Teals presentation for srhe conference in newport-uk-dec2011

Development of a Tool for Evaluation of Academic Library Space

(TEALS)

School of Architecture and Building, Deakin UniversityGeelong Waterfront Campus

Dr Neda Abbasi Prof Hisham Elkadi

Ms Anne Horn

December 2011

Context

Significant investment in Deakin University libraries

Elementary research carried out on information seeking behaviours,

Studies carried out on web usability to improve the library website, search and discovery tools

Need for criteria and methodologies for undertaking Post Occupancy Evaluation of new or refurbished library

spaces

2Tool for Evaluation of Academic Library Spaces (TEALS)-SRHE Annual Conference-Dec 2011

Aims & Purposes

Development of a tool to evaluate quality and utilisation of spaces in academic libraries

The key purposes of the evaluation:

1. Determine if library spaces are effective and responsive• Assess “Users' satisfaction with space, service and collection“• Measure "significant use of certain spaces or services“

2. Identify the area of weakness and strength

3. Outline improvements strategies

3Tool for Evaluation of Academic Library Spaces (TEALS) - SRHE Annual Conference-Dec 2011

Significance

• The Importance of evaluation studies

• A gap in appropriate evaluation tools/methods for academic libraries


Significance: The importance of evaluation

• Benefits for the library building under study

• Benefits for users and staff

• Benefits in relation to management and expenses

• Benefits for future design

Why are POE studies and evaluation of spaces in general are importance?


Significance: A gap in appropriate evaluation toolsThe need to develop a COMPREHENSIVE evaluation tool specifically for academic

libraries

Empowering & Reflective

Take into account the four elements in Building Future (2004)

A focus on STUDENT Address “processes”

User-friendly

Building Futures 2004, P. 7


Phases of the Project

PHASES PROPORTION

1. Exploratory Research Phase 50%

2. Pilot Phase 30%

3. Final Modification& Launch of TEALS 20%


Phase 1: Research Phase

• The conceptual framework (methodology)

• A set of CoQ and QIs tailored to suit Deakin University Context

• Data Collection Method

• Data Analysis Strategies


Phase 1: Research Phase; MethodologyCoQ 2 CoQ 3CoQ 1

QIs1.1

QIs1.2

QIs1.3

QIs2.1

QIs2.2

QIs2.3

QIs3.1

QIs3.2

QIs3.3

Evaluate spaces in the library under study against CoQ and QIs

CRITERIA NOT MET

Interpret results as tools for future improvement & define specific improvement goals and strategies

CRITERIA MET Disseminate results widely & implement conclusions in future practices

CoQ: Criteria of Quality QIs: Measures/Quality Indicators (QIs)


Phase 1: Research Phase; Methodology; Criteria of Quality (CoQ)

