RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN LIBRARY SPACE DESIGN AND USER SATISFACTION: A CASE STUDY OF THE JOHN HARRIS LIBRARY, UNIVERSITY OF BENIN CITY, EDO STATE

ABSTRACT

The study assessed the relationship between library space design and user satisfaction at the John Harris Library, University of Benin City, Edo State. Five (5) research questions were raised to guide the study. The respondents comprised of LIS students who were ninety-three (93) in number.  Also, the descriptive survey research design was adopted for the study. In organizing and presenting collected data, tables and percentages were used. Data for the study was collected using Google Forms and link to the questionnaire which was distributed accordingly to the Whatsapp Group Chats of Library and Information Science (LIS) students according to their levels. In doing this, the researcher dialogued with the class reps and group admin handling the various groups and solicited for their assistance in filling the questionnaire after which they were to submit their responses. The responses were transcoded and sent to the SPSS Statistical Software where it was eventually analyzed. The research instrument used in collecting data was a questionnaire. The findings of the study revealed that there is no space at the John Harris Library specially furnished and designed to cater for students with physical disabilities. It was also found that students who are not technologically inclined have limited performance in the use of internet and other ICT facilities for information access at the library. It was also revealed from findings that security operatives are not placed around the storage spaces for books, bags and other materials. Based on the findings, the following were recommended; that the school management try as much as possible to create a space inside the library to cater for students with disabilities, hence furnishing it with books and other study materials. It was also recommended that there should be adequate training for both staff and students in the use of ICT and other technological gadgets at the John Harris Library as well as repositioning of the security operatives around the storage spaces where students’ books, bags and other materials are kept.