Usage of Informal Learning Spaces among Students from Academic Units with versus without Dedicated Buildings on Campus

This paper examines Informal Learning Spaces (ILS) usage among students from colleges with versus those without a dedicated building in a university, using a mixed method approach. The library is the most visited ILS, while convenience and locales of colleges determine student traffic behavior and ILS usage. Students from dedicated buildings that have ILS, such as a resource center, are more likely to be diverted from the library. Despite 60% of students favoring a decentralized ILS development, a two-prong strategy is recommended to satisfy the diverse needs of students. Food is an important ILS driver to keep students on campus.