Introduction to Designing Effective Library Learning Spaces in Higher Education

Abstract

A university without an academic library is unimaginable since the library serves as a pivot for both learning and research. Freeman (2005), while talking about the importance of a library in academic life, stated that it holds a unique position, symbolizing the heart of the institution. A good library is not only one that stacks printed material or has portals to access online resources but also provides a flexible learning space with reading rooms, facilitates discussion and encourages collaborative learning and scholarship. With limited resources, it is increasingly difficult for universities to allocate funds to re-design library spaces. Modern academic libraries have to respond not only to pedagogical changes but also to technological changes, accommodating them in the library space design and management. Modern libraries are trying to integrate features of the traditional form of learning as well as the digital form. This book will present case studies and empirical evidence discussing the changing face of libraries. It will talk about re-modeling of existing libraries with the help of new architectural design to utilize the space and inculcate the digital literacy development. Scholars discuss, in the chapters, how they meet users’ needs and how they use in stakeholders’ inputs to design innovative library spaces.

Citation

Sengupta, E., Blessinger, P. and Cox, M.D. (2020), "Introduction to Designing Effective Library Learning Spaces in Higher Education", Sengupta, E., Blessinger, P. and Cox, M.D. (Ed.) Designing Effective Library Learning Spaces in Higher Education (Innovations in Higher Education Teaching and Learning, Vol. 29), Emerald Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 3-12. https://doi.org/10.1108/S2055-364120200000029001