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.
The information world has been in a continuous state of flux, affecting what skills and competencies an information professional needs. Therefore, school curricula have to be able to cover today's needs and also be adaptive enough to accommodate tomorrow's needs. This poster represents phase I and phase II of a research project conducted by the School of Library and Information Science (SLIS) of the University of South Carolina. This research aims to understand which skills are important and why from the information professionals’ perspective. In order to garner insight into what information skills and competencies are currently expected from library and information science (LIS) program graduates, the authors conducted a University of South Carolina SLIS employer survey and semi‐structured interviewes with selected employers. The results revealed that knowledge of telecommunications and networking, as well as network security are among the most important areas of expertise. Additionally, soft skills, such as teamwork, project management, and time management were viewed as important, too.
This article employs a comparative historical perspective to narrow the gap in the existing knowledge of the origins of the trans-Atlantic information explosion phenomenon that dates back to the early decades of the twentieth century. The author examines the root cause of the unprecedented growth of the overall amount of documents through the lens of the rapid expansion of scientific and technical advances across the world and subsequent spread of modern technologies, particularly those applied to scientific and technical information (STI). The study’s focus is on two superpowers of the era: the thriving Soviet military-industrial complex that went hand in hand with the rise of the STI management system in the mid-twentieth century United States. By exploring the practices of a range of U.S. and Soviet information agencies, this research draws parallels with the current information overload and informs our judgment about the challenges and possibilities in scientific and scholarly research brought about by today’s global information age.
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