Library Impact Research Report: Facilitating Innovative Research, Creative Thinking, and Problem Solving

Abstract

As part of ARL’s Research Library Impact Framework initiative, the Marston Science Library (MSL) of the University of Florida (UF) George A. Smathers Libraries partnered with the UF Department of Interior Design (IND) to explore how research libraries facilitate innovation, creativity, and problem-solving competencies among their patrons. The MSL-IND team explored a three-tiered hypothesis that included: (1) students’ use of library spaces can contribute to building knowledge and practical applications for library space renovations; (2) student perceptions of space desirability as measured by the Place-based Semantic Differential can be used to indicate gaps in the library space facilitation of creativity; and (3) the creative thought process requires spaces that are diverse, flexible, and under a certain amount of student control. The research team developed a mixed-method study that included a spatial analysis, a survey utilizing an adjective checklist, and several focus groups designed to validate the adjective checklist. The research team analysis of the resulting data identified recommendations related to creating a sense of place, solving for the group by addressing the individual, offering a palette of posture, increasing biophilia, and offering choice and control.

What do engineering students want in an academic library space?

“…The general UF student population comprises 68.9% undergraduates, 22.6% graduates, and 8.5% professional or other students. The results of the complete study for all science library patrons was presented to the Association of Research Libraries in a report dated September 16, 2022 [15]. The results for all students were similar to the results for engineering students with the differences being that engineering students tend to spend more time in the library than other students and they favor the quiet study floors.…”

“…This survey should take no longer than15 minutes to complete Q1 Have you ever visited the Marston Science Library in person? o Yes o No o N/A Q2 Please indicate which floor of the Marston Science Library you are currently using: o Basement o Entry level o Third floor o Fourth floor o Fifth floor o I am currently working off-site Display This Question: Please indicate which floor of the Marston Science Library you are currently using: = I am currently working off-site Q3 If you are currently working off-site, can you describe which area of Marston Science Library (floor, etc.)…”