Space-choice behavior for individual study in a digital reading room

Abstract

The present study used the notion of personal space from environmental psychology and wall-hugging from evolutionary biology to understand student seat preference in a university library's reading room. Recent years have seen an increase in requests for individual study space in academic libraries. To adequately provide such spaces, we require keen observation of human psychology and spatial behavior in the microenvironment of an individual study room. Therefore, we analyzed space-choice behavior and check-in data logs at an academic library rather than subjective self-report surveys, to investigate actual student seat selections through a reservation process. Regardless of increased digital media use in the reading room, the need for personal space and wall-hugging traits were still exhibited. With an increased demand for individual electrical outlets and lighting, study carrels were highly preferred. We found that corner seats were significantly favored, while aisle seats were significantly avoided and prevented extended stays. The presence of walls was favored; however, furniture type significantly affected a preference for the location of walls. Specifically, students in study carrels preferred walls on both sides, while those seated at open tables preferred a wall behind them. © 2020