A library seating census: Gathering seating occupancy data in an academic library to reveal furniture preferences and inform future planning

Abstract

During July to October 2018 Library staff conducted a seating use census of the John C. Hitt Library, the main library of the University of Central Florida. The objective was to record what seating was being occupied on what floors, and anecdotally to what extent users were working in a group. The motivation behind the survey was to inform furniture purchase decisions for an upcoming renovation. The existing library has a multitude of seating types purchased over a 30-plus year period, with various features. Some furniture was sound but functionally obsolete, such as lacking power. Other pieces were “state of art” installed in the Spring of 2018. Thirty walk-throughs were conducted. Major findings were; (1) Tables with dividers were twice as densely seated as undivided tables; (2) Small tables seating two to four persons were highly utilized; (3) Bar height tables were significantly less utilized; (4) Upholstered “lounge” pieces were less utilized; (5) Group study room occupancy dropped the larger the room; (6) Workstations with desktop PCs were very popular; (7) Newer style upholstered “pods” with semi private high walls, power, cubby space and task lighting were extremely popular. The findings were helpful with selection of furniture for a major renovation of the Library starting the following year.