Location
Poster Session
Start Date
11-10-2019 3:30 PM
End Date
11-10-2019 5:00 PM
Type of Work
Poster
Description
OBJECTIVE Meeting departmental goals and student expectations are a challenge with evolving budgets and changing perspectives on the purpose of library space. Repurposing library space to meet student needs while maintaining appropriate collections is a challenge and an opportunity for librarians and patrons alike. At South College, institutional growth and student demand for study space, both physical space and time, highlighted a need for change within the physical confines of the library department.
METHODS The libraries at the main South College campus and three other campuses underwent extensive remodeling to provide additional study space for students. The institution and Head Librarian reviewed library spaces to determine where changes could be made to accommodate students. At the Nashville campus, the library was relocated to a different floor. In Knoxville and Asheville, physical collections were reviewed and downsized by removing outdated, unused materials. Collection Librarians were charged to shift focus from print to electronic acquisitions. Three locations were remodeled to create additional study areas. Hours were extended, with unstaffed access hours early and late in the day.
RESULTS New study rooms were available at the start of Winter Quarter 2019. Students expressed excitement over additional private study spaces and the libraries have seen an increase in traffic and room usage. Faculty approved of the new study rooms but were concerned about the reduction in physical collections required to make the changes possible. Librarians work with faculty to review collections and provide recommendations for new resources, primarily ebooks or ejournals, to fill gaps in subject areas created by the removal of older materials.
CONCLUSIONS Changing the direction of library acquisitions and primary use of space had a positive impact on student use. Finding a balance between providing access to appropriate resources is a challenge as patrons request immediate, continuous access but decry the loss of physical books.
Included in
Collection Development and Management Commons, Health Sciences and Medical Librarianship Commons
Fighting Size: The Negotiation for Study Space in the Face of Aging Collections
Poster Session
OBJECTIVE Meeting departmental goals and student expectations are a challenge with evolving budgets and changing perspectives on the purpose of library space. Repurposing library space to meet student needs while maintaining appropriate collections is a challenge and an opportunity for librarians and patrons alike. At South College, institutional growth and student demand for study space, both physical space and time, highlighted a need for change within the physical confines of the library department.
METHODS The libraries at the main South College campus and three other campuses underwent extensive remodeling to provide additional study space for students. The institution and Head Librarian reviewed library spaces to determine where changes could be made to accommodate students. At the Nashville campus, the library was relocated to a different floor. In Knoxville and Asheville, physical collections were reviewed and downsized by removing outdated, unused materials. Collection Librarians were charged to shift focus from print to electronic acquisitions. Three locations were remodeled to create additional study areas. Hours were extended, with unstaffed access hours early and late in the day.
RESULTS New study rooms were available at the start of Winter Quarter 2019. Students expressed excitement over additional private study spaces and the libraries have seen an increase in traffic and room usage. Faculty approved of the new study rooms but were concerned about the reduction in physical collections required to make the changes possible. Librarians work with faculty to review collections and provide recommendations for new resources, primarily ebooks or ejournals, to fill gaps in subject areas created by the removal of older materials.
CONCLUSIONS Changing the direction of library acquisitions and primary use of space had a positive impact on student use. Finding a balance between providing access to appropriate resources is a challenge as patrons request immediate, continuous access but decry the loss of physical books.