Designing Serene Knowledge Spaces: A Study on Library Soundscape and Its Impact on Information-Seeking Behaviour in Academic Libraries

Abstract

The acoustic environment of academic libraries significantly influences cognitive functioning, user satisfaction, and patterns of information-seeking behaviour. Although traditionally associated with silence, contemporary library designs incorporate a variety of auditory elements. This research aims to identify optimal acoustic conditions that foster focused academic engagement by examining the impact of soundscape variables on users’ capacities to locate, evaluate, and utilise information effectively. A mixed methods approach was implemented across several university libraries. Quantitative data were collected from 326 participants through controlled experiments conducted under three distinct acoustic scenarios: silence, soft ambient music, and moderate background noise. Performance metrics comprised task completion rates and the timeliness of task execution. Statistical analyses performed via SPSS (version 26) included analysis of variance (ANOVA) to compare performance differences between acoustic conditions, chi-square tests to assess categorical relationships, regression analyses to identify predictive factors, and Pearson correlation coefficients to explore associations between perceived acoustic comfort and task efficiency. Participants exposed to soft background music demonstrated reduced task completion times alongside enhanced accuracy, indicating a moderate positive correlation with acoustic comfort. ANOVA outcomes revealed that LSC and perceived acoustic comfort (PAC) exerted significant effects on task performance, with LSC notably impacting task completion rates (F = 11.02) and PAC influencing situational awareness (SA) (F = 15.84). Regression analysis identified PAC as the most robust predictor of SA (β = 0.46, p = 0.00001). Furthermore, correlation and chi-square tests substantiated significant associations, including PAC with task completion rate (TCR) (r = 0.61) and LSC with SA (χ² = 14.9, p = 0.005). Thematic analysis of qualitative data corroborated these quantitative findings, with users reporting heightened concentration and diminished stress levels in controlled environments featuring low-level acoustic stimuli. These results highlight the considerable influence of library soundscapes on user conduct and cognitive engagement during information-seeking tasks. The insights gained offer practical guidance for the acoustic design of academic library spaces to enhance user performance.