The Impact of IT Developments on Space Usage in Manukau Institute of Technology (MIT) Library

Abstract

There are numerous claims of whether physical spaces of academic libraries still required as more resources moved from print to electronic. This project set out to investigate the impact of IT developments on space usage in Manukau Institute of Technology (MIT) Library in order to help librarians and space planners to manage the physical spaces better, and improve existing spaces. They will be able to make informed decisions when planning for future use of spaces. A web based questionnaire was used to collect data on who was using the library and the activities in which they are engaged. There were 261 complete responses to the questionnaire. The researcher also conducted interviews with the Associate Librarian and the Institute Librarian from MIT Library on asking them how they have planed and managed the physical spaces in MIT Library. In addition, the researcher also examined the MIT Library statistics: Data in relations to volumes of print serial and monograph acquired, total number of issues, total number of library visits, total reference enquiries from 2003 to 2008 was analysed and then presented in charts, graphs and tables. The majority of respondents from the online questionnaire were found to be undergraduate fulltime students between the age of 20-25, and they were mainly female students. More than half of the respondents reported they can easily find the place to carry out individual study and group work. However, some respondents commented that in certain times of the year (for example, assignments/exams period) it is very difficult to find a place for individual study and/or group work. The majority of the respondents also reported they mainly come to the library to work on their assignments and study for tests/exams. The Institute Librarian and Associate Librarian mentioned that instead of just storing print materials, the physical spaces is also required to house more computers to access online resources, for quiet study space and group study rooms, and to provide more electrical outlets to access wireless using laptops. The conclusion reached was that the physical spaces of MIT Library still remains essential even through more resources has moved from print to electronic.