(P214) The need to read – an unexpected demand of the new generation users at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT)

Mar 30, 2012 | 5/6/2012 (1335-1510), Learning & Users | 0 comments

The new generation of users is often typified as ‗technology natives‘, and seen as being characterized by a technology-driven lifestyle with an emphasis on the use of technology by this generation, and how this use of technology has affected the behavior of the users. There is also strong evidence on how these generational changes have affected the way libraries plan their space utilization and physical services. However, an ever stronger emphasis is found on the effect of the new generation‘s demands for electronic access on the collection development practices of universities thus having an influence on the use of space in academic libraries.

However, in the context of South African education a paradox has arisen. Many of the students at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology come from a specific educational background. This is characterized by a poor reading culture and in some instances a lack of printed reading material. In a surprising move this has actually led to both an increased demand for print material by the students as well as a demand for texts for recreational reading.

This paper outlines how this demand was articulated by the users and realized by the library, including a description of some of the mechanisms by which the demand was determined. The reaction to these demands, both in the strategic planning of the library and in changes to the collection development of the library so as to promote the provision of suitable material is outlined. Finally, the effect on the new generation of the provision of reading material as expressed in user surveys as well as reaction from the academic staff on the initiative to provide reading fiction is shown.

The paper concludes with some of the lessons learned, including the realization that an overgeneralization of the needs of a new generation can be dangerous and lead to an overlooking of essential changes in user needs and behavior.

Michiel Erik Moll
Michiel Erik Moll Cape Peninsula University of Technology

Michiel Moll, MA, B.Bibl, HDE, DSE, studied at the Universities of Stellenbosch and South Africa. An ex-teacher and College of Education librarian, he has a special interest in how libraries can best serve users, and the measurement of service in the libraries. He serves at present as Deputy Director of CPUT Libraries.

Petro Coreejes-Brink
Petro Coreejes-Brink Cape Peninsula University of Technology

Petro is part of the management team of Cape Peninsula University of Technology Libraries (CPUT). She was a Faculty Librarian for 9 years and is currently part of the Library Management team for the last 6 years. As Senior Librarian she is responsible for 8 satellite campus branches and also the community outreach projects of the Library. She is a graduate from the University of Stellenbosch. She completed a B.Bibl, BA (Hon) and a MA at this university..

Audrey Louise Patrick
Audrey Louise Patrick Cape Peninsula University of Technology

Ms Audrey Patrick has worked in academic libraries for more than twenty five years. For the past eight years, she is part of the senior library management team. She manages and leads the Technical services department and coordinates the Library‘s Collection development budget. She played an active role in the Western Cape Branch of LIASA‘s Higher Education Committee (WCHELIG) and served on this committee for two terms. As chairperson for WCHELIG in 2008, she organised and hosted a panel discussion on the Changing role of LIS; a panel discussion on Digital collections: preservation and management initiatives and a one day seminar on Digital collections: strategy, management & policy. She holds a Masters degree in Library science from the University of the Western Cape and is a member of the Golden Key International Honour Society.

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