Many academic libraries renovate physical spaces to address the needs of the 21st century learner. This study presents the assessment tools used to evaluate the use of space prior to a branch library renovation as well as results of two post-renovation assessments to examine the success of the project. The pre-renovation survey showed that library…

This article explores the library space needs and wants of graduate and undergraduate students at a medium-size state University in Southwest Florida. The researcher conducted a sequential explanatory mixed methods study in which they administered a survey to all currently enrolled graduate and undergraduate students at the university and followed…

The design of academic library spaces has become a significant concern for library deans in recent years. While there is a plethora of literature on the design of library spaces, there is scant empirical literature on the influence of library spaces on student success. To fill that gap, I collected and analyzed graduate and undergraduate student…

This paper identifies approaches, challenges, and best practices related to planning and designing today's academic library learning spaces. As part of the Project Information Literacy (PIL) Practitioner Series, qualitative data is presented from 49 interviews conducted with a sample of academic librarians, architects, and library consultants.…

In this study, researchers sought to capture students' authentic experience of finding books in the main library using a GoPro camera and the think-aloud protocol. The GoPro provided a first-person perspective and was an effective ethnographic tool for observing a student's individual experience, while also demonstrating what tools they use to…

Despite the recent turmoil in the U.S. economy, most libraries that were tracked by "Library Journal" won their referenda at a rate just slightly lower than 2007. Nearly three-quarters of operating referenda passed. Building referenda under $10 million passed at a whopping 85%, with those over $10 million batting slightly better than…

"Research Library Issues" ("RLI") is a bimonthly report from ARL (Association of Research Libraries), CNI (Coalition of Networked Information), and SPARC (Scholarly Publishing and Academic Resources Coalition). This issue includes the following articles: (1) ARL Encourages Members to Refrain from Signing Nondisclosure or…

"ARL" is the bimonthly report on research library issues and actions from ARL (Association of Research Libraries), CNI (Coalition of Networked Information), and SPARC (Scholarly Publishing and Academic Resources Coalition). "ARL" reports on current issues of interest to academic and research library administrators, staff, and…

This study reviews the current status of public library service in Metropolitan Dade County, Florida, with particular reference to: (1) the governing structure of the existing public library agencies; (2) the sources and levels of their financial support; (3) the available library facilities, resources and personnel; (4) the services that are…

The role, scope, and impact of faculty library committees at six community colleges in the state of Florida were examined. An older and a newer institution were selected from each of three full-time enrollment categories: 1-999; 1,000-1,999; and 2,000 and over. Data collection was by examination of the committee charges and records, and by…

This report summarizes the "Public Library Facilities Master Plan for Metropolitan Dade County," prepared by Nelson Associates (ED 027 053). Some of the proposals of the master plan which are summarized in this report state that: (1) by 1985, a fourth and possibly a fifth regional library ought to be built to serve Dade County's…

A survey was conducted to analyze library facilities and services in 60 Florida state institutions and to make recommendations for improvement. Included in the study are descriptions of the institutions and a report and recommendations for each library. Results of question aires and visits show that institutional library service is inadequate,…

In January 1973 the Broward County (Florida) Commissioners authorized a study to find out what library facilities and services existed and were needed in the county, and to develop structure and guidelines for setting up a county library system. Data were collected from existing census and other reports, from a questionnaire to community libraries…

The George A. Smathers Libraries of the University of Florida is currently undergoing a major renovation. Library West, the building that houses the humanities and social sciences collection, will be gutted and expanded. The collection will be moved to off-site storage and the staff will be relocated for a two-year period. The reality of these…

The need for new standards has arisen in Florida public libraries as a result of the library profession's shift from quantitative, input-based standards to qualitative, output-based standards to measure library performance and excellence. The standards in this document were developed after over 100 participants identified subjects to be addressed…