New Look at an Old Space: Participatory Design Research at a Liberal Arts College Library

Anticipating major physical renovations, Bryn Mawr College recently analyzed students’ use of space in Canaday Library. We collected both qualitative and quantitative data using an innovative mixed methods, participatory research design that included student photo diaries, interactive design workshops, a patron brainstorming board, and space-usage headcounts. Our poster will illustrate the results of our qualitative and quantitative data analyses, which showed surprising patterns in students’ usage and expressed desires for the main library space. Our project will interest colleagues from peer institutions and anyone curious about what liberal arts college students want in a 21st century academic library