An Evaluation of Patron Perceptions of Library Space Using the Role Repertory Grid Procedure

Abstract

The evaluation of library space for its effectiveness and efficiency in meeting patron needs is an important part of the process in planning library facilities. However, techniques for obtaining such information are not widely available in the library science literature. The Role Repertory Grid Procedure, a technique derived from personal construct theory in the behavioral sciences, was evaluated for its practicality and validity as a way of gathering patron perceptions about the effectiveness and efficiency of library space. The grid did provide useful information on patrons’ perceptions of library space. However, although the Role Repertory Grid Procedure was found to be fairly easy to administer, questions about its validity and reliability remain to be answered. The authors believe that further work to simplify the analysis will be necessary before the grid can be widely used in evaluating library space.

Library space management: a GIS proposal

“…Similar studies concentrated lately on balancing spaces of print materials and digital and online information owing to the increase of information technology in modern libraries (e.g. Bazillion and Braun, 2001;Miller, 2002;Potthoff et al, 2000).…”

“…In practice, the majority of academic libraries lack an automated space management system in their Figure 1 Work flow of library space management daily operations. In most cases, if space reorganization is planned, librarians launch investigations to get feedback via interviews and questionnaires from library users, or seek to discover user behavior via personal observation, in order to analyze the utilization of physical space and facilities (Hall, 1978;Neustadter, 1968;Potthoff and Montanelli, 1990;Potthoff et al, 2000). This data, which may be summarized through statistical analysis, serves as the basis for librarians to make decisions about space reconsideration.…”

Visual traffic sweeps (VTS): A research method for mapping user activities in the library space

“…These data, which are usually summarized by statistical or textual analysis, form the basis for many librarians' decisions about space considerations. For example, Potthoff, Weis, Montanelli, and Murbach (2000) followed a role repertory grid procedure to collect data on patrons' perceptions of library space. Given and Leckie (2003) discuss the time-space mapping method, where individuals are followed through library spaces and their activities mapped over the course of a day or week.…”

“Good Fences Make Good Neighbors”: Territorial Dividers Increase User Satisfaction and Efficiency in Library Study Spaces

“…Many studies have addressed spatial considerations in library design (e.g., library as place: Applegate, 2009;Bennett, 2003;Bennett et al, 2005;Demas & Scherer, 2002;Holder & Lange, 2014;Shill & Tonner, 2003), explored spatial needs to improve services (e.g., Acker & Miller, 2005;Fox & Stuart, 2009;Hunley & Schaller, 2009;Miller, 2008), and pondered the impact of physical space, its furniture, and equipment on students' behavior and satisfaction when planning campus libraries (e.g., Bennett, 2006;Bennett, 2007;Campbell & Schlechter, 1979;Clee & Maguire, 1993;DeClercq & Cranz, 2014;Foster & Gibbons, 2007;Gayton, 2008;Potthoff, Weis, Montanelli, & Murbach, 2000;Rempel, Hussong-Christian, & Mellinger, 2011;Shill & Tonner, 2004;Webb, Schaller, & Hunley, 2008). Of particular relevance to the present problem are findings that seem to point to a library user's preference for studying in a library (thereby in the presence of others) but having a private study area.…”