What's in a Name? The Evolving Library Commons Concept

Bonnand, Sheila; Donahue, Tim

doi:10.1080/10691316.2010.487443

Cited by 13 publications

(5 citation statements)

References 8 publications

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“…An entire library might become a university's information commons (Hisle, 2005), or through new additions or renovation libraries could now contain "a flexible, reconfigurable space that is sized to a reasonable subpopulation of students and equipped with group learning spaces as appropriate" (Beagle, Tierney, & Bailey, 2006, p. 9). Neither the name nor the space came to have a consistent definition or execution, but on the whole this situation has not impeded the beneficial results for libraries or librarianship (Bonnand & Donahue, 2010).…”

Section: Literature Reviewmentioning

confidence: 99%

Student Use of the Information Commons: An Exploration through Mixed Methods

Archambault

Justice

2017

EBLIP

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Objective -In this case study, librarians at the William H. Hannon Library at Loyola Marymount University explored user behaviour in the Information Commons, user preferences for furniture style and configuration, and how users engaged with a mix of technology, resources, and activities inside the space.Methods -The researchers used a mixed-methods case study consisting of 2,443 "direct observations," 646 environmental scans, 248 patron surveys, and 46 whiteboard poll questions. They created visualizations of results in Tableau, with filters for zone and variable. They then carried out a follow-up furniture preferences survey with 190 respondents.Results -Independent study dominated the space usage. Users valued spaciousness, quiet, privacy, and a clean environment. Users frequently multi-tasked with additional devices as they Evidence Based Library and Information Practice 2017, 12.4 14 simultaneously used the library computers, including cell phones, headphones, and laptops. The majority of students self-reported using a library computer for email and to access the campus online learning platform. They also reported reading/studying and printing as frequent activities, although these were less frequently observed. Unattended belongings were observed along with broken electrical outlets. Temperature and noise levels were highly variable.Conclusions -This methodology allowed for the exploration of space use and satisfaction and uncovered implications for the redesign of the library space. The library has already taken steps toward making improvements based on this assessment project including: removing some reference stacks in favor of additional seating space, an inventory of all electrical outlets, and the exploration of new furniture and noise control strategies.

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Section: Literature Reviewmentioning

confidence: 99%

Student Use of the Information Commons: An Exploration through Mixed Methods

Archambault

Justice

2017

EBLIP

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“…In libraries, learning commons spaces tend to be seen as an evolution and extension of the "information commons" model, which reframes spaces originally intended to primarily support students' information-seeking activities as locations for students to participate in information processes and produce knowledge in "a vibrant, collaborative, [and] technologyinfused space" (Accardi, Cordova, & Leeder, 2010, p. 312;Turner et al, 2013, p. 230;Somerville & Harlan, 2008, pp. 1-36;Bonnand & Donahue, 2010).…”

Section: Literature Reviewmentioning

confidence: 99%

Space Use in the Commons: Evaluating a Flexible Library Environment

Asher¹

2017

EBLIP

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the terms of the Creative Commons-AttributionNoncommercial-Share Alike License 4.0 International (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0/), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly attributed, not used for commercial purposes, and, if transformed, the resulting work is redistributed under the same or similar license to this one. AbstractObjective -This article evaluates the usage and user experience of the Herman B Wells Library's Learning Commons, a newly renovated technology and learning centre that provides services and spaces tailored to undergraduates' academic needs at Indiana University Bloomington (IUB).Methods -A mixed-method research protocol combining time-lapse photography, unobtrusive observation, and random-sample surveys was employed to construct and visualize a representative usage and activity profile for the Learning Commons space.Results -Usage of the Learning Commons by particular student groups varied considerably from expectations based on student enrollments. In particular, business, first and second year students, and international students used the Learning Commons to a higher degree than expected, while humanities students used it to a much lower degree. While users were satisfied with the services provided and the overall atmosphere of the space, they also experienced the negative effects of insufficient space and facilities due to the space often operating at or near its capacity. Demand for collaboration rooms and computer workstations was particularly high, while additional evidence suggests that the Learning Commons furniture mix may not adequately match users' needs.Conclusions -This study presents a unique approach to space use evaluation that enables researchers to collect and visualize representative observational data. This study demonstrates a Evidence Based Library and Information Practice 2017, 12.2 69 model for quickly and reliably assessing space use for open-plan and learning-centred academic environments and for evaluating how well these learning spaces fulfill their institutional mission.

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“…This type of functional scheme is determined according to the noise level, and the principle of visual interconnection between functional zones, shows a new standard in the construction of libraries. At the theoretical level, "established criteria for determining the interrelations of elements the holders of multiple spatial contentsin the program terms, take multifunctional definitions by adding, overlapping or combining of different spatial events and experiences" [13]. However, how functional zones are combined in space depends on the focus and main purpose of the libraryfocus of some libraries will be on conferences and meeting rooms, some will be based on the needs of younger users, offering different spaces for learning and children socialization.…”

Section: Typology Of Functional Zonesmentioning

confidence: 99%

Theoretical and Methodological Foundations of Architecture – Architectural Organization of Modern Libraries

KOCA¹,

Stanković²

2019

ACE

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The methodology of designing library objects has changed throughout history. Their change is the result of the dynamics of modern life, as well as of the modified readers' habits caused by the rapid development of information technology. This paper discusses the change in the functional disposition of the 21st century libraries in relation to traditional design patterns. The results show that, in the battle against the unrestricted source of information provided by the Internet, library objects will survive only if their functional characteristics are transformed in accordance with the needs of the modern, digital age.

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What's in a Name? The Evolving Library Commons Concept

Cited by 13 publications

References 8 publications

Student Use of the Information Commons: An Exploration through Mixed Methods

Student Use of the Information Commons: An Exploration through Mixed Methods

Space Use in the Commons: Evaluating a Flexible Library Environment

Theoretical and Methodological Foundations of Architecture – Architectural Organization of Modern Libraries

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