An open innovation programme exploring the future role of academic libraries within the University of Cambridge.

Employs special research techniques to examine how students, researchers and academics currently feel about, and use, libraries (physically and remotely) and how they study, learn and carry out research in this unique environment.

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what is Futurelib?

Those special research techniques:

• ethnography - observing and recording how people behave: their habits, routines, activities, culture, traits; seeking a deeper and more holistic understanding of their choices and daily lives

• human-centred design – examining the needs, wants, and limitations of users of a product, service or process (in our case libraries and library systems)

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what is Futurelib?

The programme draws on the skills of librarians from around Cambridge University to test new service concepts derived from the programme’s research phase by design practice Modern Human.

The project is funded by the University Library, led by myself and managed by Andy Priestner (on secondment from Judge Business School).

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what is FutureLib?

space preferences & studying style

• Diary Studies

• In depth interviews

• Short walk -up interviews

withstudents…

to find out how they worked

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https://www.flickr.com/photos/francisco_osorio/8424416853/

https://www.flickr.com/photos/francisco_osorio/9510964141

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Students in NatSci, Maths and CompSci often study independently sitting next to other people working on the same or similar problems. They really

value this collaboration. When they get stuck on something they are able to get real time support.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/francisco_osorio/9510964141

How Spacefinder will work

exercisehttps://www.flickr.com/photos/deanhochman/8651071224

3 types of activity/work that your students do in your library

3 other places that you know your students go and do other work-based activities

collaborative design workshops

Co-design workshops help designers partner with users to include their perspective in knowledge development,

idea generation, and product development. (Naranjo-Bock, 2012)

Collaboration between library staff and users

The workshop process

Meet Sophie

AHSS1. Atmosphere

2. Workspace

3. Location

STEM1. Workspace/Resources

2. Location

3. Atmosphere/ Environment

AHSS & STEM1. Immediate workspace

2. Atmosphere

3. Location

4. Resources

Top 3 features from staff and students

prototype product testing

prototype comments

I spent half the day yesterday trying to find somewhere to work – this would have really helped!

I’m a third year. I wish I’d had this as a fresher.

I would definitely use this app

This app would remove the trial and error of trying out crap coffee spaces

Would be good if like Airbnb it had pics of the rooms and desks to give a sense of the space

Photos would be useful so you know you’re not heading to a dank room

The app needs to give a bit more guidance

I’d like to know how much space there is – could it have a live update?

I prefer a menu to a map

I’d like somewhere to complain about a space

prototype comments

space comments

I don’t like working in xxx library as everyone there is really stressed

I tried studying in Starbucks once, but it didn’t work for me – I felt a self-imposed pressure to leave after I finished my drink

Large desks are cool

I like to work alone, but where others are working

I look for a certain kind of place – I’m quite fussy

I always work in my room or my college café

I use my faculty library cos its quieter there

WIFI and desks are key

Light is important, but not fluorescent

I revise with others in a group

Where I go depends on how much work I do

I like to study in libraries cos of the books I never work in libraries

I like it to be cosy, warm, light, quiet, but not too quiet

space comments

what constitutes a space?

space

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space = a place to work

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capturing spaces

Some example tags: light, attractive view, water allowed, no bags, subject experts, natural science tripos, inter-library loans, 24 hour opening, bookable study areas, photocopiers.

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exercisehttps://www.flickr.com/photos/deanhochman/8651071224

Describe a space in your library. Think about physical description,

facilities, features and atmosphere.

product demo

next steps

• we need information on your library spaces

• photographing library spaces

• marketing campaign and launch in October

• stall at Freshers Fair• promotion in your

libraries

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any questions?

FutureLib blog:https://futurelib.wordpress.com/

FutureLib Twitter account:https://twitter.com/futurelib