Beyond books: the concept of the academic library as learning space
- 9 May 2016
- journal article
- e conceptual-paper
- Published by Emerald in New Library World
- Vol. 117 (5/6), 308-320
- https://doi.org/10.1108/nlw-10-2015-0079
Abstract
Purpose The paper aims to explore the issues surrounding the user conceptualisation of academic libraries. The paper will solidify the role of academic libraries as learning spaces and problematise how libraries are conceptualised by users. Design/methodology/approach The paper is a literature-based conceptual paper and draws on a wide range of literature to challenge the concept of academic libraries and presents how they are becoming reframed as different spaces. Findings The paper argues that the concept of a library is at risk. While libraries have undergone substantial changes, the concept of a library has lingered. This paper demonstrated that libraries need to proactively engage users in this debate. Originality/value The spatial approach taken by this paper demonstrates the complicity behind the user conceptualisation of libraries. Developing an understanding of this process is an important foundation for libraries to develop their user engagement.Keywords
This publication has 23 references indexed in Scilit:
- The Space RaceThe Journal of Academic Librarianship, 2013
- Library Space and Digital ChallengesLibrary Trends, 2011
- “Serendipitous” browsing versus library spaceNew Library World, 2011
- Library design, learning spaces and academic literacyNew Library World, 2010
- The academic library becomes the academic learning commonsNew Library World, 2010
- Exploring the future of academic librariesThe Journal of Academic Librarianship, 2009
- Measuring Library Space Use and Preferences: Charting a Path Toward Increased Engagementportal: Libraries and the Academy, 2008
- The Library is Dead, Long Live the Library! The Practice of Academic Librarianship and the Digital RevolutionThe Journal of Academic Librarianship, 2008
- High-Density Off-Site Storage: Document Delivery and Academic Library Research CollectionsJournal of Interlibrary Loan, Document Delivery & Electronic Reserve, 2003
- Redefining library space: managing the co-existence of books, computers, and readersThe Journal of Academic Librarianship, 2000