1. New Mexico State University Looking through the keyhole: How users think about and use library space Access Services Conference 2009

2. reinventing the library academic libraries - past New Mexico State University

3. reinventing the library academic libraries - present New Mexico State University

4. reinventing the library academic libraries - future New Mexico State University

5. our location New Mexico State University

6. project settings:branson & zuhl libraries New Mexico State University

7. directives: relocate low-use collections shelving expansion create new user spaces with limited funds $ short timeframe New Mexico State University

8. “space team” New Mexico State University

10. asking the RIGHT questions

11. engaging the RIGHT playersnew information service desk @ branson

13. from our own users … New Mexico State University

14. questions and methods methods questions observation / photos use over time commentary surveys / comments surveys flipcharts how do people use our current public spaces? what seems to work? what doesn’t? what would users like to see in an ideal library space? New Mexico State University

15. triangulated study

16. observational/photo research we used photos to: gather data on use of the same spaces over time (9am/1pm/4pm/7pm/10pm) capture images that told a story about space and space use (good/bad/ugly) New Mexico State University

17. zuhl 2nd @ 9am/4pm/10pm New Mexico State University

18. commentary / pictures that tell a story “I’m not sure if we get funding for having these in our library, but do we really need six of them?” New Mexico State University

19. commentary / pictures that illustrate a themeMORE COMPUTERS Perhaps along with more computers, we could give the students a little more room to work?

20. building use surveys we used surveys to: learn about our building users (imperfect) gain consistent quantifiable data through fixed questions/answers gain richer qualitative data through open-ended questions/answers New Mexico State University

21. analyzing building use surveys print/electronic options quantitative data analyzed with SurveyMonkey text comments analyzed, categorized for themes New Mexico State University

22. flip chart feedback we used flip charts to: offer a visible, social feedback tool gather rich (textual) data on our spaces used in initial study and in follow-up to “close the loop” New Mexico State University

23. analyzing flip chart feedback standardized common concepts (e.g., noise, noisy, loud, deafening) used text cloud generator to show results New Mexico State University

24. putting the pieces together New Mexico State University

25. students want quiet/individual v. group spaces more computers, but also more support for laptops (outlets, wifi) color, comfy and inviting spaces critical New Mexico State University

26. zuhl library (the zoo) New Mexico State University

27. individual spaces New Mexico State University

28. trying to make the spaces work New Mexico State University

29. from low use collections… New Mexico State University

30. to high use study spaces New Mexico State University

31. fixed ….. to modular furniture New Mexico State University

32. furniture – durable, but dated… new upholstery New Mexico State University

33. new spaces for individual and collaborative learning New Mexico State University

34. zuhl library carpeting, paint & furniture - including collaborative computer workspaces low use collections moved more computer spaces, more study spaces & group learning spaces new signs & security gates study spaces reconfigured for quiet & groups furniture repurposed, reupholstered & rearranged New Mexico State University

35. branson library (“looks like a prison”) New Mexico State University

36. low use collections…. New Mexico State University

37. favorite spaces….. repainted New Mexico State University

38. from crowded …. to open spaces New Mexico State University

39. uninviting………. to comfortable seating New Mexico State University

40. re-carpeted, repainted, reused & rearranged New Mexico State University

41. from entry …… to gathering and study space New Mexico State University

42. branson library new paint, carpeting & furniture lesser used collections moved and new collaborative computer workspaces added new service desk and security gates lobby given new life with color and carpeting- now a gathering place, not just an entrance New Mexico State University

43. outcomes more flexible-use spaces improved computer & laptop infrastructure increased gate counts—spaces are active & busy next dealing with noise, incorporating food/beverage, understanding faculty/grad student spaces New Mexico State University

44. lessons learned—finding the right balance user feedback will improve any space planning project, regardless of budget user feedback should also be employed when assessing what you’ve done operational goals matter too work with what you have—designers can help you repurpose and recycle New Mexico State University

45. what have you done? questions? New Mexico State University

46. thank you! New Mexico State University