Visualizing occupancy of library study space with GIS maps

Abstract

PurposeThis research seeks to observe the occupancy of study areas in a university library over a period of several months with the aim of evaluating the efficiency of library resources usage.Design/methodology/approachIn undertaking the research, study facilities of a library, such as chairs, sofas, carrels, and tables, were first drawn as features on maps using a GIS application. Geospatial databases were then created to store data of occupancy of the facilities by library users, which were observed by the author. On connecting records in the databases to features on the maps, GIS functions were explored to analyze observed data and exhibit the analytical results on the maps.FindingsThe findings of this research challenge the predominant opinion that insists that academic library users have a preference of study carrels over tables for studying. Instead, the research reveals that student users tend to select tables to study, especially tables equipped with electrical and internet connections. At the same time, group study rooms are overwhelmingly welcomed.Practical implicationsThis research demonstrates the potential of GIS technology for assisting library operations with regard to study space management. With GIS, libraries can have an automation tool to record their daily activities, analyze the data, and exhibit the analysis on maps for better understanding.Originality/valueThis is an experimental work. Librarians may find it useful in managing the activities of their library and helpful in providing information for space rearrangement and service enhancement.

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

“…In academic libraries one model of integrated physical space is the information (or knowledge) commons, which combines technology and reference services in a central library location (Dale, Beard, & Holland, 2011;MacWhinnie, 2003;Matthews & Walton, 2013;Xia, 2005). Often, the information commons includes hi-tech classrooms and group study spaces designed for collaborative learning.…”

“…The shift to personal computing has also increased calls to change lighting and provide more power outlets. However, there is controversy over how best to accommodate laptop users while providing spaces for traditional activities (Xia, 2005). Thomas (2000) notes that planners must provide as much flexibility as possible for readers and technology users in order to accommodate a variety of space types and interactions; the ideal design should allow for the coexistence of the physical and virtual library, with spaces that reflect "what really happens in the library" (p. 415).…”

“…Johnston and Bishop (2011) make the call for school librarians to consider the use of GIS in considering the school library as "place". Similarly, Xia's (2005) paper proposed GIS as a tool for analyzing potential changes to the interiors of libraries. To date, Xia's work, the research conducted by Mandel (2010Mandel ( , 2013, and the findings of the study reported in this paper (from Simpson, 2007) are the only projects to make use of GIS techniques inside the library space.…”

“…Xia (2004c) also used GIS to draw objects (such as chairs, and tables) on maps and look for changes in usage patterns. Xia (2005) also conducted an experiment using GIS, which mapped the observed occupancy of study areas to evaluate the efficiency of library resource use. According to Xia (2004b), the advantages of GIS technology are that:…”

Sistemas de información geográfica para unidades de información

“…Un GIS puede ser útil también para el diseño interior de espacios en bibliotecas (Xia, 2004), para el seguimiento del movimiento de usuarios dentro de las dependencias (Xia, 2005), para determinar la necesidad de sistemas de videovigilancia en zonas con puntos negros en la desaparición de materiales, o para trasladar éstos a zonas más visibles (Coyle, 2011).…”