Reflecting the voice of the student: A case study from The Pennsylvania State University using mixed-methods in assessing space
ISSN: 0143-5124
Article publication date: 7 August 2018
Issue publication date: 7 January 2019
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper, conducted at Penn State University, is to inform a redesign of the library facility integrating a Collaboration Commons projected to cost over $20m.
Design/methodology/approach
A mixed-methods design comprised of observation, focus groups, conversations with students, interviews with Knowledge Commons personnel and a UX Café was employed. Researchers investigated the students’ need for workspaces and soft-seating.
Findings
Findings suggested that students generally come to the libraries with a goal of being productive and they value the productivity generated by spacious and well-designed workspaces over the comfort of soft-seating. Students desire an increase in the availability of workspaces.
Originality/value
These findings informed facility enhancement recommendations, and have been integrated into the program statement made available to design firms bidding on the renovation project.
Keywords
Citation
Borrelli, S., Chao, Z. and Su, C. (2019), "Reflecting the voice of the student: A case study from The Pennsylvania State University using mixed-methods in assessing space", Library Management, Vol. 40 No. 1/2, pp. 121-127. https://doi.org/10.1108/LM-10-2017-0102
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
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