The College of Architecture

Learning Resource Center

Minor Plate No. 3 (Research Component)

by
Eugene Fernando F. Belmonte
2012-44571

Submitted to:
Prof. Emilio U. Ozaeta

In partial fulfilment
of the requirements in ARCH 21

2 August 2013

I. Research on the Libraries within the UPD campus

A. College of Science Library
1. Areas used/accessed by library staffs

Information booth
o In this area is located upon entry of the library. It is usually used for ID checking and/or
for security purposes

Lending/Borrowing Area
o This is where the students can register the books that they borrow.

Administration offices and Librarians office

o Office for the library administration includes a meeting/discussion room, individual
cubicles or space, etc.
Service stations
o These stations are all over the library area for ease of access by the users whenever
they need assistance. Library staff can easily monitor behaviour and noise through
these stations that are located near the areas accessed by the users.

2. Areas used/accessed by the users

Reference Section
o The books in this section are for room-use only.
o In this area, there are three tables with four chairs each for the users.
o The area is enclosed by belt dividers, which excludes the area from the shelves. This
enclosure also serves as the limit where the students can eat/drink, apart from the
Red Zone around the Circulation Books shelves area.

Reading Area
o This is where all the users can read individually because of the individual carrels in the
area.
o The reading area is categorized as a Green Zone where anyone can eat/drink, and
only minimal noise is allowed.
o One thing about carrels is that they face one another, and because there is only a
transparent division, users tend to use the carrels not facing the other users or beside
other users. Also, they prefer using the carrels at the inner portion of the reading area.

Reading Area

Astoolbetween
theshelves

A view on the carrel

Circulation Books
o The books in this area can be borrowed overnight or for a long period of time.
o In this area, some cushioned stools can be found in between shelves where some
library users read instead of proceeding to the reading area.

OPAC or Online Public Access Catalog

o Located on strategic areas of the library for ease of access.

Service Area for Reserved, Serials, Filipiniana, Thesis & Dissertation Sections
o This is an enclosed area with tables and chairs also.

Service Area for Internet Access, Technical Services and Audio Visual Collection
o This area is for computer use, and other similar services.

Lounge and more Reading Areas

o In this area users can discuss with each other and keep a moderate noise.

Reserved, Filipiniana, Serials, Thesis

Technical Services

more Reading Areas

Lounge

OPAC computers

B. College of Engineering Library II

Common Areas

Library Communique

Reading Area

Serials Section
1. Areas used/accessed by library staffs
Information or Librarians Desk
o This is where the librarian stays and monitors the library.
2. Areas used/accessed by users
Baggage Counter
DOST reading room
Discussion Room
Archives and Records Center, Thesis Room
Computer Areas
Reading Tables
Shelves for New researches and magazines
Sofas, tables and newspaper rack
OPAC

Sofa and newspaper rack

baggage

Reading
tables

The Learning Commons

Shoe rack
Computers/ workstations
Registration booth
Multimedia viewing room
Discussion room
Main

Baggage Counter
Reading Areas/ Carrels
Circulation Books
Reserved Section
Reading Tables
Sofas
ERG Discussion Room
Reference section

Reading Carrels

Tables

This seat can be found on a corner of

the shelves of the circulation section.
This enables privacy for some readers
who dont want to stay at the carrels

C. College of Engineering Library I

1. Areas used by the library staffs
Administration office and Librarians office
Information Desk at the entrance/ ID check
Book Lending/return Area
2. Areas used/accessed by the users
Common area for tables and chairs
2 lounges
Reference section
Circulation section
Reading Area
Discussion Room
Computer room
Photocopying services
Thesis and Serials Room
Mezzanine
Charging Station
OPAC
Baggage Area

Thesetableandchairscanbefoundinthe
middleofthecirculationsectionofthe
library.Thisisagoodspaceforprivacyand
beingisolatedfromtherestofthepeople
inthelibrary,itcanreducethenoise.

