Robarts Library: Finding Inspiration Through Student Perspective
Whether it’s studying, relaxing, or chatting with friends, students spend a lot of time in campus libraries. By delivering a series of student and staff feedback sessions, the Innovation Hub explored how students use and experience library spaces. These insights will then be used during the design process of new library spaces at Robarts Library in order to ensure student needs are met.
Fall/Winter 2020-2021
How do students use and experience Robarts Library, what do they need in in a redesigned space, and how can the library better support them?
As a central library in the UofT library system, Robarts Library is a key space that students frequently visit during their time at the university. In order to understand what students need and desire in library spaces, Robarts partnered with the Innovation Hub to collect student stories on their experiences at this UofT Library.
KEY FINDINGS
Libraries evoke a sense of wonder that inspires students to explore new possibilities.
This key finding can be broken down into three main themes:
- Libraries are Catalysts for Student Development: they allow students to find growth and inspiration in both the negative and positive moments of their student experience
- Libraries are the Home of Conversations: they facilitate the discourse between students and themselves, their work, as well as the many others around them, encouraging the development of a sense of wonder through these connections
- Libraries are a Place of Opportunity: libraries serve as the great equalizer for students and provide the fundamental toolkit that each student needs in order to thrive.
These themes and insights supported developing design principles & checklist to support the design of future library spaces at U of T.
