User perceptions, academic library usage and social capital: a correlation analysis under COVID-19 after library renovation

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Tin Nok Leung ◽  
Dickson K.W. Chiu ◽  
Kevin K.W. Ho ◽  
Canon K.L. Luk
Keyword(s):  
Social Capital ◽  
Correlation Analysis ◽  
Academic Library ◽  
Learning Space ◽  
Content Type ◽  
User Perceptions ◽  
Space Planning ◽  
Actual Usage ◽  
Learning Commons ◽  
Four Levels

PurposeWhile the library has remained a preferred place of learning and received a positive perception in all aspects, the current space planning, as categorized in the “four-space model,” does not seem to address user needs well. The purpose of this article is to explore the correlations of user perceptions, academic library usage and social capital.Design/methodology/approachThis research presented a new approach to understanding the academic library's role by surveying 120 users about their preferred place on the campus, actual usage, and perceptions of the library physically and remotely. Correlation analysis between library use and user activities was performed.FindingsThe findings indicate that the library demonstrates attributes from all four levels in the learning space hierarchy, providing an ideal learning space for students. However, our results do not support academic libraries as the breeding ground of social capital.Originality/valueAs the data of this study were collected during the COVID-19 pandemic period, the findings may provide us with insights on how library users have adjusted themselves in using these public facilities with social distancing in their minds. The findings also provide implications for re-designing the library places to meet the users' needs and make it favorable learning commons to students in both the pandemic and post-pandemic eras.

Reading, writing, and … running? Assessing active space in libraries

2018 ◽  
Vol 19 (3) ◽  
pp. 166-175 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kristina A. Clement ◽  
Sian Carr ◽  
Lauren Johnson ◽  
Alexa Carter ◽  
Brianne Ramsay Dosch ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Active Learning ◽  
Academic Library ◽  
Learning Space ◽  
Content Type ◽  
User Perceptions ◽  
University Of Tennessee ◽  
Library Users ◽  
Survey Responses ◽  
The University ◽  
The Impact

Purpose The University of Tennessee Knoxville’s Libraries has set aside space and stocked it with treadmill desks, standing desks, cycling desks and balance chairs to encourage physical activity while using library space to promote active learning. The purpose of this paper is to assess the impact of this innovative space on library users through a study conducted by a research team using observations and short surveys to gather information about usage trends and user perceptions of this “active learning space.” Design/methodology/approach This study used both ethnographish observation and self-selected survey. Researcher observation notes were used to gather usage rates of the space and equipment in the space, and survey responses were coded for themes to identify user perceptions around the space. Findings The findings strongly suggest that users find mental and physical health value in the “active learning space” and many would find value in the expansion and improvement of the space. Research limitations/implications The limitations of this study include a shorter observation period compared to the survey collection period and limited demographic collection to shorten the survey instrument. Originality/value However, this study was able to assess how an active learning space in an academic library can influence and have a significant impact on student success.

Extended and experimenting: library learning commons service strategy and sustainability

2016 ◽  
Vol 37 (4/5) ◽  
pp. 265-274 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jennifer Gunter King
Keyword(s):  
Planning Process ◽  
Academic Library ◽  
Historical Review ◽  
Academic Librarians ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Research Engagement ◽  
Learning Commons ◽  
Library Research ◽  
The Commons

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to share a compelling example of a library’s willingness to develop and design itself as an open-ended process. Design/methodology/approach – The case study provides a historical review of the library’s founding design, and an overview of the process and approach to redesign. The study contextualizes the library within current academic library research and literature. Findings – This paper explores the research, engagement and planning process behind the library’s exploration of new models and service configurations. The project was an engaged, inclusive, transparent, library-led process. The commons reestablishes the library as the “nerve center” of the campus. Originality/value – The paper offers an update to a 1969 report, and later book by Robert Taylor on the Harold F. Johnson Library at Hampshire College, designed as a prototype of an academic library. This paper will be of value to academic librarians, administrators, and historians.

scholarly journals User agreements and makerspaces: a content analysis

2015 ◽  
Vol 116 (7/8) ◽  
pp. 358-368 ◽  
Author(s):  
Heather Michele Moorefield-Lang
Keyword(s):  
Content Analysis ◽  
Academic Libraries ◽  
Technology Use ◽  
Academic Library ◽  
The Body ◽  
Library Science ◽  
Learning Space ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Usa ◽  
Qualitative Data Analysis Software

