Edinburgh Napier University

  The auditory environments of public libraries are increasingly less quiet as their offerings expand beyond provision of physical materials. The auditory environments now found in public libraries may affect use, as acoustics have been found to impact individuals’ behaviour. This research presents initial findings of a larger project on the role of the auditory environment on the use of public libraries. The aim is to examine the role of auditory environments on the use of libraries and the relationship of this environmental factor to the value of communal spaces. Preliminary results indicate a preference for specific acoustic environments depending on primary reasons for use, and the areas of the library participants are visiting. This will lead to the future development of prototypes to match acoustic environments with community needs.