“Good Fences Make Good Neighbors”: Territorial Dividers Increase User Satisfaction and Efficiency in Library Study Spaces

Abstract

We were consulted to respond to complaints from library users regarding the lack of workspace in a university library hall during busy periods. A behavior mapping study and a survey involving 78 students suggested that the tables in the library hall were used inefficiently, mainly due to a need for territorial markers. Accordingly, we proposed the design and use of new tables that provided dividers (among other improvements), and this design was implemented by the university administration. Follow-up research with 86 students indicated that the design improvements not only led to changes in seating preference trends toward more efficient use of the study hall, but also increased user satisfaction.

User-focused, User-led: Space Assessment to Transform a Small Academic Library

“…Independent of group or individual study spaces, more table and seating options are a common theme within focus groups and survey findings, aligning our students' desires with other research on space attributes (Cha & Kim, 2015;İmamoğlu & Gürel, 2016;Khoo et al, 2014;Khoo, Rozaklis, Hall, & Kusunoki, 2016;Montgomery, 2014;Vaska et al, 2009). Regardless of space preferences (i.e., quiet vs. non-quiet), users consistently and whenever possible need additional outlets, aligning with research regarding the need for additional power to accommodate technologies (DeClercq & Cranz, 2014;İmamoğlu & Gürel, 2016;Khoo et al, 2014;Montgomery, 2014;Vaska et al, 2009). The need for more outlets, aside from the building's age, may stem from multiple, simultaneous device use (i.e., laptop, cell phone, desktop) found in sweeps data.…”

“…Research focusing on students' requirements of library spaces reveal common themes: more natural light, larger or more tables and chairs, and more outlets (Andrews, Wright & Raskin, 2015;DeClercq & Cranz, 2014;İmamoğlu & Gürel, 2016;Khoo et al, 2014;Montgomery, 2014;Vaska et al, 2009). Library spaces must also accommodate simultaneous device use by students (Ellison, 2016;Ojennus & Watts, 2017).…”

“…Even during individual study, students often indicate their desire to be near others studying (Andrews et al, 2015;Applegate, 2009;Goodnight & Jeitner, 2016;Hall & Kapa, 2014;İmamoğlu & Gürel, 2016;Montgomery, 2014). Yet, students still desire ample personal space, feeling a space is full when 40-50% of seats are occupied (Applegate, 2009;İmamoğlu & Gürel, 2016;Khoo et al, 2014). Physical dividers would allow users to delineate personal space and minimize distractions so that they can work most effectively (İmamoğlu & Gürel, 2016).…”

“…Yet, students still desire ample personal space, feeling a space is full when 40-50% of seats are occupied (Applegate, 2009;İmamoğlu & Gürel, 2016;Khoo et al, 2014). Physical dividers would allow users to delineate personal space and minimize distractions so that they can work most effectively (İmamoğlu & Gürel, 2016).…”

“…Whether it is quiet study space or an open meeting space, the reasons how and why users select library spaces largely depend on individual needs and activities (Cha & Kim, 2015;İmamoğlu & Gürel, 2016;Khoo, Rozaklis, Hall, Kusunoki, & Rehrig, 2014;Montgomery, 2014;Vaska, Chan, & Powelson, 2009). Research focusing on students' requirements of library spaces reveal common themes: more natural light, larger or more tables and chairs, and more outlets (Andrews, Wright & Raskin, 2015;DeClercq & Cranz, 2014;İmamoğlu & Gürel, 2016;Khoo et al, 2014;Montgomery, 2014;Vaska et al, 2009).…”