Browsing by Author "Schmidt, J."

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Open Access
Accommodating Shifting User Expectations
(2011-11-08) Cribb, Gülçin; Schmidt, J.; Library; CRIBB, Gülçin
Whether they are called netgeners, born digital, digital natives, screenagers, Generation Y or Generation Z, the current and next generation of library users want everything, and they want it now. They communicate constantly, tapping and swiping I-Phones, I-Pads and androids as they broadcast their daily activities via Twitter and Facebook. They rarely sit still and do nothing and do not discriminate in using technology between their personal and professional lives – studying, working and living are all integrated in the mashed-up infosphere. They are readers, viewers, listeners, writers and speakers and use a variety of media. What use do they make of libraries? What do they want from us? How do library buildings accommodate their needs? One emerging trend is the need for silence – the generation who communicates constantly via their fingers and thumbs and the photographic record seems to want quieter spaces in libraries. They remain voyeurs and view others at work and play – but more silently it seems, although they still want opportunities to meet with others and discuss learning and life – preferably with food and drink. They are serious about what they do and want to be treated with respect and empathy. Digital natives want their information resources delivered seamlessly with voice and vision included, not just words on paper or on a screen. In Google we Trust is their mantra and if it is on the web, it must be true. Digital natives have difficulty evaluating what they find and tend to regard all information as equal in value. Their approach to scholarship and learning needs to be developed. They regard the full output of scholarly work in one continuum whether it is real or virtual. And the library buildings for this generation? Digital natives want attractive buildings which are easy to use and provide pleasant environments and a relaxing space with plenty of technology. They want to plug in, power up and prowl the internet. They want “high tech” but they also want “high touch”. They want individual personalized help wherever they might be – and at varying times of day – my place, my space, my time – and targeted to my needs. The paper explores the needs of digital natives and some of the possible changes in library building design to accommodate the shifting sand of user needs.
Open Access
Online space displacing physical space in libraries; the impact of online use on the transformation of library design
(ALIA, 2011-03-18) Cribb, Gülçin; Schmidt, J.; Library; CRIBB, Gülçin
The basis of designing library spaces has been transformed. Initial views that online technologies would reduce the use of library space have not come to pass. The physical space remains important but much change has occurred. The focus has changed from an emphasis on housing of physical collections, accommodating staff and servicing users at desks, to highlighting the use of information technology in libraries and stressing user preferences for space utilisation. The pace and extent of the transformation have varied according to cultural values in various parts of the world and over time. From the east to the west, there have been significant differences. There have been varying interpretations of user behaviour and needs. Different approaches to the philosophical basis of librarianship have also affected the views of library space. Also of significance is the view of pedagogy taken in individual institutions and regions. Learner-based approaches, the increased availability of learning management systems tailored to individual use, the importance of group learning, and the growth of social networks have led to fundamental re-thinking of all spaces provided in libraries and learning institutions. The increasing use of mobile technology is causing further re-examination of space design. Common themes have developed which emphasize the need for flexibility, the importance of accommodating e-learning and m-learning, spaces for groups and areas for individual quiet study, and the emergence of self-service points, as well as those providing assistance. High tech still requires the high personal touch. The speakers will address the issues and highlight principles of library design, which should be followed, providing perspectives and examples from their Australian, Canadian, European and Turkish experience.