Understanding user experience in bring your own device spaces in the library: A case study of space planning and use at a large research university

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to triangulate qualitative and quantitative data with existing data to inform on the function and user experience of a newly created the “News Library,” and, further, to inform on the viability of “bring your own device spaces” (BYOD) in meeting the computing need...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Performance measurement and metrics 2019-11, Vol.20 (3), p.201-212
Main Authors: Chao, Zoe, Borrelli, Steve, Neupane, Bikalpa, Fennewald, Joseph
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Academic libraries
Collaboration
Colleges & universities
Computer industry
Computers
Data collection
Design
Educational technology
Furniture
Library collections
Noise
Portable computers
Qualitative analysis
Students
Studies
User behavior
Viability
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Summary:PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to triangulate qualitative and quantitative data with existing data to inform on the function and user experience of a newly created the “News Library,” and, further, to inform on the viability of “bring your own device spaces” (BYOD) in meeting the computing needs of Penn State University Park students through a multi-dimensional study.Design/methodology/approachThis study leverages several methodologies for data collection, including observation, survey, flip chart prompts, interviews and focus groups.FindingsFindings suggest that the News Library accommodates users’ social needs. However, it does not accommodate their communal needs well. The majority of students at the Penn State University Park campus, own laptops and bring them to the library when they intend to study. Personal device usage is preferable to library-provided computers per a familiarity with their personal device, access to personal files and independence of workspace.Research limitations/implicationsAs this is a case study, the findings are not generalizable. This study was conducted in one library, on one campus at a 24-campus institution with over 30 libraries.Originality/valueThe mixed-methods study provides multiple views into user behaviors and expectations. The authors propose guidelines for informing the design of BYOD spaces.
ISSN:1467-8047
1758-6925
DOI:10.1108/PMM-07-2019-0027