Beyond gate counts: seating studies and observations to assess library space usage
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to propose a method for the assessment of library space use and user experience by combining seating studies, surveys and observational data.
Design/methodology/approach
Seating usage studies (called seating sweeps), technology-assisted face-to-face surveys and observational data were used to assess library space usage and identify user behaviors.
Findings
Results from the study revealed higher library use than expected and provided insight into user behaviors and patterns.
Practical implications
The methods and study described aid in raising awareness of user experience within library spaces and provide valuable data for space redesign efforts.
Originality/value
The study builds upon methods described by Linn (2013) and combines traditional user experience methodologies to gain insight into library space use and user needs.
Keywords
Citation
Dominguez, G. (2016), "Beyond gate counts: seating studies and observations to assess library space usage", New Library World, Vol. 117 No. 5/6, pp. 321-328. https://doi.org/10.1108/NLW-08-2015-0058
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2016, Emerald Group Publishing Limited