For anyone who’s interested, here are the three articles that Mary Ellen Bates highlighted in her continuing-education session.
“What Are They Doing and What Do They Want: The Library Spaces Customer Survey at Edmonton Public Library”https://journal.lib.uoguelph.ca/index.php/perj/article/view/1967/2633#.VHysVcmKLZg
This article discusses a survey, of patrons at the Edmonton Public Library, designed to determine how they use library spaces and what changes, if any, they would like to see. The consensus among respondents was that the library’s physical spaces were already integrated with the services and collection materials the library provides, and that any changes that are made to library spaces should be planned with patron feedback.
“Library Space Assessment: User Learning Behaviors in the Library” http://owl.li/Faq5N
This study evaluates the evolving role of academic libraries in helping students succeed academically. With an increasing number of library resources available online, libraries are finding it necessary to redefine how space in the library is used, with one alternative being to shift the focus of library space from collection storage to student interaction and learning.
“Looking and Listening: A Mixed-Methods Study of Space Use and User Satisfaction”http://ejournals.library.ualberta.ca/index.php/EBLIP/article/view/21810/17133
The focal point of this study is measuring patron reactions to two redesigned library spaces, one having been turned into a study area, and the other having been transformed into a social-meeting place. The survey found that, even though most users preferred to use each space for its designated purpose, there were instances in which users would be willing to use the social area as a study space, and vice-versa.