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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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose The purpose of this column is to describe several examples of libraries providing services to their patrons to broaden their impact beyond their four walls.Design/methodology/approach Literature review and commentary on this topic that has been addressed by professionals, researchers and practitioners.Findings Mobility substantiates the claim that library users have certain expectations from their libraries, not the least of which is to maintain a currency with the latest technological advances through its services. Therefore, younger generations brought up on high-tech access to their library materials via an array of services outside the building itself is paramount to a public expecting its links to services anywhere, anytime.Originality/value The value in exploring this topic is to examine several real-world scenarios where libraries have provided exceptional services beyond the building to satisfy the ever-expanding expectations of their users. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to propose a method for the assessment of library space use and user experience by combining seating studies, surveys and observational data.Design/methodology/approach Seating usage studies (called seating sweeps), technology-assisted face-to-face surveys and observational data were used to assess library space usage and identify user behaviors.Findings Results from the study revealed higher library use than expected and provided insight into user behaviors and patterns.Practical implications The methods and study described aid in raising awareness of user experience within library spaces and provide valuable data for space redesign efforts.Originality/value The study builds upon methods described by Linn (2013) and combines traditional user experience methodologies to gain insight into library space use and user needs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose This paper aims to discover the extended reference needs of Andrews University students by studying their understanding, value and use of library services; and receive input for setting up a reference kiosk.Design/methodology/approach Students from various buildings on campus filled out a self-administered 16-point anonymous survey during a two-week period in 2014. Researchers used descriptive statistics to analyze the data collected.Findings Students have an understanding of what libraries can do for them, and yet, they do not consider the librarians or use the library services as their first choice for completing their assignments. The respondents feel confident about their library skills and would rather consult their peers or use Google first before consulting a librarian or the information desk. Some of them claim that their classes do not require library use. Students are ambivalent about using an extended reference service outside the library.Research limitations/implications This study was limited to one university and during a specific time period. Further research topics could cover why students start with Google or their peers before they use library services, verify the claim that classes do not require library use and evaluate how students’ use of electronic devices affect library use.Originality/value The study helped determine the students’ extended reference needs and how they understand, use and value the library. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose - This article aims to identify threats perceived by Swedish public library directors as the most prominent. Design/methodology/approach - A web questionnaire was sent to public library directors in all of the Swedish municipalities. The data were analysed using qualitative content analysis. Findings - The findings reveal that the main threat was considered to be the tension between the current activities of the public library and the expectations of the public, or of local decision makers. One reason for the lack of correspondence between activities and expectations is that public library managers regard the expectations on the public library as unrealistic. Another reason is that lack of resources prevent public library staff from meeting many of these expectations. Public libraries are thus prevented by both ideological and practical barriers in fulfilling expectations. Originality/value - A central issue in current public library research concerns how change in Western society affects public libraries. Many of these studies are either theoretical or based on interviews with politicians. Few researchers investigate how public library directors perceive the situation of public libraries today. Therefore, this article identifies perceptions made by public library directors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose - The aim of this article is to identify the main approaches and discuss their perspectives, including their strengths and weaknesses in, especially, public library contexts. The purpose is also to present and discuss the results of a recent - 2014 - Danish library user segmentation project using computer-generated clusters. Compared to traditional marketing texts, this article also tries to identify users segments or images created by the library profession itself. Segmentation of users can help libraries in the process of understanding user similarities and differences. Segmentation can also form the basis for selecting segments as target users and for developing tailored services for specific target segments. Thus, several approaches and techniques have been tested in library contexts. Design/methodology/approach - Basically, the article is built upon a literature review concerning different approaches to user segmentation in, especially, public library context from approximately 1980 till now (May 2014). Findings - The article reveals that - at least - five different principal approaches to user segmentation have been applied by the library sector during the past 30-35 years. Characteristics, strengths and weaknesses of the different approaches are identified, discussed and evaluated. Practical implications - When making decisions on future library user surveys, it is certainly an advantage, concerning the ability to make qualified decision, to know what opportunities that are at hand for identifying important segments. Originality/value - Some of the approaches have been treated individually in the library literature; however, it is probably the first time that the professions own user images and metaphors are dealt with in a user segmentation context. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – The purpose of this column is to provide several discussion themes on which to muse regarding the strategy of library marketing in today’s technology-rich environment. Design/methodology/approach – It involves literature review and commentary on this topic that has been addressed by professionals, researchers and practitioners. Findings – Moving between the traditional model of library marketing to the cutting-edge model is occurring through the numerous digital communication tools used everyday. Not only must the library rely on these modes of marketing they must also recognize that their patrons share that space with them and the many contacts each one of those patrons has as well, thus potentially expanding the library audience and therefore positively expanding its user base. Originality/value – The value in addressing this issue is to examine approaches to marketing library services in an effort to present the reader with several discussion points on the topic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to gain insight into patrons' preferences for quick response code (QR code) design as well as data about their potential benefits. Design/methodology/approach – A survey was used to learn whether patrons find it easy to use a QR code, to gather patrons' opinions about several possible library uses for QR codes, and to solicit additional ideas for using QR codes in libraries. A small-scale pilot project was implemented to learn whether the Libraries' patrons would make use of QR codes. To augment the data gained from the first two studies, five focus groups were facilitated. Findings – The authors found that patrons generally find QR codes