ZEMCH 2019 International Conference Proceedings April.2020 | Page 319
Interior design and
building envelope
quality
Students prefer to use their PC and mobile phones on using the computers offered
in the library
Some students would consider a set of tables and chairs in an open space within a
reachable area the best to study
Other students would like to study in a closed space that will help them
concentrate more
Students thought it is difficult to find what they need in the library
The seating are unorganized and in a small area with not enough space to move
around
Shelves are high toward the end which block windows and outdoor access
Adding painting and art pieces is considered interesting
Having adequate technologies within the library is beneficial
Having separated zones with services and meeting rooms to improve the usage
and socializing, while still respecting privacy standards
Use of cheerful yet calming colors and use these colors to divide the zones
Students tend to avoid the heat direct sunlight when walking to the library
Natural light was considered as an important function of a window while
studying and doing work
No use of daylight from the library’s windows.
Some shelve rows and studying areas are dark towards the end
Preferences of Natural light integration through various ways (skylight), and
having task lights on desks for usage when needed
The library lack in both views and access to a well‐designed outdoors
Students preferred to see “nice and eye‐catching” nature within their studying
settings act as a change in their scenery from books and desktops
Students like to spend some time studying outdoors that has adequate shading
and seating during the good weather, they feel relaxed
They would like to see more water features and some sculptures or art works
which helps in creativity
No amount of adequate shading and green scenery provided to make the walk to
the library more enjoyable
Light quality
View and outdoors
quality
Feelings
Claustrophobic due to closed spaces
Being forced to come to university due to un‐accessible resources
Sleepiness due to not enough amount of air circulation
Stressed in crowded studying places
Boredom without natural elements or adequate windows
Students indicated that nature through windows increases their productivity and
act as a change of scenery as well as help to move their eye‐sight, refresh their
minds and be more creative.
Preferences to study in an empty peaceful space with sense of enclosure.
Some students feel that the Library’s artificial Light is dull.
The current investigation shed some light on the reasons behind the students limited usage of the
library that can be linked to the visibility of the library as per its hidden location as well as limited
activities and dysfunctional digital tools such as the printers provided. On the other hand, students face
several challenges and limitations that hindered an optimum use of the UAEU library. Some of these
challenges were triggered by feelings of being uncreative, unproductive and disturbed, a result of
mixed activities zones with no privacies, the inability to connect to the outdoor green areas and
insufficient provision of daylight. Thus, students always try to avoid using the library as it was
considered “unattractive, not practical and frustrating”, despite its spatial and functional potentialities.
Academic Library’s Challenges and Opportunities: Case Study of
the United Arab Emirates University Library
308