Research on the characteristics of facilities such as the location of public libraries with space for diverse activities

Abstract

In recent years, an increasing number of libraries are offering a space that breaks the traditional library concept of "reading in a quiet space". In this study, we refer to "space where users can freely and actively participate in a variety of activities while enjoying a rich and relaxing atmosphere." as "free space", and focus on libraries with free space. The purpose of this study is to clarify the relationship between the characteristics of facilities such as location and the existence as well as content of free space in the building. The results are as follows. There was no correlation between the location of the library and the existence of free space in the library or the content of the free space. In contrast, there was a correlation between the size of the library as well as the year of construction and the existence of free space. In addition, although there was a tendency for the central library in each city to have free space, the amount of free space in the central library was not related to the size of the central library.