Library, their preferences for library space usage, and the faculty/staff perceptions of student usage. This study was conducted to address the problem of how to effectively bring the expectations of students and library faculty/staff together so that library spaces and environments can be updated or created to fit the needs of the campus community. This study used a cross-sectional survey design to illustrate the usage of students and perceptions of faculty/staff at The University of Southern Mississippi. Data results show that library faculty/staff perceptions of student usage did not always align with the actual student usage data, especially concerning traditional library services and resources, such as the importance of the availability of library assistance, access to books, and access to computers/printing. The researcher concluded the study by making data driven recommendations to library administration concerning building layout, atmosphere, and library services. iv ACKNOWLEDGMENTS I would like to give special thanks to Dr. Holly Foster for her guidance and encouragement throughout this journey. The road to the end was long, but you were always right there beside me. Thank you for being one of my biggest cheerleaders and harshest critics. I am a better researcher and writer because of you. The time and dedication that you give to each one of your students means the world. You are a boss and I'm privileged to have worked with you!

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Section: How Students Are Using Library Spacessupporting

confidence: 52%

“…Graduate students are perceived to value traditional individual study spaces in library facilities more than undergraduates, but studies suggest that both groups value the (Oliveira, 2016). Surprisingly, graduate students are more interested in social spaces than undergraduate students are (Oliveira, 2016).…”

Section: How Students Are Using Library Spacesmentioning

confidence: 99%

Student and staff perceptions of university library usage: Comparing reality to interpretation of space usage

Mangrum

Foster

2020

Journal of Access Services

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“…These ranged from quantitative, intensive seat counts (Dotson & Garris, 2008) to the purely creative setting of the design charrette (Oliveira, 2016;Washburn & Bibb, 2011). Some early studies used a quantitative approach with direct observation sweeps (Applegate, 2009;Dotson & Garris, 2008;Given & Leckie, 2003) and simple paper questionnaires (Gardner & Eng, 2005).…”

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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“…(p. 219) from others. Similar research also notes individual study carrels and quiet spaces are valued (Hall & Kapa, 2015;Montgomery & Miller, 2011;Ojennus & Watts, 2017;Oliveira, 2016).…”

Section: Space Attributesmentioning

confidence: 85%

User-focused, User-led: Space Assessment to Transform a Small Academic Library

Hillman

Blackburn

Shamp

et al. 2017

EBLIP

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Objective -By collecting and analyzing evidence from three data points, researchers sought to understand how library spaces are used. Researchers have used results for evidence based decision making regarding physical library spaces.Methods -Undergraduate researchers, sociology faculty, and librarians used mixed-methods to triangulate findings. Seating sweeps were used to map patrons' activities in the library. Studentled focus groups discussed patterns of library use, impressions of facilities, and library features and services. The final step included a campus survey developed from seating sweeps and focus group findings.Results -Seating sweeps showed consistent use of the library's main level Learning Commons and upper level quiet spaces; the library's multipurpose lower level is under-utilized. Students use the main level of the library for collaborative learning, socializing, reading, and computer use. Students use the upper level for quiet study and group work in study rooms. Focus group findings found library use is task-specific. For example, a student may work with classmates on a project using the main level Learning Commons during the day, and then come back at night to use the quiet floor for test preparation. Survey responses highlighted areas in which the library is deficient. For example, respondents cited crowdedness, noise levels, and temperature concerns.Conclusion -These data offer empirical evidence for library space needs. Some data aligns with previous space studies conducted at this library: access to power outlets, lighting, noise, and an outdated environment. Evidence also supports anecdotal concerns of crowding, graduate students lacking designated study space, and the need for quiet study space away from group study space.

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Space Preference at James White Library: What Students Really Want

Cited by 44 publications

References 61 publications

Student and staff perceptions of university library usage: Comparing reality to interpretation of space usage

Student and staff perceptions of university library usage: Comparing reality to interpretation of space usage

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

User-focused, User-led: Space Assessment to Transform a Small Academic Library

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