Re-designing library spaces to meet the needs of millennials: The balance between socializing and collaborative learning in the North-West University (NWU) Information Commons

Presented by: Dina Mashiyane

OVERVIEW

Introduction Pedagogies in higher education Information Commons: Library as place Benefits Challenges LibQUAL 2016 Action Plan

INTRODUCTION

The (NWU) Ferdinand Postma Library has re-invented its spaces to meet the changing needs of its users and also to stay abreast of ICT and pedagogical approaches. However, as much as these changes are benefiting the library and it’s users, there are also challenges associated with them. According to Gayton (2008:326) “raising comfort levels in libraries leads to a casual atmosphere that creates challenges in separating noise levels. Therefore, the traditional noise-restrictive library has shifted to a casual environment conducive to social interaction and inevitably higher noise levels” This then breeds the behavior of socialization which tends to be difficult to manage and may disrupt a conducive environment which enhances academic productivity.

PEDAGOGIES IN HIGHER EDUCATION

Blended learning Collaborative learning Adapts to the needs of the

students Involves various

stakeholders

INFORMATION COMMONS

NWU INFORMATION COMMONS IN A NUTSHEL

90 work stations and computers

Training facility

Equipment for checkout

Embrace social media

Lockers available for booking

Friendly staff trained to assist

Printing and scanning facilities

Reference collection

Seminar rooms with LED screens

Wi-Fi

Power plugs for laptops and tablets

Computers for students with special needs

Re-invention of library services & spaces Extension of a classroom One-stop shop Provider of information to a facilitator of learning Flexible environment (non-restrictive) Formal, informal and (mutually inclusive) non-formal Entice students in using the library Comfortable and organized

INFORMATION COMMONS BENEFITS

Social hotspot Usage of computers for non-academic purposes Reservation of computers for long hours Noise • Beneficial to some groups, whereas other groups suffer in the process

Development of conflicts between librarians and students due to disruptive behavior.

Information commons designated as a “silent zone”

INFORMATION COMMONS CHALLENGES

TRAINING & COLLABORATIVE SPACES

LibQUAL 2016

UNDERGRADUATES :LIBRARY AS SPACE

Implementation and reinforcement of the code of conduct Roving regularly (also providing assistance) Possibility of appointing noise monitors Installing of software to minimize reservation of computers Benchmark with information commons from other

institutions. Non designation of the information commons as a “silent

zone” Embrace change in our libraries

ACTION PLAN

Gayton,T. 2008 “Academic Libraries: Social or Communal? The Nature and Future of Academic Libraries.” Journal of Academic Librarianship, 34(1): 60–66.

Seal, R.A. 2015. Library spaces in the 21st century: Meeting the challenges of user needs for information, technology, and expertise. Library Management, 36(8/9), pp.558-569.

REFERENCES

Dina Mashiyane North West University: Ferdinand Postma Library

Librarian: Undergraduate Support 0182852632

dina.mashiyane@nwu.ac.za

THANK YOU