The whys and hows of academic library space assessment: a case study

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to advocate for change in academic library space assessment and use philosophy in favor of a more user-centered approach emphasizing space designed for and by users themselves. This goal is achieved by analyzing the implementation of a recent space assessment project at the University of Northern Colorado Libraries to investigate specific patterns of library space utilization. Design/methodology/approach This paper presents a case study for which data were collected through a multi-method approach, including flip chart and whiteboard questions, brief semi-structured “tabling” interviews, and more in-depth “roving” interviews. Findings The current library literature on space assessment does not encompass broader, more holistic approaches to how library space is used by students, faculty, staff and community users. The findings from this study highlight the diversity of ways patrons may use an academic library, many of which are related to academic work. However, visitors also come to the library for other purposes, such as socializing or attending an event. It is imperative that the space be adequately equipped to meet varied visitor needs and to create a welcoming environment for all patrons. Originality/value The paper has several implications for planning and managing the operations of medium-sized academic libraries. It contributes to the larger conversation in higher education about the importance of user research for enhancing visitor experience through data-informed decision-making. Furthermore, the project it details is not an isolated assessment effort but part of the library’s ongoing space assessment work.

Tell Us What You Really Think: Implementing a Mixed-methods Approach to Library User Assessment

“…(Archambault & Justice, 2017;Becker et al, 2017;Camacho et al, 2019;Ferria et al, 2017;Fournier & Sikora, 2017;Halling & Carrigan, 2012;Ippoliti et al, 2017;Mamtora, 2013;Montgomery, 2014;Robison & Muszkiewicz, 2018;Spencer & Watstein, 2017). At Northern Colorado Libraries, librarians utilized whiteboards and flip charts to study how students use library space, which subsequently informed institutional space improvement and redesign priorities (Trembach et al, 2019). One of the most notable contributions to the project included whiteboard commentary on student needs and preferences, which may not normally be identified using traditional surveys as they target users who specifically visit the library and require less time than a traditional survey (Trembach et al, 2019).…”

“…At Northern Colorado Libraries, librarians utilized whiteboards and flip charts to study how students use library space, which subsequently informed institutional space improvement and redesign priorities (Trembach et al, 2019). One of the most notable contributions to the project included whiteboard commentary on student needs and preferences, which may not normally be identified using traditional surveys as they target users who specifically visit the library and require less time than a traditional survey (Trembach et al, 2019). Examples of such feedback included requests for better Wi-Fi, a cleaner building, and better lighting (Trembach et al, 2019).…”

Reflection on the center for digital scholarship in China: a case study on space redesign

“…The larger table space, comfortable furniture and more desktop computers were popular with the users (Hall and Kapa, 2015). Adding new furniture could also be a cost-effective way to maximize space usage if the renovation was not feasible (Trembach et al , 2019). With the trend of users owning laptops and bringing them to the library, the “bring your own device” (BYOD) space was a viable approach for library space planning (Chao et al , 2019).…”

Interiors, Affect, and Use: How Does an Academic Library’s Learning Commons Support Students’ Needs?

“…(Head, 2016, p. 25) Despite such complications, a small body of assessment research has steadily accumulated over the past decade. Empirical studies examining library learning spaces have largely been case studies relying on a combination of qualitative and quantitative methods, often employing ethnographic and anthropological tools and techniques for studying students' behaviors (Andrews, Wright, & Raskin, 2016;Archambault & Justice, 2017;Asher, 2017;Thomas, Van Horne, Jacobson, & Anson, 2015;Trembach, Blodgett, Epperson, & Floersch, 2019). Many of these studies operated under the unconfirmed assumption of a relationship between learning commons' users' satisfaction and learning outcomes.…”