Transforming an academic library’s spaces : An evaluation study of Deakin University Library at Burwood campus using TEALS discovery

Abbasi, N; Elkadi, HA; Owen, S; Horn, A

Abstract

Libraries worldwide are transforming their spaces to better align with the changing needs of
their communities. The aim of this paper is to outline the process and outcome of an
evaluation study of transformed academic library spaces at the Melbourne Burwood Campus
using TEALS. In light of changing higher education practices and students learning
preferences, Deakin University has been questioning the balance of informal learning
spaces and more formal teaching and academic spaces across its campuses.
Commissioned by Deakin University Library, TEALS (Tool for the Evaluation of Academic
Library Spaces) was developed to evaluate academic library spaces. The Melbourne
Burwood Campus library has undergone several phases of refurbishment to create a library
environment that is centred around students’ needs and that supports their individual and
group learning experiences. In addition, areas of the library yet to be improved will undergo a
major redevelopment over the next year. Given this, carrying out an evaluation of the current
spaces is timely to ensure that a better understanding of the impact of changes is achieved.
The evaluation process involved: a review of architectural plans and space briefing
documents; an observational study of spaces; focus groups with students and library staff;
and an online survey of Students’ Library Experience. Use of the TEALS space evaluation
tool along with an analysis of data collected during the evaluation process have provided
significant insights into various dimensions of the quality of new library spaces. The areas of
weakness and strength identified in the study will inform the next phase of Deakin University
Library space redevelopment.

Citation

Abbasi, N., Elkadi, H., Owen, S., & Horn, A. (2012, July). Transforming an academic library’s spaces : An evaluation study of Deakin University Library at Burwood campus using TEALS discovery. Presented at Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA) Biennial Conference 2012, Sydney, Australia

• Presentation Conference Type: Other
• Conference Name: Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA) Biennial Conference 2012
• Conference Location: Sydney, Australia
• Start Date: Jul 10, 2012
• End Date: Jul 13, 2012
• Publication Date: Jul 11, 2012
• Deposit Date: Jul 22, 2015
• Publisher URL: http://conferences.alia.org.au/alia2012/Papers/3_Anne.Horn.pdf
• Related Public URLs: http://conferences.alia.org.au/alia2012/index.html
• Additional Information: Event Type : Conference