Upon beginning postgraduate research at the Faculty of Built Environment at UNSW, the authors were surprised to find themselves working in a library-like environment, where a culture of silence prevailed. Assuming initially that this was just how postgraduate research was, they soon learned that the building also housed a second postgraduate lab…

The library landscape is changing at a fast pace, with an increase in the demand for study space including quiet, individualized study space; open group study space; and as enclosed group study space. In large academic libraries, managing limited high-demand resources is crucial and is partially being driven by the greater emphasis on group…

Two floors of the W. K. Hancock Library at the Australian National University (ANU) were refurbished in 2011 as part of a cooperative project between the library and the College of Science. The refurbishment, costing $5 million, was part of a much larger exercise involving the construction of four new science buildings around the Hancock Library.…

How can libraries best assess and improve user space, even if they are not in a position to undertake new construction or a major renovation? Staff at New Mexico State University used a variety of ethnographic methods to learn how our spaces were being used as well as what our users considered to be ideal library space. Our findings helped us make…

Systematic observation of non-computer seating areas in library and non-library spaces on an urban campus showed an important role for the library in individual and group study area choices. The study provides data on important points to consider in library design, including laptop needs and gender preferences. (Contains 2 tables and 1 figure.)

From classroom, to study space, to collaborative work or laboratories, students seek spatial, social, and intellectual connections, and most importantly, they seek the right space at the right time. The challenge for libraries is to provide different types of integrated spaces that balance the need to reflect and to absorb with the need to…

Highlights a research and development project for discussion of policy and practice issues arising from expansion of out-of-school child care and study support services. Suggests that government policy raises questions about siting, staffing, coordination, and costs of future services; and that fundamental questions exist about how children spend…

Describes how to have the advantages of an open school in older classroom spaces, using team teaching, learning stations, and a group rotation schedule. (RB)

Describes a course for undergraduate students that is intended to increase their study effectiveness. The authors recognize that there are many different routes to success and that each student must develop his/her own effective method. (Author/SA)

Information on various study carrels to provide individualized learning space for training use is presented. It is noted that carrels may be standard models or customized, and most are wired for audiovisual equipment. A list of study carrel suppliers and manufacturers is included. (MF)

Subjects read a textual passage encompassing hierarchically related topics. A structural outline presented in advance of reading the text facilitated reproductive recall of facts. The recall of specific facts was superior to that of general facts, implying an experimental demand to be precise in learning and recalling specific factual material.…

The University of Birmingham is equipped with four language laboratories and thirteen private study booths. Use of the laboratories, but not the study booths, declines after the first term of each session. A survey was done gathering data about the users of the private study booths. (RM)

Some guidelines for facilities for independent learning and instructional development. (Author)

Author explores the environmental and attitudinal factors that can make study hall an enjoyable and profitable place for teenagers. (GB)

Describes two new design ideas -- a combination study carrel-locker for use in high schools and a geodesic dome made of transparent vinyl for housing ping pong games in densely populated activity area on a college campus. (DN)