Assessment of Library Space Utilisation in Colleges of Education in Plateau State

This study assessed how library spaces were being utilised in colleges of education in Plateau State, North Central Nigeria. Library space planning is a critical dimension of library management, as the physical layout, furniture arrangement, and zoning of library areas directly affect user comfort, behaviour, and willingness to spend time in the library. A descriptive survey design was adopted, and data were gathered through direct observation, user counts, and structured questionnaires administered to 180 students and staff in three colleges of education. Findings revealed that study areas were predominantly used for individual silent study, while designated group study zones were infrequently used due to poor furniture arrangement and lack of whiteboards. Stack areas were overcrowded and inadequately lit. Digital resource areas were present in only one of the three colleges. The study recommended that library management conduct space audits, reorganise stack and study zones to align with user behaviour patterns, and invest in upgrading digital resource areas. Keywords: library space utilisation, colleges of education, Plateau State, library planning, user behaviour.