The role of space attributes in space-choice behaviour and satisfaction in an academic library

Abstract

Space attributes concern both users’ space-choice behaviour (i.e. where to sit) and satisfaction (i.e. level of satisfaction in the chosen seat). However, the effects of space attributes in academic libraries have most often been investigated with a separate focus on either space-choice behaviour or user satisfaction. Since library contexts vary greatly, it is unreasonable to compare findings from existing separate-focus studies. The present study thus aims to conjointly investigate the effects of space attributes on space-choice behaviour and user satisfaction from the same context of an academic library. For this purpose, a questionnaire survey was conducted and the data were explored in a series of statistical analyses. As a result, the study demonstrates that the influence of some space attributes differs between space choice and satisfaction. Once generalized in future studies of a wider variety of academic libraries, these findings should help architects to make better-informed decisions in library space-planning and design, leading to more efficient use of space and enhanced user satisfaction.