More Research into Young Adults

Young Adults- Mindset and Needs these days

Youth have become ‘digital natives’ by growing up most of their lives using technology. Electrical capacity such as power outlets fuels wireless activity.  Many users want to plug in their wireless devices into outlets especially when battery tends to run low when sending videos or socializing through the digital universe. Most users don’t want to be stuck in one spot for long but they will be more willing to if their battery is low. This would mean they would expect to find a power outlet in the library or anywhere they are (Peters, 2013).

Young adults specifically in their early 20’s are developing more independence, so creating a welcoming place to ‘hang out’ and ‘socialise’ would appeal to this audience. Libraries are facing challenges in this digital age competing with other activities and the fact that youth now have opportunities to access knowledge and resources without using the library (Brock & Rankin, 2012).

In order to recognise the value the library has to the youth, we need to take into account the behaviour of millennials and their information needs. Young Adults have grown up in a world which digital technologies are an everyday and familiar presence. Technology is an active source for interpreting the world around us. The library therefore needs to be equipped with the capacities to cater to their technology needs (Brock & Rankin, 2012). Youth have become the “generation who have grown up in an age of exhibitionist social media and selfies” (Macdonald, 2014, p 25). Understanding the needs of young adults will encourage youth to visit and enjoy their library experience more. This is especially important in forming options for the next generation of library users.

The Library is not only a reading space but a working space. It is a space that users go to seek comfort, quietness and also can be a social space. This was identified through the observation of users at WCL, we saw that the users were naturally drawn to the sides of the library where there were desks and also where most of the natural light came through. These people were also using their own devices with some using books as resources as well.

More people are embracing the idea of B.Y.O.D (bring your own device). The library has computers but the files and programs on personal computers are prevalent in comparison. Rather than compete with personal devices, meeting the needs of users by supplying more power sources is priority.

References:

Macdonald, N. (2014). Demanding narcissists or misunderstood modern hippies. Retrieved from http://www.stuff.co.nz/life-style/10153540/Demanding-narcissists-or-misunderstood-modern-hippies

Brock, A., & Rankin, C. (2012). Library Services for Children and Young Adults : Challenges and Opportunities in the Digital Age. London: Facet Publishing.

Peters, T.  A. (2013). The Handheld Library: Mobile Technology and the Librarian. Santa Barbara, California:  ABC-CLIO.

Young Adults Value in the space in relation to Budget

When the space is valued by young adults, the space would be used more often. Investors look for how much the space is being used and this determines whether it is a worthwhile investment. So increasing this will ultimately increase investments into the library (LIANZA, 2014). Instead of trying to change the mindset of people who have grown up with technology, maybe embracing this and adding ways to support a good working environment. This would be going with the whole idea of comfort and connection which will hopefully result in people sharing and recommending.

Reference:

LIANZA (September, 2014). Valuing our Libraries. Retrieved from http://www.lianza.org.nz/sites/default/files/LIANZA%20report%20v1.0.pdf

Reference:

http://www.lianza.org.nz/profession/facts-figures

Colour Swatches

I think maybe just using two colours would be good. Went for more earthy colours since its a more approachable colour pallet. Kinda links in with be more comfortable but adding colour to an area would make it more prominent from other areas in the library so also reducing invisibility.

In terms of power supply stuff

Possibly having both the option of more fixed power outlets ---with the option of--- borrowing portable power supplies.

-Found a University library that has these small table plug in points for phones and tablets. -They also have an option to borrow portable battery chargers aswell.

-The idea of having the power sources was to enhance the study spaces.

Their portable battery charger system:

• Chargers circulate for 4 hours to anyone with a current UB borrowing card.
• Overdue fines are assessed at the same rate as library books.
• A $65 replacement fee will be assessed for lost chargers.

Reference:

http://library.buffalo.edu/power/

-Other things to consider are maybe incorporating some vcd stuff into the ideas. Maybe signs or flyers just to introduce the idea.

-Sarah