How well does the “library as place” support learning?
It is important for the library building to provide natural flow and movement. When there are bottlenecks in the flow of traffic the building becomes dysfunctional. If this is happening at your library, it is necessary to understand space use and the issues that are creating dysfunction within the space. Believe me, patrons won’t find the library welcoming if their path to information is impeded. Nor will they be happy if the seating is inadequate.
At Aaron Cohen Associates, LTD, we have been researching the ways in which libraries function for almost 40 years. During that time, we have focused on the most obvious problem – space usage. There is rarely enough space for sorting or processing materials, or for seating and study. And there are frequent issues with collection retention and book shelving that make tracking the usage of space imperative to the library’s users and its staff.
Most library boards, management and administrators need to focus on keeping the library functioning. They work on strategic planning but ignore the fact that the physical flow of the library building is important. We believe they need to start tracking their building and its space when determining the library’s services, mission or vision. We know they can do both if they recognize the importance and integral nature of the “library as place.”
The best way to get a handle on the “library as place” is to understand the movement of patrons, staff and material processing. If the library has a good handle on user flow, it can manage movement. If it can predict the needs of its customers, it can develop efficiencies. If the library has a good layout for processing and management of materials, it can support increases in services and provide more value to the community. All in all, building movement is just as important as providing information in a timely manner. In fact, it improves information support and allows the library to provide more to its customers.
Before we can provide the surroundings for learning spaces that nurture the individual, we need to cultivate the idea of tracking movement, starting with a program of requirements such as how much time a patron uses a space or a seat. For example, if the library provides seating along the “living edge” (individuals seating next to the window wall), then they need an understanding of the flow around the user seat. Is the traffic distracting? Does it provide the silent space that is required for focus?
We believe that libraries can nurture learning by providing individual, collaborative and group learning spaces that are truly functional. In order to know what works, the library staff must be aware of the environmental conditions. When they are deployed in problem areas (entrance, meeting room, stacks) the sensors allow staff to determine current usage and identify user needs. For example, preservation and archival environments use sensors to protect their older and most valuable materials. Accordingly, staff can use environmental sensors to track temperature spikes, visitor flow and capacity, sound and light fluctuations. These tools enable the library staff to gain an understanding of the functional user environment. Deploying sensor tools provides a way to track repetitive environmental issues. It allows staff to address and improve the library building with limited funds.
We need to face the reality that the future is in the hands of those who take advantage of information. By monitoring behavior and movement, we can get a handle on the learning environment and understand the condition of the learning space so that we can improve the library service. By actively tracking the use of learning spaces, the building can reflect professional service in a more professional environment. Certainly, this is something librarians can use to understand their users’ needs. So start testing the use of environmental sensors so that users can flow freely in the “library as place,” and you can improve the library and the building for future users.
