AUCA library space: New approaches to mobility

Proposed poster we will focus on AUCA Library’s experience of transforming the library space to meet different users’ needs, using elements of local traditions of mobility and based on different research methods, including photo-elicitation.

Proposed presentation we will focus on AUCA Library’s experience of transforming the library space to meet different needs using elements of local traditions of mobility and based on different research methods. The concept of mobility which pertains to the country’s nomadic past is a core idea behind AUCA’s campus design. The modern library space embeds the notion of constant change. As librarians, we want to ensure welcoming and functional library space for everyone. As researches, we want to know how the space is used and what we can do to manage this process efficiently.

We have been researching effective library space since re-locating to our current campus three years ago. We use variety of methods, including observation, questionnaire, survey, and users’ narratives. Our new study will employ a photo-elicitation method, which we hope will help us to detect unusual perspectives concerning physical parts of the library and to will provide new insights about our visitors’ behavior and library location strategies. A presentation will present the findings, and our recent experience to re-configure the space to increase study places; to accommodate users with special needs; to transform space for different collaborative events; and to meet other challenges while providing everyday routine.