Academic library seating: a survey of usage, with implications for space utilisation

Michael Organ and Margie Jantti

Abstract
Between June and October 1996 the University of Wollongong Library conducted a survey of patron seating usage with the aims of quantifying such use; and identifying areas where seats could be removed to accommodate the growth of the collection. The survey indicated that maximum usage of the 648 seats available for study was 66%. This supported a conservative reduction of seating numbers by 12%, resulting in minimal impact on patrons. The removal of seats enabled the installation of additional shelving and a compactus. The survey findings have assisted in accommodating collection expansion for a further five-year period.