| Summary: | This research explores the space qualities of public libraries in supporting the community functions specified in the PLA Initiatives & Projects published by the ALA Public Library Association (PLA) from users’ perspectives, in particular, digital literacy, family engagement, and fostering creative community connections. Each function was further examined against eight of the ten top qualities of good library space endorsed by IFLA. The survey questionnaire investigates to what extent the users pay attention to and satisfy with the space qualities associated with the community functions and the differences in between. The findings may help the public libraries understand users’ priorities, satisfaction, and improvements in need.
The findings suggest that although the respondents reported general satisfaction with library services, they paid significantly more attention to family engagement. Moreover, among the space qualities, “environmental suitability” and “safety and security” received considerable attention among the respondents. Accordingly, this study proposes the following recommendations for public libraries: (1) accommodating caregivers’ needs in children’s areas; (2) expanding and enhancing wi-fi connections and mobile device charging outlets close to users’ seats; (3) increasing users’ awareness of two undermined functions—digital literacy and creative community connections—during information literacy education and library orientation sessions; and (4) optimizing the use of outdoor library space. (Article content in Chinese with English extended abstract)
|
|---|