Library Space: Its Role in Research

Farmer, Lesley S. J.

doi:10.1080/02763877.2016.1120620

Cited by 11 publications

(13 citation statements)

References 13 publications

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“…Farmer (2016) echoes Nitecki’s earlier sentiment and cites several studies demonstrating ways to conduct needs assessments that can drive renovations and reallocation of library space. Some examples include the case of the Cornell University Libraries that used space assessment data to consolidate the library from five floors to four (Andrews and Wright, 2015), the University of Utah library’s remodeling of an unused patio space into a meeting place for artists, architects and students in the School of Architecture (Leither, 2015), and the success of the Florida State University librarians in using an ethnographic research methodology to advocate for the creation of Scholars Commons with a graduate student reading room (Kinsley et al , 2015).…”

Section: Literature Reviewmentioning

confidence: 76%

“…In keeping with Neal’s (2009) recommendation, the case described here starts with users. Rather than assessing patterns of use in reaction to an impending renovation or building project (Farmer, 2016; Andrews and Wright, 2015; Leither, 2015; Kinsley et al , 2015), this work sought to use anticipatory data collection to guide administrative decisions regarding services and spaces.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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The whys and hows of academic library space assessment: a case study

Trembach

Blodgett

Epperson

et al. 2019

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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.

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Section: Literature Reviewmentioning

confidence: 76%

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The whys and hows of academic library space assessment: a case study

Trembach

Blodgett

Epperson

et al. 2019

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…University libraries are increasingly characterised in the literature as dynamic and vibrant places and spaces in which learners, cast in the role of discursive consumers with a manifold of mutable needs and expectations, are socially and academically networked, supported and developed in a myriad of ways (Vogus & Frederiksen, 2019;Salisbury & Peseta, 2018;Farmer, 2016). University libraries have also been heralded in the literature for their responsive and receptive disposition to the fast-flowing currents of educational innovation impacting the university sector.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The University Library: Places for Possibility

O'Donnell

Anderson

2021

New Review of Academic Librarianship

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University libraries are constituted in the literature by a range of overlapping and shifting conceptual models that are deployed to capture, express and legitimise their repurposing, progressive status and function within the university campus. Over the last two decades university libraries have been increasingly characterised as highly responsive and receptive to the fast-moving currents of technological innovation, and emergent teaching and learning paradigms. This paper charts and discusses the evolutionary trajectory of the university library set within an historical context, exploring the discursive influences that have both stimulated and propagated what might be described as progressive transformation. The paper seeks to portray and unpack the Zeitgeist of the academic library that has been cultivated in contemporary times; positioning the university library against a backdrop of global developments that have shaped the university sector from the early 1990s, and offering a macro-level exploration of the increasing status of the university library.

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“…Other articles emphasized the importance of assessing library space using a variety of methods to design successful learning and research spaces (Farmer, 2016;Hanson & Abresch, 2017;Nitecki, 2011). For example, Hanson and Abresch (2017) suggested that libraries employ a range of methods to create "a true 360-degree view of users' perspectives" (p. 121).…”

Section: Literature Reviewmentioning

confidence: 99%

“The Carrels are Essential”: An Investigation of Faculty Study Spaces at a Mid-Size State College

Hendley

2019

The Journal of Academic Librarianship

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Library Space: Its Role in Research

Cited by 11 publications

References 13 publications

The whys and hows of academic library space assessment: a case study

The whys and hows of academic library space assessment: a case study

The University Library: Places for Possibility

“The Carrels are Essential”: An Investigation of Faculty Study Spaces at a Mid-Size State College

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