The Third Place: The Library as Collaborative and Community Space in a Time of Fiscal Restraint

Montgomery, Susan E.; Miller, Jonathan D.

doi:10.1080/10691316.2011.577683

Cited by 53 publications

(34 citation statements)

References 4 publications

Supporting

Mentioning

Contrasting

Unclassified

Order By: Relevance

“…Montgomery and Miller (2011) contend that the concept of third place is relevant to library as place. They emphasize the importance of libraries as naturally inclusive-third-places, in which social interactions are available, and at the same time users can maintain their privacy.…”

Section: Library As Placementioning

confidence: 97%

Dimensions of User Perception of Academic Library as Place

Kim

2016

The Journal of Academic Librarianship

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Section: Library As Placementioning

confidence: 97%

Dimensions of User Perception of Academic Library as Place

Kim

2016

The Journal of Academic Librarianship

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

“…This change in focus has rendered much discussion in the library and information science (LIS) literature about the library as the "third place" (Ferria et al, 2017;Harris, 2007;Montgomery & Miller, 2011). Authors often point out that despite the proliferation of online resources the library's physical space is still critical to our users (Brown & Lippincott, 2003;Harris, 2007;Montgomery & Miller, 2011). Thus, continued exploration into library user experience of library space, design, and wayfinding is worthy of attention.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Through the Students’ Lens: Photographic Methods for Research in Library Spaces

Bedi

Webb

2017

EBLIP

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Objective -As librarians and researchers, we are deeply curious about how our library users navigate and experience our library spaces. Although we have some data about users' experiences and wayfinding strategies at our libraries, including anecdotal evidence, statistics, surveys, and focus group discussions, we lacked more in-depth information that reflected students' real-time experiences as they move through our library spaces. Our objective is to address that gap by using photographic methods for studying library spaces.Methods -We present two studies conducted in two academic libraries that used participantdriven photo-elicitation (PDPE) methods. Described simply, photo-elicitation methods involve the use of photographs as discussion prompts in interviews. In both studies presented here, we asked participants to take photographs that reflected their experiences using and navigating our Evidence Based Library and Information Practice 2017, 12.2 16library spaces. We then met with participants for an interview using their photos as prompts to discuss their experiences.Results -Our analysis of students' photos and interviews provided rich descriptions of student experiences in library spaces. This analysis resulted in new insights into the ways that students navigate the library as well as the ways that signage, furniture, technology, and artwork in the library can shape student experiences in library spaces. The results have proven productive in generating answers to our research questions and supporting practical improvements to our libraries. Additionally, when comparing the results from our two studies we identified the importance of detailed spatial references for understanding student experiences in library spaces, which has implications beyond our institutions.Conclusion -We found that photographic methods were very productive in helping us to understand library users' experiences and supporting decision-making related to library spaces. In addition, engaging with students and hearing their interpretations and stories about the photographs they created enhanced our research understandings of student experiences and needs in new and unique ways.

show abstract

“…(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: 87%

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

Hillman

Blackburn

Shamp

et al. 2017

EBLIP

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

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.

show abstract

The Third Place: The Library as Collaborative and Community Space in a Time of Fiscal Restraint

Cited by 53 publications

References 4 publications

Dimensions of User Perception of Academic Library as Place

Dimensions of User Perception of Academic Library as Place

Through the Students’ Lens: Photographic Methods for Research in Library Spaces

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

Contact Info

Product

Resources

About