Threedeskscanbefoundalsoatthispart
ofthecirculationsection.Forpeoplewho
wanttohaveaccessonthebooksandat
thesametimeread,thisareacanbea
goodisolatedplaceforstudying.

Althoughgenerallyunusedbylibrary
users,themezzanineservesasaquiet
placeforlibraryusers.Thisareaisoutof
otherusersview.

Computer room

Reading Area

D.NationalInstituteforGeologicalSciencesLibrary

1. Areas used by the library staffs

Administration office and Librarians office
Information Desk at the entrance/ ID check
Book Lending/return Area
2. Areas used/accessed by the users
Common area for tables,
Carrels on the sides of the room
Reference section
Circulation section
OPAC
Computer Area
Baggage counter

Rough draft of the library

Carrels

Circulation

Reference

Computerarea

Administration

Carrels

Tables

OPAC

Librarianandthesis

Baggage

Section

Entrance

Three carrels are located between two shelves. This gives the users an opportunity for privacy
within the library. Although there is a common area where people study, some would still prefer
to stay in these carrels because it is quieter than when there are other people around.

Having many carrels in a library gives the users the opportunity to choose the spaces that are
away from other users.

E. Marine Science Institute Library

1. Areas used by the library staffs
Administration office and Librarians office
Information Desk at the entrance/ ID check
Book Lending/return Area
Storage
2. Areas used/accessed by the users
Common area for tables,
Carrels on the sides of the room
Reference section
Circulation section
OPAC
Graduate Reading Area
Baggage counter
Thesis and Reprints Section

This is an area found in the middle of

the librarys Circulation Section
shelves. This also provides a private
space for the users if they would like to.

The graduate reading area is located at the second floor of the library. This area is excluded
from the rest or other library users. The library somewhat gives priority to the graduate
students and faculty, especially those coming from the Marine Science Institute.

F. College of Arts and Letters Library

1. Areas used by the library staffs
Administration office and Librarians office
Information Desk at the entrance/ ID check
Book Lending/return Area
Serials Section
Faculty Lounge
Reserved Section
2. Areas used/accessed by the users
Common area for tables, desks
Reference section
Circulation section
OPAC
Francisco Arellana Reading Room
Gonzalo-Gonzales Reading Room
CAL students reading area
Photocopying services

Although the library is always full, there is an area in the library where only College of
Arts and Letters students can use. This is the CAL students reading area.
At peak hours, especially at around noontime, the library is full of users. Because of this,
some users are forced to sit with other people on the same table regardless of they are
strangers. For territoriality purposes, some leave their bags and other things when they
temporarily leave their spaces, especially when searching for books, to reserve the
space for them when they come back.
There is almost no private space in this library. The spaces are very open access to
everyone. That is why some people choose to read books while sitting on the floor
between shelves, which actually the librarians do not allow.
Many students from different colleges go here. The library served as tambayan or
meeting place for some people. Some users dont really read or study in the library.
Some just sit down, sleep or play on their gadgets.

G. College of Business Administration Library

1. Areas used by the library staffs
Administration office and Librarians office
Information Desk at the entrance/ ID check
Book Lending/return Area
2. Areas used/accessed by the users
Common area for tables, desks
Reference section
Circulation section
OPAC
Discussion Room

The library has doors for both first floor and second floor. However, the entrance is on second
floor. The second floor contains only the reading rooms with individual desks (as shown above)
and group discussion tables for faculty and students.

All books can be found only at the first floor. The librarians are quite strict enough that they only
allow students who would borrow or browse for books in the first floor.

In this kind of library, the space is too open enough to have privacy and a territory. The librarians
can see almost every corner in the library. Because there are no shelves in this area, the sound
cannot be regulated. So, a whisper may be heard by people around you.

Because the books are still located on the first floor, one cannot easily access these books and
bring it to the reading area.