ENVIRONMENTAL COMFORT & SUSTAINABILITY

IDENTITY & IMAGE

FUNCTIONALITY & EFFICIENCY

INVITING & WELCOMING ENTRY

A SENSE OF PLCAE & INSPIRATION

FLEXIBLITY & ADAPTABLITY

A VARIETY OF SPACE



Major Studies & Reports On Qualities Of Good Libraries

Qualities / Factors in 21st Century Libraries Organised in Relevant Categories

Summary Of The Descriptions Of Qualities / Factors


• Bailieu Library Ground Level Refurbishment, University of Melbourne

• Barry Street Library, University of Melbourne

• Brownless Biomedical Library, University of Melbourne

• Burwood Campus Library, Deakin University

• Eastern Resource Centre (ERC), University of Melbourne

• Ipswich Campus Library, University of Queensland

• Macquarie University Library, Sydney

• Melbourne Campus Library, La Trobe University

• Mt Helen Campus Library, University of Ballarat

• Student Learning Space, Burwood Campus, Deakin University

• Waurn Ponds Campus Library, Deakin University


SITE VISITS


Phase 1: Research Phase; Methodology

Criteria of Quality (CoQ)1. Foster Positive Image & Identity

2. Create Inviting and Welcoming Entry

3. Are Functional and Effective

4. Are Flexible and Adaptable

5. Are Varied Supporting Different Users & Uses

6. Are Social & People-Centred

7. Foster a Sense of Place and Inspiration

8. Provide Environmental Comfort and Sustainability

9. Are Accessible, Safe and Secure

10. Integrate Technologies


CoQ 1. Positive Image & Identity


Impressive external skin of a library building/facade architecture

The library as the “intellectual heart” and “focal point” of a university campus

Melbourne Campus Library, La Trobe Uni

CoQ 1. Positive Image & Identity


Using elements borrowed from the library context

Creative design of outdoor spaces

Waurn Ponds Campus Library, DU

CoQ 2. Inviting and Welcoming Entry


ERC, Melbourne Uni

An “intermediary space” which links outside and inside

A cafe

A gallery or exhibition spaces and display surfaces

CoQ 2. Inviting and Welcoming Entry


Ipswich Campus Library, UQ- Size and Form

- Furniture- Transparency- Food & Drink

Consumption Facilities

CoQ 3. Functionality and Efficiency


- Size/Area- Adjacencies/Relationships of

Spaces

- Materials

- Efficient Lighting

Barry Street Library, Melbourne Uni

CoQ 3. Functionality and Efficiency


- Acoustics

- Furniture & Storage- Provision of necessary elements, equipment

and technologies

- Provision of appropriate amenities Melbourne Campus Library, La Trobe Uni

CoQ 4. Flexibility and Adaptability


- Provision of power and data connections

- Building structure

- Furniture

Macquarie University Library

CoQ 4. Flexibility and Adaptability


- Screening and dividing elements

- Openness / Open plan layout

Burwood Campus Library, Deakin Uni

CoQ 5. A Variety of Spaces


- Individual Study Spaces

- Group Study Spaces

- Formal Collaborative Spaces

- Research Support Spaces

- Teaching Spaces

Barry Street Library, Melbourne Uni

CoQ 5. A Variety of Spaces


- Furniture

- Colour

- Lighting

- Dividing and Screening elements

- Type of technologies integrated

Burwood Campus Student Learning Space, Deakin Uni

CoQ 6. Being Social and People-centred


- Opportunities to find and make places

- Proper social spaces

- Interactive library service/help desk

- High quality & efficient workspace


Waurn Ponds Campus Library, Deakin Uni

CoQ 6. Being Social and People-centred


Ipswich Campus Library, UQ

- Community gathering spaces - Collaborative planning & design processes

CoQ 7. A Sense of Place and Inspiration


- Views- Innovative and Inspirational design features i.e. Forms, shapes, furniture and colour schemes


CoQ 7. A Sense of Place and Inspiration


- Exhibition spaces and display surface

- Visual Connection


Baillieu Library, Melbourne Uni

CoQ 8. Environmental Comfort & Sustainability


- Natural light

- Thermal Comfort

- Indoor air quality and ventilation

Mt Helen Campus Library, Ballarat Uni

CoQ 8. Environmental Comfort & Sustainability


- Sustainable design principles & features

http://www.ifla.org/en/about-environmental-sustainability-and-libraries

http://www.against-the-grain.com/2010/12/sustainability-survey-for-academic-libraries/

http://www.ifla.org/en/about-environmental-sustainability-and-libraries

http://www.against-the-grain.com/2010/12/sustainability-survey-for-academic-libraries/

CoQ 9. Accessibility, Safety and Security


- Wayfinding

- Emergency Evacuation- Accessibility for all individuals with different needs and abilities


CoQ 9. Accessibility, Safety and Security


- Visual connection

- Lockers



CoQ 10. Integration of Technologies


- Space for access to technologies

- Power points and cabling

Waurn Ponds Campus Library, DU

CoQ 10. Integration of Technologies


- Furniture



TEALS framework


TEALS data collection tools


Thank You!Development of a Tool for Evaluation of Academic Library Space

(TEALS)

School of Architecture and Building, Deakin UniversityGeelong Waterfront Campus

Deakin University Library

Prof Hisham Elkadi Dr Neda Abbasi [email protected] [email protected]

Ms Anne [email protected]

mailto:[email protected]



Education

Teals presentation for srhe conference in newport-uk-dec2011