Introduction: Pop-up libraries constitute an emergent class of temporary, flexible, and user-centric information service models. They are designed to augment resource accessibility, foster direct user engagement, and reconstitute the library experience within diverse, dynamic, and ephemeral settings. In recent years, such initiatives have garnered increasing scholarly and practical interest as academic libraries pursue innovative strategies to extend their reach beyond conventional physical infrastructures. Through the provision of targeted, mobile, and highly adaptable services, pop-up libraries demonstrate the capacity to address emergent user needs, enhance institutional visibility, and fortify relationships between libraries and their academic communities. This study aims to systematically identify, categorize, and prioritize distinct typologies of pop-up libraries applicable to the university context, with particular emphasis on elucidating student preferences and expectations.
Methodology: This applied research was conducted using a survey methodology. The study population comprised students at Semnan University, with participants selected via random sampling to enhance representativeness. A sample size of 360 was determined based on the Cochran formula, of whom approximately 70 percent ultimately participated. Data were collected using a researcher-made questionnaire consisting of 54 items across multiple dimensions, including pop-up library services, user needs, and prioritization criteria. To establish validity, the instrument underwent face and content validation by a panel of experts and faculty members in information science, all of whom confirmed its relevance and appropriateness. Reliability was assessed using Cronbach’s alpha, which demonstrated a high level of internal consistency, thereby confirming the robustness of the measurement too.
Findings: The analysis delineated twenty-five distinct typologies of pop-up libraries, which were subsequently organized into four principal categories: (1) educational and research-focused pop-ups, (2) scientific and technological pop-ups, (3) cultural and social pop-ups, and (4) entertainment-oriented pop-ups. Student feedback indicated a pronounced interest in pop-up library services, underscoring the considerable potential of these initiatives to address a broad spectrum of both academic and non-academic requirements. Among the four categories, educational and research-focused pop-ups garnered the greatest degree of interest, indicative of students’ preference for academic support services that are accessible, mobile, and responsive. Entertainment-oriented pop-ups ranked second, followed by those centered on cultural and social engagement. Scientific and technological pop‑ups, though recording the lowest level of interest, still attracted a meaningful degree of attention. Further analysis revealed significant differences in students’ willingness to utilize pop-up libraries based on demographic and academic variables. Gender-based comparisons indicated that female students expressed a significantly higher level of interest in both cultural and social pop-ups and scientific and technological pop-ups than their male counterparts. When considering educational level, graduate students demonstrated stronger interest in educational and research pop-ups as well as scientific and technological pop-ups, likely attributable to their more specialized academic requirements. In contrast, undergraduate students exhibited greater interest in cultural/social and entertainment-oriented pop-ups, reflecting their broader engagement with campus life and extracurricular pursuits. Disciplinary differences were also evident. For instance, within the educational and research pop-up category, significant disparities emerged between students in engineering and arts disciplines, as well as between those in basic sciences and arts. However, no significant differences were observed among other disciplinary group. A nuanced comprehension of these variations is imperative for the strategic design of targeted pop-up services that resonate with the distinct preferences of specific student demographics. Tailoring such ephemeral events to align with the identified needs of particular cohorts serves to significantly enhance participation rates, user satisfaction, and the overall efficacy of these interventions. The prioritization analysis yielded a ranked inventory of the ten most highly valued pop-up services among the student body. These predominant categories encompassed career development workshops, pop-up teaching stations, research support sessions, technical and software assistance clinics, language learning hubs, film screening and critique events, cultural and historical exhibitions, technology help desks, social skills development seminars, and writing support centers. This hierarchy of priorities underscores a student-driven demand for integrated offerings that concurrently facilitate academic enrichment and foster personal development.
Conclusion: Pop-up libraries represent a potent and innovative strategy for extending information services and addressing the evolving needs of the academic community. In an era where university libraries confront challenges including declining physical footfall, spatial constraints, limited resources, and diminished student engagement, pop-up libraries offer a flexible and responsive solution. Through the implementation of strategically designed pop-up initiatives, informed by user preferences and behavior, academic libraries can enhance service visibility, increase participation in library programs, foster more meaningful librarian–student interactions, and collect valuable user feedback. Ultimately, the integration of pop-up libraries into the university environment can contribute to stronger institutional branding, expanded outreach, and a more dynamic and user-centric service model.
Originality: This study constitutes the first systematic national investigation of pop‑up libraries within a university setting. Its findings establish a foundational framework for the planning, implementation, and assessment of pop‑up events in academic libraries. Furthermore, the research provides a basis for future scholarly inquiry and advances both theoretical and practical knowledge in the emerging domain of pop‑up library services.