H. College of Education Library

1. Areas used by the library staffs
Administration office and Librarians office
Information Desk at the entrance/ ID check
Book Lending/return Area
2. Areas used/accessed by the users
Common area for tables, desks
Reference section
Circulation section
Filipiniana, Serials A sections
Serials B section
Reserve Sections
One good thing about this library is that each section is a separate room. And for each room
there are tables, chairs, and desks. Because of this, users are divided into what type of book they
are borrowing. They also have the option on which area to use considering their need for privacy.
I. College of Home Economics Library
1. Areas used by the library staffs
Administration office and Librarians office
Information Desk at the entrance/ ID check
Book Lending/return Area
2. Areas used/accessed by the users
Common area for tables,
Reference section
Circulation section
Filipiniana section
Photocopying Services
Archives/ Special Collection
Computer area
Periodicals section
Baggage counter

Some of these carrels are for faculty

and graduate students only.

There is a librarians corner behind

these shelves where he/she does his
tasks.

Activity Systems
Users have different activity systems in the libraries depending on their preference or need, and the
availability of the library facilities that encourage or enable these behaviours in the activity systems. Upon
entering the library, after presenting the countersigned ID, given the availability of the baggage counter, the
user would leave his/her bag there. Depending on the need, some may use the Online Public Access
Catalog (OPAC) or may go directly to the tables to reserve their space. For those library users who dont
really borrow books, or read there, they would just stay there and do whatever they want to do---- some
sleep, some play on their gadgets, listen to music, etc. However, for those who borrow books, some go
directly to the Circulation Section and find the books they need, and some go to the reference section,
reserved section, serials, etc to borrow then leave. For those who would browse the books within the
library, some find the need to stay there and read and concentrate on what they are reading. This is when
they go to their preferred areas to read, depending on their need. For group discussion purposes, some go
to discussion area or the lounge so they would not bother anyone else with their noise. Some, for individual
reading, go to the reading area where carrels are found. While for other users, they prefer to read in
between shelves where, for some libraries, there are individual carrels and seats. On the other hand, the
library users may use other services in the library such as the computers, photocopying services, and other
similar services. After using the library services, they would pack their things and leave.
Privacy and Territoriality
While using the library, the users may find the need for territoriality and privacy. They do ways to
protect them. For territoriality, some users mark their territory by putting their personal belongings on the
table, on the seats, etc. Whenever a user happens to be on a big table, either he/she scatters the things on
the table or places those things on the chairs beside him/her. What others do also is sit on the chair
situated at the middle part of a series of chairs so others would not sit on the chairs beside him/her.
Privacy, on the other hand, can be clearly seen in the libraries. Designated spaces for special
needs/services are separated from other spaces. For example, the computer areas are usually enclosed
like some other spaces like the administration office or the librarians office. This is because these people
who use the library have different things to do, and for them not to distract other library users, they must be
secluded from the other users. Within these big/major spaces within the library, privacy can still be
controlled between users. Carrels, for example, separates readers from other readers by the division side
by side. Same also at the computer areas where computers units are covered side by side for privacy use
of other users. Moreover, some seats, tables, and carrels can be found at hidden portion of the library, for
example, in between shelves. By placing the seats here, noise can be cut out from the rest of the library
area by some users. Users prefer to read in these areas so they can concentrate while studying/reading.
Even the positions of the table can create privacy. By positioning the tables in such a way that they face
one direction, library users may not be conscious about people who look at them because what they are
facing are the back of the other users. In having privacy, discouraging interaction among other library users
is somehow enough.

