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A locational analysis of academic library computer use

A locational analysis of academic library computer use Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to measure, characterize and correlate relationships between spaces within an academic library and the amount of use they receive from patrons. Design/methodology/approach – Login data gathered from computers were analyzed spatially using AutoCAD and ArcGIS to characterize the relative popularity of each computer. The login data were correlated to each computer's proximity to the entrance, a picture window, its printer, quantity of neighboring computers, and service points. Findings – Descriptive statistics reveal high usage of computers close to the entrance and close to service points. The strongest relationship of all was with a combination of attractors rather than any one attractor. Other measures were less closely correlated with usage, with proximity to window having little to no correlation. These hypotheses merit further study. Originality/value – Understanding the use of technology in library spaces is important to inform future facility planning to meet patron needs. http://www.deepdyve.com/assets/images/DeepDyve-Logo-lg.png Reference Services Review Emerald Publishing

A locational analysis of academic library computer use

Kathleen W. Weessies
Reference Services Review , Volume 39 (3): 17 – Aug 16, 2011
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Publisher
Emerald Publishing
Copyright
Copyright © 2011 Emerald Group Publishing Limited. All rights reserved.
ISSN
0090-7324
DOI
10.1108/00907321111175868
Publisher site
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Abstract

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to measure, characterize and correlate relationships between spaces within an academic library and the amount of use they receive from patrons. Design/methodology/approach – Login data gathered from computers were analyzed spatially using AutoCAD and ArcGIS to characterize the relative popularity of each computer. The login data were correlated to each computer's proximity to the entrance, a picture window, its printer, quantity of neighboring computers, and service points. Findings – Descriptive statistics reveal high usage of computers close to the entrance and close to service points. The strongest relationship of all was with a combination of attractors rather than any one attractor. Other measures were less closely correlated with usage, with proximity to window having little to no correlation. These hypotheses merit further study. Originality/value – Understanding the use of technology in library spaces is important to inform future facility planning to meet patron needs.

Journal

Reference Services Review – Emerald Publishing

Published: Aug 16, 2011

Keywords: United States of America; Academic libraries; Library facilities; Computers; Library users

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