Roles of university libraries based on actual learning styles of university students

Purpose: This paper investigates the study conditions of university students, focusing on places, hours and study habits, in order to consider how university libraries should provide services to match students’ learning style. Method: All students of Tokyo University of Foreign Studies were surveyed to clarify the following three points: 1) spatial and equipment aspects that students put priority on when studying, 2) their actual learning styles, and 3) number of hours of studying. Also, the lifestyles of 29 students were directly observed for three days, and then a focus group discussion with the students was conducted for deeper analysis. Results: Of all the undergraduate respondents who participated in the survey, 62.3% spent most of their study time “at home”, while 28.2% “could not concentrate” when studying “at home”. Furthermore, at least 42.3% of the respondents regarded that being able to concentrate on studying was a crucial element of the learning space. In contrast, 94.6% of the respondents “can concentrate” on studying at “the university library”. This study revealed hindrances to studying such as shortness of opening hours of school cafeterias and insufficient spaces for rest and refreshment. It was also found that decentralizing study space out of the university library would not only provide enough learning space for students, especially those who use only their own materials, but also create additional space for students.