The study of patrons' way finding s' Central Library of Tehran University using Geospatial Information System

Subject Areas : Journal of Knowledge Studies

fahimeh Babalhavaeji ¹ (Associate Professor, Department of Library and Information Science, science and research branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran)
Roya Pournaghi ² (PhD of Library and Information science, Department of Library and Information Science, science and research branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran. Assistant Professor of Iranian Research Institute for Information Science & Technology(IRANDOC))

Received: 2013-01-21 Accepted : 2013-05-05 Published : 2015-01-24

Keywords: Way Finding, Geospatial Information System, Central Library of Tehran University, Space and Equipment Design, Patrons' behavior,

Abstract :

Purpose: University libraries space and equipment design identifies the importance of understanding patron way finding behavior in the library. This study aimed to identify the user's navigation behavior using the library entrance and Recognized Locations in high-traffic routes for Marketing Services in The central library of Tehran University with Geospatial Information System software. Methodology: This study is an empirical method using a checklist through direct observation of client traffic routes from the entrance on the ground floor and first floor of the entrance stairs at the central library of Tehran University. Findings: More than 360 entry routes are observed during this study, but, only 5 of those routes are taken by over 50% of observed patrons as they enter the library. The "library entrance, then go down the stairs to the first floor of the left", with 25.7 of the first path and the path "entrance, the Employee locker bag Kit, Wardrobe right and go to the first floor to the right of the stairs.", with 25.2 percent, the second floor of the library is known more than 50 percent of the traffic is allocated. Also, the "first floor entrance hall, Aboryhan", with 34.4 of the first path, the "first floor entrance, hallway Xerox, Hall of Science and Technology", and 9.3% for the second path, and the path "the first floor entrance, corridor, Xerox, General Informatics ", the ninth of the third track on the first floor of the library building is that more than 52 percent of the traffic on the first floor is devoted to. Results also showed that the users input routing library building is somewhat stable and predictable. Conclusion: Geospatial Information System has been introduced as tools for graphically displaying library and information science data. Library personnel can use geospatial information system to map the most popular routes and using those result increase the level of way finding ease in the entry areas of the library and to strategically market library materials and services.

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