Library space planning: a participatory action research approach

Abstract

PurposeLibraries required to accommodate new services within existing facilities can benefit from an inclusive planning approach which produces a design concept and project phases for repurposing space. In the process, organizational decision making can move from print‐centered to program‐driven through intention use of information to learn. This paper seeks to explore this issue.Design/methodology/approachParticipatory action research (PAR) offers an action‐oriented and learning‐centered approach to (re)design of library facilities through an iterative plan‐act‐observe‐reflect cycle. Auraria Library's culminating charette illustrates the efficacy of PAR principles and practices for repurposing library facilities in response to changing user demands.FindingsOver an 18‐month period, participatory action research activities fostered data collection and interpretation activities, preparatory to a two‐day design charette conducted with and for members of campus constituencies. In addition to clarifying design elements for project phases with estimated budgets, the inclusive inquiry processes initiated campus relationships essential to successful project implementation.Research limitations/implicationsThis research study reports the latest findings in a series of North American implementation projects begun in 2003. The most ambitious to date, it involves library staff and campus stakeholders in inclusive library redesign processes.Practical implicationsAmidst dynamically changing internal and external circumstances, libraries can employ participatory action research principles and practices to use information to learn. The Auraria Library example illustrates the transferability of using inclusive information‐centered and learning‐focused approaches for organizational direction setting.Social implicationsThe purpose of the action‐oriented and learning‐focused approach is to engage participants in using information to learn. Participatory action research is therefore intrinsically emancipatory.Originality/valueA paucity of professional literature on participatory action research exists in the library and information science field. Therefore, this contribution both offers a promising approach for collaborative decision making and fills a gap in the professional knowledge base.

User preferences and library space at Whitworth University Library

“…), clear signage, 24-hour access, good lighting, and quality design. In the renovation of the Auraria Library, Brown-Sica (2012) found patrons requested more computers, more/better furniture, a more attractive environment, and electrical outlets most of all, and in consultation with other stakeholders, Somerville and Brown-Sica (2011) report the development of the five areas of study areas, programmatic areas, amenities, operations (e.g. facilitating library workflows), and building (e.g.…”

A comparative study of two design charrettes: implications for codesign and participatory action research

“…In response to research findings, design charrettes were then used to clarify redesign concepts for various library spaces and identify phased initiatives with associated budgets (Somerville and Brown-Sica 2011). This paper will discuss and critically compare two design charrettes conducted within this initiative.…”

“…In this way, it is a problem-solving method based on experiential learning that enables the coproduction of new knowledge and insights for innovation within applied contexts (Tedmanson and Banerjee 2010). For these reasons, PAR offered a practical, action-oriented and learning-centred approach to the Auraria Library redesign initiative (Somerville and Brown-Sica 2011).…”

“…Somerville 52 a list of priorities which were presented only briefly at the conclusion of the charrette, with no further discussion. These priorities then guided the architects' development of overall 'preferred options', with the final outcome being a charrette report that included these design options and a phased initiative plan with estimated budgets (Somerville and Brown-Sica 2011).…”

“…The purpose of this paper is to explore, through critical comparison of two design charrette experiences, how participatory prototyping can contribute to codesign practices and advance PAR approaches outside of the design discipline. This will be discussed through an exploration of a PAR initiative at Auraria Library at the University of Colorado, Denver, which sought to redesign library services, systems and spaces to anticipate and support rapidly changing student learning needs and faculty teaching patterns (Somerville and Brown-Sica 2011).…”