Improving library effectiveness through a sociophysical analysis.

A library's environment as an inviting place to study, read, and relax is an important function often overlooked or avoided. A nursing school library was underutilized and had an unacceptable of lost materials. A study undertaken to determine the setting's impact on all the library's intended functions showed that the physical environment seriously hampered many activities. A change in the library's arrangement offered users a more functional area for all types of library activities. Statistics show that the library is now more fully utilized, with an impressive decline in losses. The majority of students and faculty report more positive feelings toward the library and the librarian.