easy to use and would welcome a variety of library services on their mobile devices. Research limitations/implications – Further studies on a variety of mobile devices would be a useful way to gain more insight into how libraries can take advantage of mobile communication to provide services to patrons. Originality/value – This paper would appeal to academic libraries considering implementing QR codes projects as there are only a very limited number of studies on library users' preferences of QR codes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to discuss the management of internet access in the public library. It stresses how important professional access management is, addresses practical and ethical challenges and dilemmas with regard to managing access, highlights management strategies and emphasises the librarian's enduring ethical principles in the "internet age". Design/methodology/approach – The paper is based on a critical literature review. Findings – First, there is not necessarily a difference between managing internet access and "traditional" stock selection. Second, managing internet access must not be understood as synonymous with limiting the information that is accessible through it. Third, the librarian must be aware of the risks that filters and other "technological fixes" pose to the library and the librarian's principles. Fourth, a number of strategies exist which protect these principles and allow information literacy and user independence to develop. Practical implications – The paper highlights practical challenges to a librarian's everyday work and provides a discussion that is relevant to public librarians everywhere. It raises awareness of the potentials and pitfalls of a number of internet access management tools and assures the librarian of their important position as an enabler to information access and its use. Originality/value – The paper raises awareness of important issues pertaining to internet access and its management in the public library. It asks pertinent and timely questions of relevance to the practical work of the librarian. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – This paper seeks to highlight the recent open access (OA) initiatives in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Design/methodology/approach – The paper finds that the UAE open access initiatives may be the beginning of advances towards encouraging contributing to OA peer-reviewed article publication for enabling knowledge creation. The OA initiative appears to be a harbinger of things to come particularly at UAE institutions of higher learning where most of the academic research happens. For librarians, the time has come to be involved with the creation of institutional repositories as their roles evolve. Findings – The research is based on literature rather than a field study. This means an actual survey may be more informative in the future. Research limitations/implications – It is important for librarians and the academic community to understand what OA means in order to both contribute and benefit from it. Practical implications – OA as a concept implies giving the responsibility to librarians to give more advice to patrons about effective use of OA resources. Originality/value – This paper reinforces many of the concepts being discussed regarding OA initiatives both in the UAE and globally. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – The purpose of this column is to examine the transition of print newspapers to the digital environment and the recognition that the library continues in its tradition of providing access to local newspapers. Design/methodology/approach – The paper is a literature review and commentary on this topic that has been addressed by theoreticians, researchers and practitioners. Findings – The library must remain a trusted resource regarding access to local newspapers, a critical factor defining its place in the community. As newspapers increasingly transition to the digital environment, in any discussion of availability of the local newspaper to its patrons, the library must continue to play its central role as the principal access point for local news and information. Originality/value – The value in addressing this issue is to recognize that libraries persist in providing local newspaper services to their patrons during the evolution of formats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – Assessment is a driving force in the library and services offered are constantly evaluated for their merit. This study seeks to review student use of an academic library during late-night hours to determine the effectiveness of the service. Design/methodology/approach – Late-night library users were surveyed about the frequency and reasons for their late-night library use. They were given the opportunity to voice their opinions about the value of library services provided from midnight to 2.00 a.m. Face-to-face interviews were conducted. Numbers of users were tallied and student behavior was observed and noted. Websites were reviewed to determine open hours at other libraries. Findings – The investigators found that the patrons viewed the library as a quiet, peaceful place conducive to study and placed high value on late-night access to the library. This was confirmed by the fact that there were requests to further extend the late-night hours and to offer access to more library space. The research established the library as a haven required by a dedicated group of students who greatly needed a late-night place to work. Research limitations/implications – The investigators plan to extend the study of late-night use to determine where the students go at 11.30 p.m., when all floors except first floor close. In addition, more questions will relate to student classification, area of study, late-night safety, food, age, gender, mode of transportation, and housing. Participant recruitment will be enhanced to increase participation. Practical implications – These outcomes could result in changes to the hours and services provided after midnight and have an impact on other libraries following similar late-night practices. Originality/value – There is little information in the literature about student behavior during hours after midnight. No reference was made to investigators observing student behavior first-hand during late-night hours. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – This is the second article focusing on rural library services in Bangladesh. The main aim of this paper is to empirically measure the performance and impact of rural library activities in northern districts of Bangladesh. Design/methodology/approach – The study was carried out separately in ten rural communities with library facilities. Background data about library collections were collected. Point-of-exit interviews with library users were carried out to gather their opinion on library collections, performance and impact. Findings – The point-of-exit interview highlights the users' demographic characteristics, their library use and information needs, and their opinion on library collections, performance and impact. The constraints faced by users in using these libraries are also identified. The results show that most users are generally satisfied with the performance and impact of these libraries. Originality/value – This paper is the first attempt to measure empirically the performance and impact of rural library activities in Bangladesh. The authors expect more research on impact assessment of rural library activities in other developing countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a small scale study concerning the library usage and information needs of long-established national minorities in eastern Croatia, particularly in relation to information and reading materials in their native languages. It mentions that the data were gathered using quantitative methodology and analysed using descriptive statistics and variant analysis. It shows that respondents need diverse information and reading material in their native language wherein they used public libraries less often than some other information sources including newspapers, internet, and local Serbian cultural associations. Moreover, the study could encourage systematic collection and analysis of information by librarians in Croatia about their local community minorities.

