1. Learning From Our Students x What They Can Teach Us About Library Spaces, Services, and Research Practices 8th AMICAL Conference April 27 – 30, 2011 Beirut, Lebanon

2. The Project Overall objectives – Learn Participatory Design methods to learn about student work practices and needs – Answer questions about building renovation and construction – Support development of academic programs and services 8th AMICAL Conference April 27 – 30, 2011 Beirut, Lebanon

3. The Project Three sites – American University of Central Asia – American University of Nigeria – John Cabot University 8th AMICAL Conference April 27 – 30, 2011 Beirut, Lebanon

4. The Sites Many similarities – Size of student body – Not enough library space – Students’ academic challenges Some differences – Urban/rural – Europe/Asia/Africa – Infrastructure 8th AMICAL Conference April 27 – 30, 2011 Beirut, Lebanon

5. Traditional Design Experts decide what to build and how to build it Only “some experts” participate – for example, architects and engineers These experts assume they know what is best for everyone 8th AMICAL Conference April 27 – 30, 2011 Beirut, Lebanon

6. Traditional Design What happens when only some experts participate in design and development? – The things they build may not work in the local context – They may base their designs on faulty assumptions 8th AMICAL Conference April 27 – 30, 2011 Beirut, Lebanon

7. 8th AMICAL Conference April 27 – 30, 2011 Beirut, Lebanon

8. Participatory Design Everyone participates in designing the space or services facilitated by a social scientist: – Architects participate as experts in designing the building – Engineers participate as experts in constructing the building – Students participate as experts in how students will learn in the building – Others participate in their areas of expertise 8th AMICAL Conference April 27 – 30, 2011 Beirut, Lebanon

9. Participatory Design Methods of participation – Observations – Interviewing – Design workshops – Photos, maps, and more 8th AMICAL Conference April 27 – 30, 2011 Beirut, Lebanon

10. Today’s Session Presentations from each of the three sites – American University of Nigeria – American University of Central Asia – John Cabot University General significance and value Q&A 8th AMICAL Conference April 27 – 30, 2011 Beirut, Lebanon

11. American University of Nigeria Yola, Nigeria