This paper introduces a Patron Counting and Analysis (PCA) system that leverages Wi-Fi-connection data to monitor space utilization and analyze visitor patterns in academic libraries. The PCA system offers real-time crowding information to the public and a comprehensive visitor analysis dashboard for library administrators. The system's…

During the spring 2017 semester, the staff at the Boston University School of Theology Library launched a space assessment project aimed at identifying underutilized and inefficiently used sections of the library to better meet the needs of users. Unsatisfied with patron count metrics like "total patron count" and "capacity…

The Bern Dibner Library of Science and Technology at NYU-Tandon School of Engineering adopted an assessment methodology that was central to the librarians' understanding of current environmental issues and their attempts to craft a better user experience. This method of gauging and analyzing occupancy revealed problem areas and was an invaluable…

This study examines how students are using academic library spaces and the role these spaces are playing in the campus community. Data were collected on five campuses (two community colleges, two undergraduate universities, and one technical institute) via observational seating sweeps and questionnaires. The study found remarkably similar usage…

This report is based on a series of presentations at the second CLIR Seminar on "Participatory Design of Academic Libraries," held at the University of Rochester's River Campus June 5-7, 2013. Participatory design is a relatively recent approach to understanding library user behavior. It is based on techniques used in anthropological and…

Sixteen scholarly papers and twenty abstracts comprise the content of the eighteenth annual Brick & Click Libraries Conference, held annually at Northwest Missouri State University in Maryville, Missouri. The proceedings, authored by academic librarians and presented at the conference, portray the contemporary and future face of librarianship.…

How can libraries best assess and improve user space, even if they are not in a position to undertake new construction or a major renovation? Staff at New Mexico State University used a variety of ethnographic methods to learn how our spaces were being used as well as what our users considered to be ideal library space. Our findings helped us make…

The University of Dayton (UD) used a multi-method research approach to evaluate current space use in the library. A general campus survey on study spaces, online library surveys, a week-long video study, and data from the "National Survey of Student Engagement (NSSE)" were examined to understand student choices in library usage. Results…

An investigation into the relationship between the architectural environment of a room and the patterns of seating preferences exhibited by library users revealed that readers locate themselves in order to avoid others and that the seat selected by the first person affected the choices of those who entered later. (8 references) (Author/SJ)

Twenty-one scholarly papers and fourteen abstracts comprise the content of the ninth annual "Brick and Click Libraries Symposium," held annually at Northwest Missouri State University in Maryville, Missouri. The peer-reviewed proceedings, authored by academic librarians and presented at the symposium, portray the contemporary and future…

University libraries, and specifically the University of South Florida (USF) Library, are used for many different purposes that go beyond traditional library services. Activities users engage in while in the library should factor into decisions regarding the allocation of library space or expenditure of resources. The results of this survey…

This report documents an investigation which was conducted to determine how the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB) Library can best use its facilities, space, and equipment to meet the needs of users; provide a safe, comfortable workplace for staff; and house and protect its collections. The task force methodology is described, and…

Based on a series of six field experiments conducted from 1978 through 1981 at Northeast Louisiana University's Sandel Library, this report examines user preferences related to library carrel arrangement in the context of personal space theory. A brief review of research on personal space requirements and a description of Sandel Library and its…

This study was conducted to determine what fraction of the total cost of the Stanford University library system can properly be charged to each of the four major groups of users: undergraduate students, graduate students, faculty and staff, and non-Stanford users. Eight separate cost elements were developed for each of the library's cost centers…

Two articles discuss the management of space in library facilities. The first focuses on three general aspects of space management: how to organize for space management; necessary data collection; and human factors. The second article focuses specifically on space requirements for library technical processes. (CLB)