Library as Place: Evaluating Physical and Virtual Spaces. A Case Study of Two Academic Libraries: A Case Study of Two Academic Libraries

Marion Williams; Ian Saunderson; Alexander Dhoest

doi:10.25159/2663-659X/8419

Authors

Marion Williams University of Limpopo https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2165-0542
Ian Saunderson University of Limpopo https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5108-7984
Alexander Dhoest University of Antwerp https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6656-6125

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.25159/2663-659X/8419

Keywords:

library as place, social capital, social media, academic libraries, Belgium, Limpopo

Abstract

Informed by Pierre Bourdieu’s theory on social capital, this paper examines how academic libraries might be considered places to create social capital. The study that directed this article utilised a qualitative approach and drew upon the perceptions of both the student population and library professionals at the University of Antwerp in Belgium and the University of Limpopo in South Africa. This study explored the similarities and differences in respondents’ perceptions of their respective libraries. The study relied on semi-structured interviews comprising 34 participants: 30 students and four library professionals. To inform this study, data were collected on the perceptions of the libraries’ physical and virtual spaces to ascertain differing views regarding academic libraries’ social values and their contribution to creating social capital. Students use the physical space extensively as a gathering place for group discussions and independent academic work, and depend on library professionals to disseminate information effectively on reliable and suitable platforms. The differences in students’ perceptions between the two academic libraries can be clarified based on their respective geographic settings, which influenced their perceptions and needs of the library. The article notes various restrictions at the University of Limpopo compared to current practices at the University of Antwerp in the context of social capital, physical space and technology, owing to uneven distribution of resources and autonomy.

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Author Biographies

Marion Williams, University of Limpopo

Marion Lucille Williams is Senior Librarian at the University of Limpopo, Mankweng, Polokwane, South Africa and PhD Student at the University of Antwerp, Belgium in the Faculty of Social Sciences. Her research project focusses on the educational use of social networking platforms at higher education institutions. Marion Lucille Williams is the corresponding author and can be contacted at: Marion.Williams@ul.ac.za.

Ian Saunderson, University of Limpopo

Ian Saunderson, PhD, is currently Head of Programme (Communication Studies) at the University of Limpopo, Mankweng, Polokwane (South Africa), after being appointed in the position of Senior Lecturer in February 2015. Prior to this he served in various positions at the Walter Sisulu University in the Eastern Cape (ranging from Lecturer, Senior Lecturer and Head of Department) for a period of 12 years. He obtained his PhD from the University of Glasgow in Scotland (UK) in 2013. His PhD thesis was entitled “HIV/AIDS at a South African University: investigating the role of Walter Sisulu University’s prevention role players and student behavior at the Institute for Advanced Tooling” following an interest in HIV/AIDS research for a period of more than ten years. Other research interests include new communication technology, advertising and marketing as well as quality assurance in education.

Alexander Dhoest, University of Antwerp

Alexander Dhoest, PhD, is Professor in Communication Studies at the University of Antwerp, Belgium. He obtained an MA in Communication Studies at the Katholieke Universiteit Leuven (Belgium), an MA Film and Television studies at the University of Warwick (UK) and a PhD in Social Sciences at the Katholieke Universiteit Leuven. His research focusses on issues of social (national, ethno-cultural and sexual) identity in relation to media representations and uses, using qualitative methods to study the role of television and digital media in people’s everyday lives.

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