Abstract – The purpose of this paper is to analyze the user agreements of makerspaces in public and academic libraries. User agreements, also known as maker agreements, user forms and liability forms, can be very important documents between library patrons, staff and faculty. User agreements are similar to the earlier creation of acceptable use policies for technology use in libraries. The author of this study will delve into the user agreements created for public and academic libraries across the USA. Design/methodology/approach – The researcher used content analysis to investigate 24 different user agreements written for public and academic library makerspaces. NVivo qualitative data analysis software was integrated into this research to aid in the breakdown of commonalities across terms, themes and purpose within the user agreements. Findings – Although makerspaces are a very exciting topic in the field of library science at this time, the implementation of a maker learning space is still new to many libraries. Creating a user agreement for a makerspace is newer still. Most user agreements in this study were six months to a year old. Some consistencies found across makerspace user agreements include liability waivers, permissions for minors, safety, copyright and technology replacement costs. Originality/value – At this time, most publications on makerspaces are held in the realm of popular publications (blogs, magazines, zines, etc.). The body of peer-reviewed and scholarly research on makerspaces is growing. Makerspace user agreements are new to this growing field of interest, and a content analysis of these documents will pave the way for the writing of future forms.

Commons consent

2015 ◽  
Vol 36 (8/9) ◽  
pp. 570-583 ◽  
Author(s):  
Colin Storey
Keyword(s):  
Ad Hoc ◽  
Academic Library ◽  
Power Structures ◽  
Learning Spaces ◽  
Dynamic Learning ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Making Sense ◽  
Learning Commons ◽  
Prime Movers

Purpose – Constructing academic library learning spaces involves ad hoc groups of agents often with fuzzy inter-relationships. Librarians and their user communities are initially hailed within these groups as prime-movers in realizing projects. Librarians bring to the table contagious ideas generated from their own profession in the hope of securing appropriate funding and planning pre-requisites. All other agents, be they internal community representatives or external architects, assist them in making sense of each other’s standpoints to co-create dynamic learning spaces in “commons consent”. The paper aims to discuss these issues. Design/methodology/approach – Using the community culture in The Chinese University of Hong Kong as existed in 2012 as a case study, this paper examines the reality of this process in terms of a new library for learning, teaching and research. Findings – Can librarians hold sway over the priorities of other individual agents, particularly architects, to gain consent to build their initial concept of the commons which they are vigorously promoting as professionally valid and educationally potent? In the co-creation of a building, individual preferences and organizational power structures in ad hoc groups drawn from the university’s distinct cultural environment fuel compromise and even tension around the librarians’ and architects’ original visions. Research limitations/implications – Many other case studies of library building learning commons projects would be useful to add to these findings in sensemaking, co-creation and community cultures. Practical implications – Assists library managers in their management of large buildings projects. Originality/value – An original case study of a major Asian academic library learning commons project which involves sensemaking, co-creation and community cultures ideas imported from construction science.

User perceptions of ICT at the American University of Kuwait Library

2016 ◽  
Vol 34 (1) ◽  
pp. 143-150 ◽  
Author(s):  
Awadh Alharbi
Keyword(s):  
Student Perceptions ◽  
Quantitative Research ◽  
Academic Library ◽  
Subject Field ◽  
Content Type ◽  
American University ◽  
User Perceptions ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Information And Communication ◽  
Ict Training

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to describe the student perceptions of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in the American University of Kuwait Library (AUK). Design/methodology/approach – The study uses a quantitative research method in order to investigate the perceptions of a wide range of students who use the academic library. The sample consists of 95 student volunteers, who provided data that were then analyzed and compared with literature from other authors in this subject field. Findings – The study found that the quality of the ICT equipment provided by the AUK library is very good, however training in how to use the library’s ICT is lacking. Practical implications – The findings suggest that the academic library looks into the possibility of changing the layout of the library to incorporate more computer terminals, as clearly many students feel there are currently not enough. The academic library must offer a greater amount of ICT training for students, preferably relating to the use of electronic resources and journals for new students. Originality/value – This study adds to the current literature on academic libraries in Kuwait, and is one of the first studies to look at students’ perceptions of ICT in a private university institution.

scholarly journals Makerspaces: a beneficial new service for academic libraries?

2017 ◽  
Vol 66 (4/5) ◽  
pp. 201-212 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert Curry
Keyword(s):  
Academic Library ◽  
Field Work ◽  
Original Research ◽  
Library Services ◽  
Extensive Literature ◽  
Learning Space ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Template Analysis ◽  
The Usa ◽  
The One

