Keywords
Academic libraries; Library space; Library redesign; Tracking the traffic; Visual traffic sweeps; Survey; Circulation desk
Description
OsloMet – Oslo Metropolitan University (former Oslo and Akershus University College) is a new university, situated in the city center of Oslo, with 20.000 students. Four libraries support research and education at their local campuses, 3 of them situated within a 5 minutes walking distance. The university is growing and the need for working space for the students are increasing. There are various plans to expand the university library, from just revitalize the existing library space, extending the existing premises or merging the three campus libraries and move to new premises. We want to plan ahead of those changes and be prepared for different scenarios.
In this paper, we will describe the continuing process of rethinking and redesigning existing library space in a time of big and sometimes unpredictable changes. User centered design methods (UX) will be used for getting information about the use of the premises and the needs and wishes of our students. A new method for visual seat sweeps combined with user surveys will give us better understanding of how and where our users prefer to study. The program Rapal Optimaze will give us visual maps showing the use of seating and the impact of use in different zones in the main library P48. In the same period, we are also recording questions at the circulation desks. All these methods will give us valuable UX variables to consider when planning ahead. The results will be presented together with different scenarios for utilizing the library space for the benefit of our users.
Included in
Planning Ahead, Being Prepared: Looking into Future Possibilities for Library Space
OsloMet – Oslo Metropolitan University (former Oslo and Akershus University College) is a new university, situated in the city center of Oslo, with 20.000 students. Four libraries support research and education at their local campuses, 3 of them situated within a 5 minutes walking distance. The university is growing and the need for working space for the students are increasing. There are various plans to expand the university library, from just revitalize the existing library space, extending the existing premises or merging the three campus libraries and move to new premises. We want to plan ahead of those changes and be prepared for different scenarios.
In this paper, we will describe the continuing process of rethinking and redesigning existing library space in a time of big and sometimes unpredictable changes. User centered design methods (UX) will be used for getting information about the use of the premises and the needs and wishes of our students. A new method for visual seat sweeps combined with user surveys will give us better understanding of how and where our users prefer to study. The program Rapal Optimaze will give us visual maps showing the use of seating and the impact of use in different zones in the main library P48. In the same period, we are also recording questions at the circulation desks. All these methods will give us valuable UX variables to consider when planning ahead. The results will be presented together with different scenarios for utilizing the library space for the benefit of our users.