The College of Architecture Library

Major Spaces
Circulation Books Section
Tables and desks area
Ildefonso P. Santos Jr. reading room
gallery of students plates
Theses room
Librarians counter/ Reserved Section
OPAC computers
The Arki library is primarily used by the undergraduate students of the college, BS Architecture and
B Landscape Architecture, next by the BS Interior Design students, then the faculty and MA students, and
finally, by the students from other colleges. Also, the library includes the library staffs.
Only the students activity systems are observable in the library. Upon entering the library, they
would present their IDs. Some would go directly to the OPAC computers, while most of the students go
directly to the tables and do their work. Some would browse books in the circulation section, while some
would borrow from the reserved section. Students also use the computer and the internet access within the
library. Others are just there to charge their laptops. Some do their plates on the tables, while some discuss
with their company or have group meetings. Although there is the Ildefonso P. Santos Jr. reading room,
only few students use it. For library users who are alone, they usually sit on the individual desks. Some
even prefer to use those that are facing the window, so they can charge their laptops or just look outside of
the window. Because the orientation of the sections in the library has changed, especially the circulation
section, somewhat there are few changes in some of the students behaviour. The long tables are now cut
into individual tables, the position of which discourages large group discussions.
Because the library is generally for College of Architecture students, faculty, etc, a unique behaviour
that can be observed is that the students draw or draft within the library premises. Although it is difficult to
draft on flat tables, students still do so. Also, because students rarely read and concentrate on what they
are reading, the library is now more on the discussion type and not the individual system.

Survey shows...
Our group surveyed the library users of the college. We arrived at 124 respondents, 75 (60%) of
which are BS Architecture students, 31 (25%) B Landscape Architecture students, 11 (9%) BS Interior
Design students, 1 (1%) Faculty, and 6 (5%) other users.

Five major activities (in order) done by the library users and their frequencies are as follows:
reading/borrowing books (30%), discussing in groups (17%), sleeping/relaxing (17%), surfing the internet
(15%), and drafting (6%). However, based on the responses by the library users, most of the students use
the library only occasionally, 3 times a week (23%), once a week (41%) or once a month (16%). The
reasons they gave are lack of time, lack of need to use the library, library is not a good place to study, etc.

According to the respondents, the library should have a computer area, discussion rooms, drafting
area, sleeping area, lounge, play/barefoot area, large service/reception area. Although some of these areas
from these responses are not common areas found in a library, such as the sleeping area and the barefoot
area, these needs should probably be addressed in one way or another. Because the college library also
houses people with different behaviour and needs, probably the library can be unique as it is as compared
to other libraries in the university. Like in some libraries where there are special or priority areas/spaces for
their own students, the Arki Library should probably also have them which will serve the special needs of
the students like drafting, sleeping or even just relaxation, and wide spaces for different activities related to

their academics such as model making. Also, the respondents want the library to have printing and
scanning services, Web surfing, and photocopying services, which are usually the needs of almost anyone
in the college. This would also give them convenience by not having them to go to the shopping center to
print.
These areas can be supported by the pieces of furniture that are needed. According to the
respondents, these areas need sofas, coffee tables, more computers, and display shelves. Aside from
having more spaces within the library premises, upgrading the library into a learning resource center would
need these additional pieces of furniture for an overall wholesome learning experience for the students.
Because the library is one of the foundations of learning outside the classroom, this area should also be
conducive to learning. This area also must provide an environment favourable enough for students to
unleash their potentials especially their creative thinking.
The library must support the positive behaviours of the users. These positive behaviours are part of
their learning. These includes such as group discussions, drafting, relaxing, etc. However, there is still the
need for privacy and territoriality of the users. In the current situation of the library, the spaces are very
open. This is why people having different purposes in the library have mixed in just one area. At one part
there are discussions, and at other parts there are people trying to concentrate on what they are reading.
There are also some that drafts in this area, where almost everyone who passes this area can see what
they are doing, probably leading to the feeling of being watched by everyone in the library. The needs are
separate rooms for a specific activity. Like computer rooms, drafting rooms, discussion rooms, reading
rooms, and so on. And for a specific activity room, the privacy and territoriality from person to person must
also be protected. This is when the dividers, cubicles, or carrels are needed.