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to start exploring the possibilities for makerspaces to function as a new learning space within academic library services in higher education (HE). This original research study ask two key questions: How is learning achieved and supported in makerspaces? What can academic library services bring to the effective organisation and support of makerspaces? Design/methodology/approach An extensive literature review is followed by a template analysis (King, 2012) of data from an online forum of three professionals operating makerspaces in academic library services in the USA and a discussion incorporating relevant educational theory and philosophy. Findings The three overarching learning themes found were: experiential learning (Dewey, 1909; Kolb, 1984), communities of practice (Lave and Wenger, 1991) and self-efficacy through social learning (Bandura, 1997). Research limitations/implications The one-week forum of three professional library staff provided detailed and informative data. Substantial field work with students will also be required to see how far this professional lens has provided insight into how students are learning and supported in these and other makerspaces. Social implications The wider cultural implications are examined, including the potential social value of makerspaces as transformative creative spaces empowering communities and individuals. Originality/value This is the first study to date on the potential educational value of makerspaces within HE, and the specific support academic library services can offer if they choose to host a makerspace (including teaching information, digital and critical literacies).

scholarly journals Beyond books: the concept of the academic library as learning space

2016 ◽  
Vol 117 (5/6) ◽  
pp. 308-320 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lee Fallin
Keyword(s):  
Academic Libraries ◽  
Academic Library ◽  
User Engagement ◽  
Learning Spaces ◽  
Learning Space ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Spatial Approach ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Conceptual Paper

Purpose The paper aims to explore the issues surrounding the user conceptualisation of academic libraries. The paper will solidify the role of academic libraries as learning spaces and problematise how libraries are conceptualised by users. Design/methodology/approach The paper is a literature-based conceptual paper and draws on a wide range of literature to challenge the concept of academic libraries and presents how they are becoming reframed as different spaces. Findings The paper argues that the concept of a library is at risk. While libraries have undergone substantial changes, the concept of a library has lingered. This paper demonstrated that libraries need to proactively engage users in this debate. Originality/value The spatial approach taken by this paper demonstrates the complicity behind the user conceptualisation of libraries. Developing an understanding of this process is an important foundation for libraries to develop their user engagement.

Social capital and leadership in academic libraries: the broader exchange around “Buy In”

2015 ◽  
Vol 36 (6/7) ◽  
pp. 394-407 ◽  
Author(s):  
Timothy M. Schlak
Keyword(s):  
Social Capital ◽  
Academic Libraries ◽  
Current Practice ◽  
Academic Library ◽  
Significant Risk ◽  
Shared Vision ◽  
Leadership And Management ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Intellectual Inquiry ◽  
Made In

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to introduce the concept of social capital to the literature on academic libraries as it pertains to leadership and management as well as to demonstrate the limitations that the current discursive use of the phrase “buy in” represents. Design/methodology/approach – This paper brings critical insights from outside fields of intellectual inquiry, including business, knowledge management, computer and information systems, and sociology. The paper is organized around a series of questions posed at the end of the introduction and serves to introduce its audience to the key findings made in these fields as well as to apply relevant observations about social capital to the unique context of leadership and management in academic libraries. Findings – The paper elucidates a number of limitations to the current practice of using the phrase “buy in” as a way of exploring the concept of social capital. The most significant risk that the phrase’s use incurs is a lack of context and clarity around critical concepts of leadership, including trust, trustworthiness, and shared vision and meaning. Originality/value – This paper argues that a broader contextualization of “buy in” in the scholarship on social capital can lead to a richer dialog that allows academic library administrators to understand the concurrent and competing factors that accompany an exchange where “buy in” is given or withheld.

Understanding the effects of WeChat on perceived social capital and psychological well-being among Chinese international college students in Germany

2018 ◽  
Vol 70 (3) ◽  
pp. 288-304 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hua Pang
Keyword(s):  
College Students ◽  
Social Capital ◽  
Social Media ◽  
Correlation Analysis ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Path Model ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Psychological Well Being ◽  
Content Type ◽  
International College

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore how the intensity use of WeChat is associated with perceived social capital and psychological well-being factors among Chinese international students in Germany. Design/methodology/approach Based on an online survey data collected from 212 Chinese international college students in Germany, correlation analysis and structural equation modeling were sequentially implemented to deal with the research questions. Findings The correlation analysis results indicate that the intensity of WeChat use is positively correlated with bridging, bonding, and maintained social capital. Additionally, a path model demonstrates that bonding social capital is positively related to life satisfaction and negatively related to the sense of loneliness. Furthermore, both bonding and maintained social capital mediate the relationship between WeChat use and these two well-being outcomes. Research limitations/implications Theoretically, the research is an initial study contributing to the existing social media literature on evaluating the effects of WeChat use on social capital and well-being. Practically, these obtained results can be beneficial to the understanding the dynamics of how social media may potentially impact students’ social connectedness and life quality. Originality/value Although WeChat has become the most prevalent social networking site in Mainland China, the social and psychological implications of the emerging technology are not completely understood. The paper offers evidence that WeChat has functioned as an efficient platform for sojourners to develop diverse types of social capital and promote well-being in an intercultural setting.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document