Rethinking existing spaces: Making the library the preferred place to study

Abstract

This poster will illustrate the process of rethinking and redesigning library space at Oslo & Akershus University College in Norway. This redesign used Tracking the Traffic (TTT) as a tool for analyzing the use of library space, and the interaction between zones, activities and time. We are currently using TTT for the second time, to make the library students’ preferred choice of study destination. The poster will use photographs and charts to capture the processes and results of the TTT.

The initial TTT determined how the students used the library, and guided us in the creation of new seating, work spaces and socialising areas. This produced an increase of 15.3% in visits from library users.

The poster will show how our current TTT initiative draws on the knowledge gained from the first one. Areas to converse and meet turned out to be one of the most important redesign aspects, and – with the risks of studying being isolating, particularly in an online age – this was something we wanted to return to. Consequently, the current TTT is concerned with the creation of a welcoming, friendly environment – the preferred location in which to study.