As tired as this topic may appear, debates,
discussions and deliberations about enhancements and upgrades of library spaces
still rage on. It is clear that the
relatively homogenous and open space that had been the norm since the 1950s no
longer works.
Technology continues to drive much of the
futuristic thinking within academic libraries (ACRL, 2012), consequently they are having to continually reconfigure their
physical space to meet the ever-changing needs of the increasingly techno-savvy
user, staff and broader university community.
The traditional landscape of the library is fast being influenced by the
need to provide spaces where users can with ease, comfortably work with their
various ‘trending’ electronic gadgetry.
Libraries are progressively changing in their function to provide a ‘conventional study space’. In past years, there has been a concerted effort in many libraries to rethink and redevelop existing study spaces to create what are generally termed the ‘Commons’ (Lewis, 2007). UKZN libraries have also been making strides in reshaping their spaces to accommodate these trends. The inception of the Research Commons in 2008 at the EG Malherbe Library has motioned the opening of further Research Commons at other campus libraries at UKZN.
But seriously, is this enough? On the flip side, it is vitally important
that library management together with all role players of the university, creatively
use this opportunity to augment library spaces such that it provides for both
formal and informal collaborative study spaces hence catering for the varied learning
needs of each user. The aim should be
to create comfortable, lively and active spaces where students/users can
interact with each other, with information and with technology. More importantly it should be able to offer
support for the use of library resources.
Without a doubt, quiet study spaces are still extremely necessary,
however, the need for a more informal, casual and relaxed ambience seems to be more
appealing predominantly to the Y-generation.
I am inclined to think that library spaces
should offer environments that “meet the demand for collaborative learning and
teaching environments” (Winslow, 2007). Communication modes of the
millennial generation have changed dramatically from their predecessors and the
focus is now on teamwork and group study. (Gardner & Eng, 2005)
Twelve years into the millennium, the
future of academic libraries is still facing a great deal of uncertainty. This ‘uncertain future’ comes in the wake of
the ever-changing structure of scholarly communication. What would then be the ideal library space
and how would it best serve our users?
Libraries are progressively changing in their function to provide a ‘conventional study space’. In past years, there has been a concerted effort in many libraries to rethink and redevelop existing study spaces to create what are generally termed the ‘Commons’ (Lewis, 2007). UKZN libraries have also been making strides in reshaping their spaces to accommodate these trends. The inception of the Research Commons in 2008 at the EG Malherbe Library has motioned the opening of further Research Commons at other campus libraries at UKZN.
But seriously, is this enough? On the flip side, it is vitally important
that library management together with all role players of the university, creatively
use this opportunity to augment library spaces such that it provides for both
formal and informal collaborative study spaces hence catering for the varied learning
needs of each user. The aim should be
to create comfortable, lively and active spaces where students/users can
interact with each other, with information and with technology. More importantly it should be able to offer
support for the use of library resources.
Without a doubt, quiet study spaces are still extremely necessary,
however, the need for a more informal, casual and relaxed ambience seems to be more
appealing predominantly to the Y-generation.
Twelve years into the millennium, the
future of academic libraries is still facing a great deal of uncertainty. This ‘uncertain future’ comes in the wake of
the ever-changing structure of scholarly communication. What would then be the ideal library space
and how would it best serve our users?- A new eclectic mix of different kinds of spaces and work
possess different ambiences?
- The convenience of a 24/7 library facilitating
- More collaborative group study rooms with smart boards?
- A more resource engaging space?
- More designated quiet spaces?
At the EG Malherbe Library plans for the
future are afoot in anticipation of responding to the much needed change in the
library’s physical space speaking to the needs of its users…
- Larger Research Commons venue with seminar and
- Reconfiguring of the frontline services (Inter-Library
- More group-study venues
- More computer lans
- Designated quiet and casual areas
The question beckons then … Are our libraries
responsive enough to the vibrant
technological changes? And let’s not
forget the ever-diminishing funding which EVERYTHING
depends on!
Great food for thought... :)Library spaces must engage with what's trending in terms of technology. Agree... methods of interacting with information has done a 360 this has to say something for library usage.
ReplyDeleteLibrary Journal, Nov 15 2012, vol 137, carries as interesting piece also on library architectural trends...
ReplyDeleteBudget shrinking is a thorny issue not only in South Africa,but globally. Economic downturn facing academic institution demands that libraries redefine themselves and their existence, look at their priorities as public funded institutions.What services are they providing? to whom? If they are user centred then the library budget should also be made a priority to support academic learning programmes.
ReplyDelete