Amanda Wakaruk from the University of Alberta discussed her research on physical space in the library.
It’s a reality that academic libraries are being closed, consolidated and merged as a result of shrinking budgets, changing user behaviour and material becoming available digitally. Faculty and students don’t seem to mind this as they don’t see a closed library a barrier to their information seeking needs, but why would they, most material is available online right? Print material seems to be the only reason to keep libraries open.
Antoher phenomenon is that as reference desks become less busy with real reference questions our libraries are still so busy and packed with students. But why?
Amanda studied these issues in a Master in Environmental Studies degree. Her major research paper focused on successful public space. She found that successful spaces are democratic, responsive, and meaningful. For her research on libraries she asked people to write about memorable library experiences, then interviewed library users, and did some observational seating sweeps (where you document what people sitting in the library are doing, what they have with them, etc.).
The research showed that the top 5 activities for people in the library are: academic reading in paper format, talking, academic reading on a computer, writing on paper and writing on a computer. Most students had in their possession textbooks/course kits and a laptop. Drinks came third and library books fourth.
Users don’t seem to be using library material and systems in the library. When students were asked abot this they said they didn’t even think about reading library materials in the library. They just got the material and left the library.
When asked about memorable library stories, half of the stories were about negative/stressful situations, such as it being too noisy, not being able to drink coffee, or not being able to find a space to study.
When asked “what if we closed the library?” most students were horrified. They see the library as a place to study, a place for refuge, a place for enlightenment, learning and social interaction. While some librarians may find this depressing, because it removes us and library materials from the equation, it’s a reality that the library has always served this purpose and this is a very important function for students.
One observation that arose from the research was how important it is to have differentiated study areas - some communal, some solitary, some private. Students need different types of study areas at different times for different reasons. Sometimes students use the different space for different purposes than what they were intended for, such as solitary space for social functions. This may affect our policies in the future, we may have to give up control of what these spaces are or it may affect how students value the library space.
The speaker advised us to recognize the primary role of library as a place for learning and engagement, it’s not what’s in the building but what students do when they get there. We should talk to students to see what they want, maybe have a student advisory board, and make sure we assume nothing. Create a responsive space, let go of our assumptions and let the space evolve into what the students want it to be.
Jennifer Peters-Lise