Library Spaces

As we all know, the library is no longer just books. University libraries have become an invaluable resource for students. They provide technology, databases and so much more. One of the most useful resources that often goes unappreciated are the study spaces.

Every day, thousands of students walk into the Library to use its resources. Many of them are coming just to study or do homework and make use of the numerous study spaces available in Edmon Low Library to accommodate any student. Different floors have assigned zones for silent, whisper or “group” noise levels. All of these areas also have different types of desks and seating for students that allow them to work alone or in large groups.

Other places in the Library give students the tools they need to get their work done. The Library has computers, laptops, chargers, smartboards and so many other things to help provide students with everything they need to succeed.

All of these study spaces allow students to maximize their productivity while they’re working at the Library and make it the ideal place to go for students to study or work on their projects. These study spaces have also changed the way libraries look at universities.

The most blatant difference you would notice between a modern university library and one 20 years ago is how they use their space. Books used to be the major way we used space in the past, but today the books, while still having their place, are rarely what a student comes to the library to find. The books a library owns do not simply disappear, and libraries continue to accumulate books over time. However, finding a way to balance workspaces for students with easy access to books is a common issue.

The most common way university libraries make space is by moving their books to a different location. The Fine Arts Library at The University of Texas faced a dilemma recently when they planned to relocate many of their books in 2018. After announcing the relocation of over 75,000 books from the library, many students began to protest the idea. These books were going to be relocated to create a maker space for design and art students. After deliberating, the university decided to follow through with the relocation of the books to create extra space.

This is a dilemma that nearly every university library is experiencing. As area for study become more essential for students, libraries have to rethink space use.

The OSU Library addresses this issue by relocating certain books to the Library Annex and Library Auxiliary Building. Books that are sent to this facility are rarely or never checked out, fragile, duplicated, or older. While the Annex and Library Auxiliary Building are not open to the public, these resources remain easy to access. Students can request these items and pick them up from Edmon Low Library within 24 hours on weekdays.

This relocation of the books has helped the Library create a number of new study rooms and spaces for students that are frequently used. Undoubtedly, the OSU Library will continue to relocate and condense books as more study spaces are needed. How would you like the see the library use this reclaimed space? What types of resources would you like to see in them?

Posted by Jacob Hinchey, Emerging Technology Intern

Environmental Scan Presentation

Library employees may find the slides used for the Environmental Scan work group presentation on May 7 at U:LibraryFutures\ or the Library's intranet. 

Comments and questions on these notes can be added to the comments section below.

The work group also recommends the following links: 
Research Games (Texas A&M): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3-hmcx99Kks 
University of Arizona Video Contest: http://www.library.arizona.edu/video-contest 
My Hunt Library Photos (NCSU): http://d.lib.ncsu.edu/myhuntlibrary

Repurposing Space-Q9

To what extent are other academic support services physically and organizationally connected with the library? Should we?

What are we already doing related to the question?

If we wanted to consider starting this initiative or expanding what we are already doing, what do we want to learn about it from our future speakers? What questions do we want to ask during our upcoming speaker series?

Repurposing Space-Q8

To what extent does the library include a “learning commons” with comfortable space for collaboration, study and access to computer and network resources? Should we?

What are we already doing related to the question?

If we wanted to consider starting this initiative or expanding what we are already doing, what do we want to learn about it from our future speakers? What questions do we want to ask during our upcoming speaker series?

Repurposing Space-Q7

To what extent has the library implemented a regular deaccession/weeding cycle? Should we?

What are we already doing related to the question?

If we wanted to consider starting this initiative or expanding what we are already doing, what do we want to learn about it from our future speakers? What questions do we want to ask during our upcoming speaker series?

Staff Notes from Nov. 14, 2012

Library employees may find the notes from the employee follow up discussion on Nov. 14 on the staff drive at U:LibraryFutures\ or via Sharepoint.

Comments and questions on the presentation can be added to the comments section below.

Repurposing Space-Q6

To what extent are print acquisitions planned in coordination with consortia partners to reduce duplicate holdings? Should we?

What are we already doing related to the question?

If we wanted to consider starting this initiative or expanding what we are already doing, what do we want to learn about it from our future speakers? What questions do we want to ask during our upcoming speaker series?

Repurposing Space-Q5

To what extent does the library leverage shared storage space with other regional libraries and de-duplicate holdings across institutions? Should we?

What are we already doing related to the question?

If we wanted to consider starting this initiative or expanding what we are already doing, what do we want to learn about it from our future speakers? What questions do we want to ask during our upcoming speaker series?

Repurposing Space-Q4

To what extent is there a process to ensure that less commonly held/unique volumes are preserved across the region (or state)? Should we?

What are we already doing related to the question?

If we wanted to consider starting this initiative or expanding what we are already doing, what do we want to learn about it from our future speakers? What questions do we want to ask during our upcoming speaker series?

Duckett and Vacek's Presentations-Nov. 13

Library employees may find the slides from Kim Duckett's Nov. 13 presentation to the staff and faculty on the staff drive at U:LibraryFutures\. You may find Rachel Vacek's presentation on slideshare. 

Comments and questions on the presentation can be added to the comments section below.

Notes from Oct. 15 Follow up Discussion

Library employees may find the notes from the Oct. 15, 2012, follow up session with Raynna on the staff drive at U:LibraryFutures\ or via Sharepoint. 

Comments and questions on the follow up can be added to the comments section below.

Repurposing Space-Q3

To what extent are unused and low priority resources moved to more cost-effective space, such as a storage facility? Should we?

What are we already doing related to the question?

If we wanted to consider starting this initiative or expanding what we are already doing, what do we want to learn about it from our future speakers? What questions do we want to ask during our upcoming speaker series?

Repurposing Space-Q2

To what extent does the library actively use data on circulation, reshelving, electronic alternatives and external holdings to prioritize the storage and placement of print materials? Should we?

What are we already doing related to the question?

If we wanted to consider starting this initiative or expanding what we are already doing, what do we want to learn about it from our future speakers? What questions do we want to ask during our upcoming speaker series?

Repurposing Space-Q1

To what extent are print back files of journals withdrawn from shelves and/or made available as electronic copies? 

What are we already doing related to the question?

If we wanted to consider starting this initiative or expanding what we are already doing, what do we want to learn about it from our future speakers? What questions do we want to ask during our upcoming speaker series?

Slides: Joan Lippincott's Oct. 23 Presentation

Library employees may find the slides from Joan Lippincott's Oct. 23 presentations to the staff and faculty on the staff drive at U:LibraryFutures\ or via Sharepoint. 

Comments and questions on the presentation can be added to the comments section below.

Slides for Miller and Schottlaender

Library employees may find the slides from Rush Miller's and Brian Schottlaender's Sept. 26 presentations to the staff and faculty on the staff drive at U:LibraryFutures\ or via Sharepoint. 

Comments and questions on the presentation can be added to the comments section below.

July 31-Slides

Library employees may find the slides from Raynna's July 31 presentation to the staff and faculty can be found on the staff drive at U:LibraryFutures\Raynna2012_07_31.pdf or via Sharepoint.

Comments and questions on the presentation can be added to the comments section below.