Pages and aroma: Library as a place and the library café concept

• Main Authors: Fredeluces, Roselle Maestro, Fredeluces, John Christopher L.T.
• Format: text
• Published: Animo Repository 2016
• Subjects: Libraries—Space utilization; Coffeehouses; Library and Information Science
• Online Access: https://animorepository.dlsu.edu.ph/faculty_research/9400
• Institution: De La Salle University

With information now available at the users’ fingertips, academic libraries are competing not only with the internet but also with venues that can simultaneously serve both as a learning and as a relaxation space for their patrons. Academic libraries strive to become “the place to be”, “the great good place”, or “the third place” of their respective communities. While most of them have adopted innovative use of spaces such as collaborative learning zones, individual study areas, informal learning spaces, multimedia rooms, and function halls, only a few academic libraries in the Philippines ventured into integrating coffee shops to the redefined library experience. This study investigates the adoption of the library café concept in three academic libraries in Metro Manila. Through interview with library directors and librarians, it discusses the establishment and management of these cafes. This study also examines the factors affecting the use of the space such as location, ambience, food and drinks policy, etc. A survey on the library users’ perception and evaluation of the café at the library was conducted to gauge customer satisfaction and gather feedback from the community. Finally, the findings of this study offer recommendations for libraries who are planning to enhance the concept of the library as a place by providing a space for a coffee shop.