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Evaluation of University of Queensland Library Spaces: Three Case Studies at St Lucia Campus. Neda Abbasi , Deakin University Richard Tucker , Deakin University Kenn Fisher , University Of Melbourne Robert Gerrity , University Of Queensland Presenter: Robert Gerrity. - PowerPoint PPT Presentation
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Evaluation of University of Queensland Library Spaces: Three Case Studies at St Lucia Campus
Neda Abbasi, Deakin University
Richard Tucker, Deakin University
Kenn Fisher, University Of Melbourne
Robert Gerrity, University Of Queensland
Presenter: Robert Gerrity
ALIA National 2014 Conference: “TOGETHER WE ARE STRONGER”The Pullman Albert Park Hotel, Melbourne, Australia, 15-19 September 2014
INTRODUCTION
• Understanding evolving patterns of students’ learning behaviours, space uses & preferences
• Evaluation of spaces in Social Sciences and Humanities (SSHL); Biological Sciences (BSL); and Walter Harrison Law (WHLL) Libraries
• Identifying areas for improvement in SSHL & impacts of refurbishments at BSL & WHLL
• Online survey of “Student Experience of Library Spaces”
• 1505 survey completed, with 1098 responses to open-ended questions
BACKGROUND
Major Drivers
• The need to study impacts of space characteristics on library use & to determine the right balance of individual and group study spaces
• Findings of 2012 insyncsurveys
Study Aims
• Determine effectiveness of spaces re students’ & faculty’s needs
• Identify weakness and strength of library spaces
• Outline evidence-based recommendations
CONTEXTSSHL BSL WHLL
METHOD
Student Experience of Library Spaces Survey
(1) Questions about all branches of UQ Library
• Library Users’ Characteristics & Patterns of Library Use
• Rating the importance of quiet, ambience, access to information, library as a meeting place, and encouragement by seeing other students studying
• Quality and Function of Library Spaces
(2) Questions about one of the three case studies
PATTERNS OF LIBRARY USENumber of hours spent in the library during SEMESTER WEEKS
Number of hours spent in the library during EXAM PERIODS
Frequent Activities in UQ case study libraries SSHL BSL WHLL
1 Studying alone Studying alone Studying alone
2 Completing an individual assignment/Writing a paper
Completing an individual assignment/Writing a paper
Completing an individual assignment/Writing a paper
3 Using my own laptop Using the library computers Using my own laptop
4 Finding/borrowing books and journals
Using my own laptop Using the library computers
5 Using the library computers Collaborating with colleagues/Group study
Collaborating with colleagues/Group study
LocationAccess to Books & Course-Related
Resources Design i.e. layout & variety of spaces
Study Spaces
Quiet Spaces
Availability Of Computers
Furniture i.e. lockable desks
Wayfinding
Post Graduate Space In Duhig Tower
Opening Hours/Access
Group Study Areas
Environmental Comfort
242
191
100
74
29
29
27
16
10
9
6
5
No. of References
REASONS FOR LIBRARY VISIT
BSL
WHLL
SSHL
Frequency of Use of Different Spaces
DESIGN-RELATED QUALITIES
“It is a much more pleasant aesthetic, and the glass and open planning are a much more comfortable place to study. I don't like the feeling of being enclosed in a space and this helps tremendously.”
“It has nice modern decor and architecture that makes it welcoming and peaceful. It also has several different zones which is pleasant … The spaces are varied and I like to change places depending on the type of work I am completing.”
A Welcoming Library Entry
Very important Somewhat important Neutral Somewhat unimportant Very unimportant0
100
200
300
400
500
600
700
800
900
1000 945
667
201
10347
497
625
383
256210
493
642
474
226
134
379
623
469
301
193150
511
636
385
288
Sitting and lounge areas with comfortable furniture
A cafe in close proximity to a library entry
Open spaces/glass walls to see through inside the library
Food and Drink vending machines
A gallery or some exhibition spaces for works of arts or display of new books
ACOUSTICS & LIGHTING
Theme Identified from Comments on the lighting in UQ library spaces
Responses to the question of ‘how often do you find library spaces noisy and difficult to work in?’
RECOMMENDATIONS
• Library as a place for “Quiet Individual Study”
• Zoning strategies to separate noisy and quiet spaces
• Clear signage in proper locations
• Less formal space for students to read and reflect; a space for creativity and reflection
• Thoughtful and creative design of furniture
• “Choices” of study carrels or individual study desks i.e. furniture, orientation, location and the degree of visual privacy
• Strategies to introduce to students what is on offer re spaces
THANK YOU!www.evaluation-of-academic-library-spaces.com
Neda Abbasi, [email protected]
Richard Tucker, [email protected]
Kenn Fisher, [email protected]
Robert Gerrity, [email protected]