The influence of spatial attributes on users’ information behaviour in academic libraries: a case study

Abstract

Introduction. Information practices manifest differently among diverse library users, because space influences the different activities that library users engage in. Lefebvre’s spatial triad theory was used to illustrate how library spaces influence spatial activities and hence affect information behaviour of users. Method. A qualitative, ethnographic study method was applied. Participant observations and interviews with library users were conducted from May to December 2019 within Makerere University. Analysis. The data were analysed using thematic analysis. Results. Information behaviour appears as the central activity within the library spaces, within those spaces and academic and non-academic behaviour manifest as a result of user engagement within the different spaces. It was thus revealed that different attributes support users’ activities such as reading, discussionsamong users and therefore sharping their space preference. Conclusion. Space is both a physical and social object that has a direct influence on its inhabitants’ spatial activities, perceptions and experiences. The concept that space is socially constructed is empirically supported through the social relations that users create as they engage in different activities. The availability of space attributes such as enclosed spaces, noise levels, lighting and space attachment influence the spatial activities and experience of users in a positive or negative way.

Are Librarians Ready for Space Transformation? A Systematic Review of Spatial Literacy for Librarians

“…Library services need to be constantly developed, designed, used, and transformed through "space" and so on in order to recreate the services [24]. Based on the internal logic and external form of library space production, it is possible to promote the transformation of library space from a production vehicle for knowledge innovation to production itself, and to promote the generation of various relationships and behaviors of service knowledge innovation in libraries, thus promoting the transformation of library space construction and services [25][26][27].…”