Competition for Academic Libraries (Hint: It's not Google)

When Google Books and Google Scholar emerged, there was a lot of blog-talk about the impact this trend might have on libraries. The million dollar question: why should I use the Library when I can access everything I need via the website?

We've attempted to answer this by creating a dynamic environment, offering expensive software, hosting regular events, and providing space for groups, teaching assistants, and oh yeah, librarians.

However, what if this value that we offer was embedded into the classroom buildings? That's a threat I see emerging, at least here at Tech. I toured our new College of Computing building and they've done some interesting things. For example, they have over 70 computing laboratories, 8 computer labs (with student assistants there to help), and a 200-seat auditorium. Throughout the halls there are several writeable walls (I guess for spontaneous coding writing?) as well as several problem-based learning rooms.

What's also cool is that intermixed between all the classrooms, labs and offices are numerous types of chairs and tables that can be moved around. It's mostly glass too so there is a lot of natural light. And there is also a little coffee shop, vending machines, and microwaves.

It's a clean and pleasant environment, with areas for individuals and groups, and enough distractions to keep it interesting, as well as hundreds of computers, wireless connectivity, direct access to TA's, advisers, professors, admin types, and peers. It's open 24 hours, has more than 500 parking spots underground, and is a stop along campus shuttle route.

So, why do they need to come into the library?

Comments

[Paul]

Brian,

It looks like the type of building students will want to spend time in, but it could also be a place for librarians to spend time in as well. With that many unique social and study areas it sounds like some type of roving reference could be beneficial. Granted outside the library, we lose something, but any positive interaction with a librarian is a good start.

I'll be interested to see if you see a decrease in traffic or other related stat declines.

Good luck and as always thanks for posting.

Paul

[Samantha]

Hi Brian,

I'm sure you thought of this already but why not bring the library (or at least a librarian) to them? When our business school built a lovely new building full of tech innovations, our business librarian started having 'office hours' over there once a week in the coffee shop. He'd bring over his laptop and a variety of materials and students would stop by to chat or even, every once in a while, ask him a reference question. He admits he didn't get a lot of questions but he did build a lot of goodwill for the library and at least placed the notion in people's minds that there *was* a library on campus even if they didn't spend much time there.

Thanks for posting!

--Samantha

[brian]

The Librarian on Location idea has been around for a while. I don’t know though. I just think randomly setting up a table or offering a few office hours each week in another building is not enough. I think UM’s Field Librarian program or Stanford’s vision for their engineering complex is more on target. I want to be integrated into the building, not just the equivalent of a pop-up or banner ad. Just because we’re around and have a bright sign, doesn’t really express our value. That’s the key for me: how can I be relevant, not just visible.