A locational analysis of academic library computer use

Abstract

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to measure, characterize and correlate relationships between spaces within an academic library and the amount of use they receive from patrons.Design/methodology/approachLogin data gathered from computers were analyzed spatially using AutoCAD and ArcGIS to characterize the relative popularity of each computer. The login data were correlated to each computer's proximity to the entrance, a picture window, its printer, quantity of neighboring computers, and service points.FindingsDescriptive statistics reveal high usage of computers close to the entrance and close to service points. The strongest relationship of all was with a combination of attractors rather than any one attractor. Other measures were less closely correlated with usage, with proximity to window having little to no correlation. These hypotheses merit further study.Originality/valueUnderstanding the use of technology in library spaces is important to inform future facility planning to meet patron needs.

What Matters for Students' Use of Physical Library Space?

“…For example, DeClercq and Cranz (2014) found that students' favorite spaces were located close to windows, similar to the findings of many other studies (Foster & Gibbons, 2007;Mls, 2000;Organ & Jantti, 1997). Weessies (2011) found that proximity, such as the distance from an entrance, was strongly correlated with workstation choice. Holder and Lange (2014) observed that many students preferred to find a quiet space in the library.…”

“…However, as the POEs at the CBE mainly concentrated on occupant satisfaction, the study modified the space attributes so that they were more related to spatial choice. The study added the following five space attributes: "Crowdedness," "Air movement," "Distance from an entrance," "Accessibility to facilities (e.g., printer, restroom, and cafeteria)" and "Window view" (i.e., access to an outside view through a window from where you sit) based on space use studies in libraries (Applegate, 2009;Crumpton & Crowe, 2009;Webb et al, 2008;Weessies, 2011). The item "General maintenance of the building" was deleted because it is irrelevant to decision making based on space.…”

“…Studies have adopted a variety of methods to better understand space use in libraries, such as mental mapping, overt observation, unobtrusive observation, visitor tracking, interviews and questionnaires (May, 2011;Webb et al, 2008). Specific spaces in libraries have been selected in some studies, such as study spaces (Applegate, 2009) and computer spaces (Weessies, 2011).…”

The role of space attributes in space-choice behaviour and satisfaction in an academic library

“…2012 and 2013), it was found that the responses were not identical. Moreover, while Webb et al (2008) found that a window view is one of the main reasons for space choice in a library, in Weessies’ (2011) study this attribute was found to have a very low correlation with space choice. Therefore, to overcome the challenge, data on space attributes that affect users’ space choice and satisfaction levels must be collected on the same occasion if they are to permit such comparisons.…”

“…They found that main space attributes for study-floor selection include furniture, a window view, computer or wireless access, the floor with the books required and friends who were studying on that floor. Weessies (2011) and Yoo-Lee et al (2013) also studied space attributes affecting space choices, in this case for computer use or for study. Similarly, to understand the space attribute/user satisfaction relationship, Montgomery (2014) adopted the research question “What is it about this space that works well for you?” and conducted surveys in two consecutive years to track changes in the responses.…”