Evaluation of University of Queensland Library Spaces: Three Case Studies at St Lucia Campus

Neda Abbasi, Deakin University

Richard Tucker, Deakin University

Kenn Fisher, University Of Melbourne

Robert Gerrity, University Of Queensland

Presenter: Robert Gerrity

ALIA National 2014 Conference: “TOGETHER WE ARE STRONGER”The Pullman Albert Park Hotel, Melbourne, Australia, 15-19 September 2014

INTRODUCTION

• Understanding evolving patterns of students’ learning behaviours, space uses & preferences

• Evaluation of spaces in Social Sciences and Humanities (SSHL); Biological Sciences (BSL); and Walter Harrison Law (WHLL) Libraries

• Identifying areas for improvement in SSHL & impacts of refurbishments at BSL & WHLL

• Online survey of “Student Experience of Library Spaces”

• 1505 survey completed, with 1098 responses to open-ended questions

BACKGROUND

Major Drivers

• The need to study impacts of space characteristics on library use & to determine the right balance of individual and group study spaces

• Findings of 2012 insyncsurveys

Study Aims

• Determine effectiveness of spaces re students’ & faculty’s needs

• Identify weakness and strength of library spaces

• Outline evidence-based recommendations

CONTEXTSSHL BSL WHLL

METHOD

Student Experience of Library Spaces Survey

(1) Questions about all branches of UQ Library

• Library Users’ Characteristics & Patterns of Library Use

• Rating the importance of quiet, ambience, access to information, library as a meeting place, and encouragement by seeing other students studying

• Quality and Function of Library Spaces

(2) Questions about one of the three case studies

PATTERNS OF LIBRARY USENumber of hours spent in the library during SEMESTER WEEKS

Number of hours spent in the library during EXAM PERIODS

Frequent Activities in UQ case study libraries SSHL BSL WHLL

1 Studying alone Studying alone Studying alone

2 Completing an individual assignment/Writing a paper

Completing an individual assignment/Writing a paper

Completing an individual assignment/Writing a paper

3 Using my own laptop Using the library computers Using my own laptop

4 Finding/borrowing books and journals

Using my own laptop Using the library computers

5 Using the library computers Collaborating with colleagues/Group study

Collaborating with colleagues/Group study

LocationAccess to Books & Course-Related

Resources Design i.e. layout & variety of spaces

Study Spaces

Quiet Spaces

Availability Of Computers

Furniture i.e. lockable desks

Wayfinding

Post Graduate Space In Duhig Tower

Opening Hours/Access

Group Study Areas

Environmental Comfort

242

191

100

74

29

29

27

16

10

9

6

5

No. of References

REASONS FOR LIBRARY VISIT

BSL

WHLL

SSHL

Frequency of Use of Different Spaces

DESIGN-RELATED QUALITIES

“It is a much more pleasant aesthetic, and the glass and open planning are a much more comfortable place to study. I don't like the feeling of being enclosed in a space and this helps tremendously.”

“It has nice modern decor and architecture that makes it welcoming and peaceful. It also has several different zones which is pleasant … The spaces are varied and I like to change places depending on the type of work I am completing.”

A Welcoming Library Entry

Very important Somewhat important Neutral Somewhat unimportant Very unimportant0

100

200

300

400

500

600

700

800

900

1000 945

667

201

10347

497

625

383

256210

493

642

474

226

134

379

623

469

301

193150

511

636

385

288

Sitting and lounge areas with comfortable furniture

A cafe in close proximity to a library entry

Open spaces/glass walls to see through inside the library

Food and Drink vending machines

A gallery or some exhibition spaces for works of arts or display of new books

ACOUSTICS & LIGHTING

Theme Identified from Comments on the lighting in UQ library spaces

Responses to the question of ‘how often do you find library spaces noisy and difficult to work in?’

RECOMMENDATIONS

• Library as a place for “Quiet Individual Study”

• Zoning strategies to separate noisy and quiet spaces

• Clear signage in proper locations

• Less formal space for students to read and reflect; a space for creativity and reflection

• Thoughtful and creative design of furniture

• “Choices” of study carrels or individual study desks i.e. furniture, orientation, location and the degree of visual privacy

• Strategies to introduce to students what is on offer re spaces

THANK YOU!www.evaluation-of-academic-library-spaces.com

Neda Abbasi, neda.abbasi@deakin.edu.au

Richard Tucker, richard.tucker@deakin.edu.au

Kenn Fisher, fisherk@unimelb.edu.au

Robert Gerrity, r.gerrity@library.uq.edu.au