Factors affecting the Use of Seats in Academic Libraries

In 1971 the University Grants Committee wished to have information collected on the provision and use of reader places in university libraries, in order to be able to refine their 'building norms' for reader places in future university library buildings. Discussions were held with the Library Management Research Unit on the possibility of the information being eollected on a sponsored research basis, but the Steering Committee of the LMRU eventually decided to carry out the survey independently as part of its own programme. It was thought that a study of this type would certainly increase the knowledge of how libraries were being used and might provide a sound basis for examining the appropriateness of the UGC norms then in use. It was also decided to extend the survey into the field of polytechnic libraries. The large amount of data obtained by studying library use at 17 libraries and seating use at 21 libraries (11 academic institutions) shows that, although we have been able to collect detailed statistics of how libraries are being used, the factors underlying this use are very varied.

The main aspects suggested for study were the present utilization of seating (peaks of use— when, where, why, and how great), curriculum, teaching methods and the influence of place, type of residence and subject on library use. The tables containing the data obtained from all aspects of the study are available from the LMRU.