ZEMCH 2019 International Conference Proceedings April.2020 | Page 317
Table 2. Students Behavior Observation
Days
Behavior
Consequences
19 Students using digital devices either their PC, Individuals
Day 1
the library’s computer, mobiles, I‐pads.
that
needed
concentration stayed in the library
17 female students used the study hall as a loud but for a short time
social space while 6 others were focused.
5 Student using digital devices either their PC, the No lingering students after they
library’s computer, mobiles, I‐pads
have done the task they came for.
4 Students on different occasions were observed to Students left empty handed
Day 2
go around the bookshelves but then ending up with
nothing
A student was observed moving a couch and
putting it closer to the window for reading
An activity of roaming the library and looking In certain areas the library smelled
through books was observed by 3 students
Day 3
from the food
9 Students working on their assignments and using
electronic devices
4 students were having their lunch in the study hall
Day 4
Couple of students searching for books Students left empty handed
Usage of the printer by 5 students Frustration when using the printer
Usage of personal electronic devices such as
phones and I‐pads by 6 students
2.2 Pilot Interview
An approved semi structured interview was conducted with five students to explore in more details
their needs and experiences. The interview included queries about the role of the UAEU library in the
student’s life, the difficulties and limitations they are facing, their needs and the environmental factors
that would attract and push them for more usage; which enabled to codify thematically the responses
and highlighted the codes and respondents quotes as presented in table 3.
Codes
Definition
Table 3. Codes Explanation
Example
Accessibility Entrances and how to reach the
settings and objects
Settings Spaces the students use, locations,
the entire context where they do
their activities.
Activities actions in a space individually or
interactions with people
Q 7.Do you ever use the library? For what purposes?
If not, why not?
A1: “I havenʹt used the library so far, because it is far
away from our department and I have to spend
considerable time for walking or taking bus to reach it…”
Q2: When you are on campus, where do you spend
most of your time?
A5: “either in Gloria Jeans café in the crescents
building…”
Q 2: How do you spend most of your time on
campus?
Academic Library’s Challenges and Opportunities: Case Study of
the United Arab Emirates University Library
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