Abstract

Library building and space management is an area of librarianship with low research interest by library and information professionals in the library literature in this part of the world. Irrespective of this neglect, it still remains the umbrella sheltering both human and material resources and the engine propelling the educational and research goals of any university. This paper explored the origin of academic library and the principles behind establishing the library as space and place in an academic environment. It also tried to point out different reasons for using the library by different people. Some implications of library as space and place were given and suggestion made for the appreciation of library building as an area of study in library and information science profession.  

Key words: Academic library, university, research, learning environment, users.