Libraries as learning spaces: Exploring how students make use of the physical space in academic libraries 9 th Northumbria International Conference on Performance Measurement in Libraries and Information Services

Outline Introduction to the project Why do this research? Methods used Preliminary results Next steps

The research project Examines the use of space in 5 small Canadian academic libraries Questions asked: –How are undergraduates making use of library spaces? –What role do these spaces play in the life of the academic community?

Specific research objectives are to determine: who the users of the library are what uses they make of these physical spaces whether the answers to these questions differ depending on the context of each library

Why do this research? It is not clear what affect current trends are having on the use of libraries as physical spaces

Trends affecting use of physical space in libraries… 1.Availability of digital information (Bennett, 2006; Sennyey, Ross, & Mills, 2009)

2.Many libraries report a downward trend in circulation and reference statistics (Anderson, 2011; Martell, 2008)

3.Conversely, it is also reported that some libraries are showing an increase in physical visits by patrons (Frade & Washburn, 2006; Opperman & Jamieson, 2008)

Why do this research? Against this background, this research seeks to explore the actual use of physical space in a variety of different academic libraries. In an era of digital information is the library still the heart of campus community?

Methods Data gathered at 5 diverse post-secondary institutions 2 methods used –Seating sweeps (9268 individuals observed) –Student questionnaires (n = 588)

Data collection Seating sweeps Rounds of sweeps conducted twice at each library Each round of sweeps involved four separate sweeps of the library Questionnaires Circulated in print to individuals in the library on the day after the second seating sweep Response rate 87%

Seating sweeps: Basic features Clear definition of behaviours observed Systematic procedure to follow during observation Coding and counting system ( Given & Leckie, 2003)

Seating sweeps data collection form

Seating sweeps - Challenges Trade off between quantity of observations and detail Managing the large quantity of observations

Seating sweeps - Strengths Associates type and frequency of behaviours with design features Can generate a large number of quantifiable observations

Preliminary results

Who are the users of the library?

How are respondents making use of the library as a space?

Activities done by respondents in the library in the past year Total (n = 622) Worked on schoolwork using the library computers84% Worked on schoolwork using a laptop82% Used the printers / photocopiers82% Socialised in person (i.e. chatting with friends)75% Drank75% Ate69% Socialised online (for example by using facebook or )68% Used a group study room67% Got help from library staff63% Read or studied print materials NOT FROM THE LIBRARY60% Borrowed or returned library materials54% Physically searched for information (i.e. in the bookshelves)50% Read or studied print materials FROM THE LIBRARY46% Attended a library instruction session or workshop or tour36% Took a nap30%

Is grade point average related to use of the physical library?

Does library use change with length of study at the institution?

What do these results indicate about the role of the library in the academic community?

Preliminary conclusions Regardless of grades or sex library users generally: –visit the library frequently –stay for long periods of time –study alone or independently within a group Senior students –make more use of the print collection –are more likely to stay in the library longer

Preliminary conclusions – role of the library in the institution As a space the library provides an important studying and learning space used by a range of students. Libraries provide informal spaces where students can participate in and feel connected to the academic community.

Next steps Complete analysis of seating sweep data and long answer questionnaire responses Prepare results for publication Consider follow up studies

References Anderson, R. 2011, "Print on the Margins", Library Journal, vol. 136, no. 11, pp Bennett, S. 2006, "The Choice for Learning", The Journal of Academic Librarianship, vol. 32, no. 1, pp Frade, P.A. & Washburn, A. 2006, "The University Library: The Center of a University Education?", Portal : Libraries and the Academy, vol. 6, no. 3, pp Given, L.M. & Leckie, G.J. 2003, "“Sweeping” the library: Mapping the social activity space of the public library.", Library and Information Science Research, vol. 25, no. 4, pp Martell, C. 2008, "The Absent User: Physical Use of Academic Library Collections and Services Continues to Decline ", Journal of Academic Librarianship, vol. 34, no. 5, pp Opperman, B.V. & Jamison, M. 2008, "New roles for an academic library: current measurements", New Library World, vol. 109, no. 11, pp Sennyey, P., Ross, L. & Mills, C. 2009, "Exploring the future of academic libraries: A definitional approach", The Journal of Academic Librarianship, vol. 35, no. 3, pp

Thank-you! Questions are welcome Francine May