Evolving Learning Space @ Main Library (HKU)

KNC AND BEYOND:evolving learning commons

facilities at the Main Library, HKU

Y.C. Wan and A. YiuThe University of Hong Kong Libraries

June 2011

Evolving Learning Space @ Main Library (HKU)Evolving Learning Space @ Main Library (HKU)

1991

Opening of the New Library BuildingG/F Atrium dedicated to user search workstations.

Evolving Learning Space @ Main Library (HKU)Evolving Learning Space @ Main Library (HKU)

1995

The atrium transformed to an

Electronic Information Centre, offering 61 networked PCs

Evolving Learning Space @ Main Library (HKU)Evolving Learning Space @ Main Library (HKU)

1998

Re-designed as the

Knowledge Navigation Centre, offering a one-stop shop convenience for research and learning

Evolving Learning Space @ Main Library (HKU)

How satisfied are our users on KNC?

Surveys in 2005, 2008 and 2011

Evolving Learning Space @ Main Library (HKU)

Profile of RespondentsMostly Undergraduates and Postgraduates

Growing presence of SPACE students

No. of respondents

217

219

398

Evolving Learning Space @ Main Library (HKU)

Usage Pattern

Please tell us your usage pattern over the past week.

Evolving Learning Space @ Main Library (HKU)

How many times have you used the facilities at the KNC? Slight increase in

“> 6 times per week” in 2011

More users come “< 3 times per week”

Evolving Learning Space @ Main Library (HKU)

On which day did you visit the KNC?Shift to Saturdays and Sundays

Evolving Learning Space @ Main Library (HKU)

At what time of the day did you visit KNC?Shift to afternoons and evenings

Evolving Learning Space @ Main Library (HKU)

On average, how much time did you spend in the KNC per visit?

Evolving Learning Space @ Main Library (HKU)

Purpose of visit (2011)

Evolving Learning Space @ Main Library (HKU)

Satisfaction Level for different aspects3-year comparison

Evolving Learning Space @ Main Library (HKU)

Overall Satisfaction:3-year comparison

Evolving Learning Space @ Main Library (HKU)

And, pages of freeform comments:

KNC is usually crowded and

full during weekdays. More facilities are needed, esp. more students will be coming to HKU in 2012

Insufficient power sockets and

unstable wireless connection

are the barriers to our study! Need IMPROVEMENT!

You don’t have new version of

MS2010

Please get faster desktop PCs More printer is needed

Takes so long to re-start

Re: Green efforts –

please open the curtains and reduce the artificial lighting

y dont have msn?

All chairs for computer users should be equipped with

armrest

Evolving Learning Space @ Main Library (HKU)

Key messages

• A diverse user population, not just UG, PG, staff but also SPACE users and alumni

• KNC is a one-size-fits-all space, designed in the mid-1990s

• The facility needs to be expanded to provide a variety of spaces

• Need to enhance the infrastructure and service delivery as well

Evolving Learning Space @ Main Library (HKU)

The New Library Commons

• A learning commons style facility over 2,780 m2

• A range of learning spaces suitable to:– different learning styles– reflective self-study– collaborative study in small and larger groups– rooms suitable for tutorials (15 people)

• Technology rich environment• Flexibility• Some 24 hour access• ca 300 additional spaces• Extension to our existing space

Evolving Learning Space @ Main Library (HKU)

Main Library 3/F (2,780 m2): A month Ago

Evolving Learning Space @ Main Library (HKU)

Latest Design: zone A

Evolving Learning Space @ Main Library (HKU)

Zone A: Quiet and Reflective

Evolving Learning Space @ Main Library (HKU)

Zone B

Evolving Learning Space @ Main Library (HKU)

Zone B: Vibrant and Collaborative

Evolving Learning Space @ Main Library (HKU)

New Wing 3/F

Evolving Learning Space @ Main Library (HKU)

Zone C: Social and Interactive

Evolving Learning Space @ Main Library (HKU)

Zone E: Fully Flexible to Meet Changing Needs

Evolving Learning Space @ Main Library (HKU)

Zone F: Orientation and Help

Evolving Learning Space @ Main Library (HKU)

In the meantime:

• Fine tune and improve the design• Populate the LC with technology• How to deliver service: service points, hours of

operation, services provided, etc.• Staffing requirements: at what levels, no of shifts,

number of staff members per shift, training, etc.• Signage & publicity• Knock-on effects of vacating 3/F: relegation &

relocation of books, insufficient seating spaces before the LC opens, noise during the construction period, etc

Evolving Learning Space @ Main Library (HKU)

3/F NEW WING WILL RE-OPEN BY END OCTOBER 2011

Evolving Learning Space @ Main Library (HKU)

THANK YOU!