Destination Library: Validating the Importance of Physical Space

Abstract

In May 2013, a space initiative project was launched in an effort to answer the following question posed by the Memorial Sloan Kettering (MSK) Library staff: With the increased use of mobile devices and the availability of information anywhere, anytime, what activities or tasks does our user community engage in while at the Library? Data were gathered in several ways— daily counts to determine client workstation occupancy, an informal survey interview conducted three times a day with walk-in clients, and staff observations. Data collection periods were scheduled in summer 2013, fall 2013, and winter 2014. Analysis of the information collected revealed that for many survey respondents, the space represents an extension of their work environment. Although most of the MSK Library’s collection is available electronically, the physical space is important and valued by this user community as a “go-to” place for leisure, work, or library-related activities.