Document Type : Original Article
Author
Associate Professor, Department of Knowledge & Information Science, Allameh Tabataba'i University ,Tehran, Iran
Abstract
Purpose: This study investigates the impact of managing users' digital experiences on library design and architecture.
Method: This applied research employed a mixed-methods approach, prioritizing qualitative data. Initially, data were collected and analyzed through focus groups with experts in digital transformation, IT, information science, and architecture. Subsequently, in the quantitative phase, 20 experts and library staff were selected and divided into four groups based on their expertise. Content Validity Index (CVI) exceeded 0.79 for all items, and reliability, measured by Cronbach's alpha, was 0.874. Data analysis involved descriptive statistics (frequency, percentage, mean) and inferential statistics (T-test for ordinal data).
Findings: The mean scores for component importance were above 3, while observance scores were below 3. The significant p-value (<0.05) confirms these differences are statistically meaningful. The "user's digital experience" component was highly important in designing entry, study, educational/collaborative, and administrative/technology spaces, but its implementation was low or average. The greatest alignment between importance and observance was found in "play/entertainment space," "website," and "educational/collaborative space." The "educational/collaborative space" and "website" were most influenced by the digital experience component.
Conclusion: Experts considered the user's digital experience component highly important for all library spaces except administrative areas. However, librarians at Allameh Tabataba'i University Library reported its implementation as low or average. Therefore, to align with evolving social needs in the digital era, fundamental changes in the design and architecture of library spaces are necessary.
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