An investigation into how library design and signage support children’s navigation and wayfinding in international primary school libraries.

Abstract

This research examines how primary-aged children wayfind in an international school library. The focus is on children’s use of wayfinding strategies, and how effectively they use signage and design features in their navigation.

Research into how adult patrons use signage, wayfinding and navigational strategies in public library spaces is a well-documented area. On the other hand, how children patrons use signage, wayfinding, and navigational tools in library spaces, both in school and public libraries, is a less well-researched area. As there is a gap in knowledge, this research specifically examines children’s navigation and wayfinding in school libraries. By understanding how children search for resources and use a library space, librarians can better adapt signage, signings, and navigational tools to suit and plan for young patrons’ wayfinding needs.

This research addresses the following objectives: to observe how children navigate the library space and locate resources; to explore what aspects of the navigation process children find enjoyable and beneficial; and to evaluate how architectural and design elements, along with signage, can be improved to facilitate their wayfinding.

The research methods are multimethod and inductive. Three sources of data were collected from: observations of 192 children aged 7 & 8 years old in a naturalistic school library setting; a follow-up survey of 175 children to further explore and develop their responses; and a final component of two semi- structured interviews with a Head of Library at a recently refurbished international school library, and three library professionals at a library furniture design company, Raeco.

Data from these three areas of research was collated and triangulated. The key learning outcomes from this research are that children wayfind and navigate using a variety of strategies and this is dependent upon their preferred searching styles. Therefore, libraries need to incorporate a range of wayfinding and navigation features to ensure all children are included and their wayfinding needs are met. There are a range of navigational tools that a library team can use to meet these needs.

Due to the context of the naturalistic settings, and since the international school community is ethnically diverse, the findings and recommendations of this research can be applied to all primary school libraries and children’s sections of public libraries worldwide. The recommendations could be incorporated into future primary school library planning and design in children’s libraries.