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

Abstract

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.

Learning about Student Research Practices through an Ethnographic Investigation: Insights into Contact with Librarians and Use of Library Space

“…After an extensive coding process, a thematic analysis uncovered a number of findings relating to library services, space, and student research habits. Future research could pursue a number of different directions, including focusing upon or incorporating additional ethnographic methods, such as participant-driven photo elicitation methods (Bedi & Webb, 2017) …”

Participant-driven photo-elicitation in library settings: A methodological discussion

“…In our own research, we found that photographs can help facilitate in-depth discussions in other ways. In particular, we heard from several participants who described the process of making photographs as a way to overcome intimidating language barriers that would otherwise deter them from participating in the research (Bedi & Webb, 2017). This finding leads us to hypothesize that photoelicitation may be a tool that can help encourage broader participation from international students on our campuses, leading to the inclusion of more diverse opinions and experiences in library research (Bedi & Webb, 2017).…”

“…In our own research, we use PDPE methods to investigate users' library wayfinding strategies and shed light on students' experiences in library spaces (Bedi & Webb, 2017). The insights we gained have already begun to inform renovation plans and signage improvements to our physical spaces.…”

“…Having photos to guide our interviews meant that we only had to ask simple, open-ended questions, such as "What is happening in this photo?" to have meaningful discussions (Bedi & Webb, 2017). Similarly, in their study in the Edmonton Public Library system, Haberl and Wortman (2012) note that the method allowed the researchers to "more easily build a rapport with the participant", a particular benefit for researchers who may not have extensive research interview expertise (p. 14).…”

“…However, as Pollak (2017) notes, "although participatory visual methods are seen as a way of neutralizing to some extent the power differential between researcher and participant … it is generally understood that the researcher cannot be removed from the facilitation process entirely" (p. 102). For example, in our own research, we imposed constraints on our participants, including providing photo survey tasks, determining the equipment used, setting timelines and describing the purpose of the research project (Bedi & Webb, 2017). Undoubtedly these actions shaped how our participants engaged in the research process and reinforced the power of the researcher to determine what photographs participants ought to take.…”