Designing of Academic Library Spaces: A Survey of Selected Public University Libraries in Ghana

Abstract

Redesigning academic library spaces has become a contemporary issue of concern in tertiary institutions worldwide, especially in the present era, where the changing pattern of sophisticated information needs of library users is growing rapidly. Using a mixed sampling method, three hundred and three (303) postgraduate students and twenty (20) librarians were selected to participate in this study. This study used both structured and semi-structured questionnaires as the data collection instrument. The study’s findings showed that students and staff generally had a positive attitude towards the functionality of the designed library space in both institutions. Accessibility and variability of the designed library space through the use of single study carrels, group study areas, seminar rooms, and quiet study areas were all highly patronised by students. An increase in noise pollution, especially during examination periods and high demand for information, has been shown as the challenges associated with the newly designed library spaces. Some recommendations, such as reducing noise levels in the libraries, providing more study areas, sufficient power, and adequate funding, were made to improve the services in the redesigned library space.