Asia-Pacific Library and Information Conference 2018, 30 July - 2 August 2018 Gold Coast: Roar Leap Dare
This conference poster presentation illustrates how an academic library used data as a baseline to demand changes to be made to the existing physical space in the library.
VCUarts Qatar is a school of arts and design and its library has four units under one umbrella as the Main Library, the Materials Library, the Innovative Media Lab and the Writing Center. VCUarts Libraries is no more considered a book depository but envisioned as separate spaces for different services. The Library Management wanted its architectural design to respond in an innovative manner meeting the paradoxical requirements of a library needs such as privacy, safety, social connectedness, ease of movement, and sensory stimulation. A space plan developed by the administration including a campus-wide space reconfiguration negatively affected the Library, and also was excluded from the space-related surveys conducted by the administration.
Patron engagement is the new service model and justifying the demand for an effective user engagement space as well as private space was the initial challenge. The methodology included collecting space use data, brainstorming for creating a digital and print space profile of the library using the right images and visual communication tools to represent the history of collection growth and projected growth, identifying and outlining the challenges and conducting user experience surveys. Data analysis helped to diagnose the library’s space needs and shape development plans. The space profile created as part of the project helped to justify investment in long-term improvements and/or make adjustments in temporary spaces to increase their effectiveness. Data raised additional questions and helped to identify opportunities for further study.