Needs analysis and design issues

A. Current Behaviours
Supported
Reading on tables/carrels
Reading in Ildefonso P. Santos Jr. reading room
Use of computers and OPAC
Discouraged
Noisy discussion
Sleeping
Eating
crowding
B. Projected Behaviours
Supported
Reading on tables/carrels
Reading in reading rooms
Use of computers and OPAC
Drafting on drafting rooms
Discussion in discussion room
Relaxing in lounges
Discouraged
Noisy discussion in the common area
Sleeping
Disturbing other library users

Design Problem
What are the qualities, spaces and furniture, and other considerations of the College of Architecture
Learning Resource Center that will serve the need and interests of its users, especially the needs of
learning through web browsing, discussion, drafting, reading, and interacting with other library users,
specifically those that are from the college, and at the same time providing for the special needs of the
library users that would have impacts on their development?
Space Programming for A Learning Resource Center
SPACE
Reserved section/
Borrowing/ Lending
Area
Information Desk
Reference Section
Circulation Section
Common Area
OPAC computers
Computer room
Discussion room
Reading room

NUMBER
OF
USERS

FURNITURE/ EQUIPMENT

3 Shelves, tables,
Counter, computer,
chairs
1 Chair, table
8 Shelves, table, seats
15 Shelves, seats
100 Group tables, individual
tables or carrels,
5 Computers, table/desk, chairs
10 Computers, chairs,
desks/carrels
25 Long tables, chairs
20 Carrels, chairs,

Drafting room/
activity area

15 Drafting tables, long tables,

high chairs, low chairs

Lounge (2)
Photocopying,
printing, scanning
service station

12 Sofa,coffee table, rack

2 Photocopying machine,
scanning machine,
computers, printers, table,
chairs, shelves
5 Shelves, tables, display
furniture
25 shelves
8 Tables, shelves, desks,
cabinets, computer
2 Tables, shelves, desks,
cabinets, computer
3 Tables, shelves, desks,
cabinets, computer

Gallery
Baggage counter
Administration
Office
Librarians office
Library staff work
area/ service
station
Comfort room

OTHER DESIGN
REQUIRMENTS
Good flow of motion

Good lighting, proper

arrangement of
shelves
Acoustics lessen
noise, natural lighting
Enclosed space/ airconditioned
Audibility / acoustics
Good lighting, well
ventilated,
enclosed/secluded
Good lighting, well
ventilated (nonobstructive to
activities)

REQUIRED
FLOOR AREA
12
5
8
100
80
2
15
40
30
90

10 (5X2)
9

Lighting concentrated
on displays
Natural light if
possible, enclosed
Natural light if
possible, encloses

20
1
20
16
10

2 Toilet, sink, faucets, urinals

TOTAL

10
478 sq. m.

BUBBLE DIAGRAM

Comfort
room

Drafting/
Activity Area

Discussion
room
Librarians
Lounge 2

Work area

Reading
room

Computer
room
Photocopying,
Etc. Services

Librarians
Gallery

Lounge 1

Admin

office

Office

Circulation
Section
Common
Area

Reserved
Section/

Reference
Section
OPAC
Information
Desk

Baggage
Counter

Entrance

LEGEND:
Physically Adjacent
Visually Adjacent
Auditory Adjacent

CONCLUSION
In designing a Learning Resource Center of the college, it must be taken into consideration
the needs and interests of the users, especially for the users from the college. Although some of
these areas are not feasible for a library for the meantime, having the learning resource center can
be the solution for the problem. This would add convenience for students using the center and
would have great impact on their learning development.
For the need of privacy, there should be designated areas for specific activities, so these
activities would not mix with other activities. Also after dividing the spaces into rooms of specific
purpose, the space within the room should also be divided into individual spaces for the users. This
is so that they will have a sense of territoriality although they work side by side with other users.
Overall, the users would dictate what spaces would be needed inside the learning resource
center. Also, how these spaces would be arranged will also depend on their individual preferences.
Having achieved these would make learning the best for anyone.