Purpose – This study aims to look at how a small group of university students used the new library web scale search discovery tool, "Summon", and whether they encountered any difficulties pertaining to navigation, ease of use and the quality of the search results. Design/methodology/approach – Researchers conducted a series of usability studies in which students were observed as they conducted some typical library resource searches using the new discovery search platform. Findings – The paper analyses the data, describes and reports the findings of the usability tests. The study found that the new homepage design of providing a single search box was an effective interface for users. The students found a single search box discovery solution was simple to use, and seemed to deliver satisfactory results on a selection of typical library search tasks. The study confirms some of the promise for web scale discovery, but points to new lines of enquiry in relation to the nature of assistance that students will need in the future, particularly in relation to their need to evaluate information. Originality/value – Web scale discovery searching is an innovation in the online searching of library collections. The study revealed how a small sample of end-users experienced the new type of searching and serendipitously identified a new issue that warrants further investigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – The purpose of this study is to show how the addition of a next-generational overlay to an existing online catalog can lead to more-refined searching by users. Users of classic online catalogs have always had the ability to refine their searches and define better the specific type of material they want. However, research in the last two decades has consistently shown that few users take advantage of this extra step. Now with the rise of discovery platforms like Encore and Aquabrowser, the limiting capabilities are automatically displayed to the user, and this study aims to demonstrate that this creates a significant change in search behaviors. Design/methodology/approach – The library worked through months of its search logs for both the classic and online catalogs and compared data from the two platforms. Similar log data were obtained from other libraries to confirm that this was a universal trend. Findings – The study shows that users are 15-20 times more likely to refine their searches if they are searching in a discovery platform. Originality/value – Librarians can base their bibliographic instruction sessions on a better understanding of the search behaviors likely in the two kinds of catalogs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to understand why users at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) are unable to locate locally held items from the university libraries' electronic and physical collections using the library web site and catalog. Design/methodology/approach – A combination of usability testing methods and quality control methods were used. Items for the study were selected from cancelled interlibrary loan requests. A cognitive walkthrough was performed for citations representative of the top categories of cancellation because the item is owned or available electronically. Quality control methods were used to determine likely user failure points to completing this path. Data from the cognitive walkthrough were compared with actual user behavior, as observed through usability testing. Findings – Participants in the study failed to locate known items for multiple reasons, but from the usability testing and analysis three major areas emerged: finding the correct starting-point for the search, information not indexed for a selected search, and clicking on the call number link. The complexity of library resources was the main contributor to these failures. Participants expected library searching to behave like their other search experiences. Research limitations/implications – The failure points identified in the study are in some cases specific to features of the UNLV Libraries' integrated library system. Originality/value – This paper could be useful to libraries examining the ease with which users can locate items using the library web site and catalog. The research team used a quality control method to analyze usability testing, which provides valuable quantitative data concerning the relationship between user and system failure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to report the results of a two-year experiment at one North American academic library with extending free borrowing privileges to community users. Design/methodology/approach – The paper reviews previous research on services to unaffiliated community users by academic libraries and employs quantitative measures to examine the costs and benefits of providing such services at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock (UALR), Arkansas, USA. Findings – The data indicate that services can be provided to unaffiliated community users with minimal effort and cost. However, the benefits to the organization, such as increase in good will and social capital, are difficult to measure. Research limitations/implications – This paper reports on one North American academic library's experience providing service to unaffiliated community users and may provide guidance for other libraries in allocating resources for community outreach. The results of this study may or may not be generalizable to all academic libraries. Originality/value – There has been little research that attempts to assess the economic impact of unaffiliated community users on academic libraries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]