Home⇛JPAIR Multidisciplinary Research Journal⇛vol. 64 no. 2 (2026)

Smart and Equitable Library Access: A Human-Centered Time-Tracking Policy for Congestion Management in a Cebu-Based Higher Education Institution

Antoniette M. Almaden | Mc Clyde Ann P. Boholst | Christopher John Rubio | Axziel Jay Bartolabac | Clyde Justine Rosal | Benideck Longakit | Glenford Estimada

Discipline: Education

 

Abstract:

Library congestion is a persistent issue in many higher education institutions, limiting student access to study spaces and affecting overall academic productivity. This study explored the extent of congestion in the main library of a private higher education institution in Cebu City, Philippines, and examined student receptiveness to time-tracking policies as a potential solution. Specifically, it assessed patterns of library usage, seat occupancy behaviors, and perceptions of regulated stay durations through system-based interventions. A mixed-methods approach, guided by Human-Centered Design principles, was employed. Data collection included structured observations to monitor space utilization and seat turnover, student surveys with Likert-scale and open-ended questions, and analysis of entry-exit logs to identify peak usage periods and average dwell times. Findings revealed that specific library zones, particularly individual study areas and group tables, consistently experienced high occupancy with low turnover, designating them as congestion hotspots. Survey results showed moderate support for time-tracking policies, especially when flexible rules are applied during high-demand periods such as examinations. System log data confirmed peak congestion during midterms and finals. The study concludes that a time-tracking policy, developed with student-centered considerations, could significantly improve seat circulation, reduce overcrowding, and promote more equitable access to library resources. By integrating digital infrastructure to optimize space management, the research aligns with Sustainable Development Goals 4 on Quality Education and 9 on Innovation and Infrastructure. It highlights the potential of technology-driven solutions in creating inclusive, efficient, and student-responsive learning environments.



References:

  1. Abdoh, E. S. (2021). Library anxiety among omani and saudi arabian international students: A case study at the university of south carolina, usa. The Journal of Academic Librarianship, 47(2), 102305. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.acalib.2020.102305
  2. Adetayo, A., Abwage, K., & Oduola, T. (2023). Robots and human librarians for delivering library services to patrons. The Reference Librarian, 64(2–4), 69–84. https://doi.org/10.1080/02763877.2023.2183303
  3. Al-khateeb, B. A. A. (2021). Determinants of electronic library resources access in saudi arabia higher institutions: International Journal of E-Business Research, 17(1), 32–41. https://doi.org/10.4018/IJEBR.2021010103  
  4. Barsha, S., & Munshi, S. A. (2024). Implementing artificial intelligence in library services: A review of current prospects and challenges of developing countries. Library Hi Tech News, 41(1), 7–10. https://doi.org/10.1108/LHTN-07-2023-0126
  5. Blocksidge, K., & Primeau, H. (2024). Moving beyond anxiety: The emotional research experiences of first-year students. Journal of Information Literacy, 18(1). https://doi.org/10.11645/18.1.33
  6. Chang, L.-Y., & Yeh, C.-C. (2021). Students’ satisfaction with the library, familial reading environments, and reading attitudes in structural equation modeling analyses. IASL Annual Conference Proceedings. https://doi.org/10.29173/iasl7979
  7. Dalitso, M. (2023). The use of academic library and information seeking behaviour of students at liutebm university. International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science, VII(IV), 157–164. https://doi.org/10.47772/IJRISS.2023.7412
  8. Davis, S. (2023). Maximizing revenue per seat (Average cover) for your restaurant. SynergySuite.https://www.synergysuite.com/blog/maximizing-revenue-per-seat-average-cover-for-your-restaurant/
  9. Dean, W. (2023). Some like it quiet: Using a heatmap to study space use in a health sciences library. Hypothesis: Research Journal for Health Information Professionals, 35(1). https://doi.org/10.18060/25277
  10. Doney, J., & Kenyon, J. (2022). Researchers’ perceptions and experiences with an open access subvention fund. Evidence Based Library and Information Practice, 17(1), 56–77. https://doi.org/10.18438/eblip30015
  11. Fatmawati, R., & Zulaikha, S. R. (2022). Library anxiety mahasiswa asing di perpustakaan. BACA:                     Jurnal           Dokumentasi           Dan           Informasi,           43(1),   43. https://doi.org/10.14203/j.baca.v43i1.781
  12. Fiqriansyah, N. (2021). Pengaruh manajemen fasilitas perpustakaan dan manajemen pelayanan perpustakaan terhadap minat baca peserta didik. Managere: Indonesian Journal   of                          Educational                               Management,              3(1),              11–26. https://doi.org/10.52627/managere.v3i1.88
  13. Georgia Tech Library. (n.d.). Room FAQ/Policies.https://library.gatech.edu/spaces-technology/faq-policies
  14. Global education monitoring report, 2024/5, leadership in education: Lead for learning. (2024). GEM Report UNESCO. https://doi.org/10.54676/EFLH5184
  15. Goode, E., Nieuwoudt, J., & Roche, T. (2022). Does online engagement matter? The impact of interactive learning modules and synchronous class attendance on student achievement in an immersive delivery model. Australasian Journal of Educational Technology, 38(4), 76–94. https://doi.org/10.14742/ajet.7929
  16. Gyau, E. B., Jing, L., & Akowuah, S. (2021). International students library usage frequency patterns in academic libraries: A user survey at jiangsu university library. OALib, 08(07), 1–20.https://doi.org/10.4236/oalib.1107610
  17. Hasanah, A. K. U., Mutia, F., & Salleh, N. (2024). Library anxiety among undergraduate students with visual disabilities. The International Journal of Information, Diversity, & Inclusion (IJIDI), 29–51. https://doi.org/10.33137/ijidi.v8i2.42331
  18. Hidayah, L., Junandi, S., & Wahyuningsih, Y. H. (2021). Behavior analysis of students in utilizing faculty of agriculture library, gadjah mada university. Indonesian Journal of Librarianship, 82–94. https://doi.org/10.33701/ijolib.v1i2.1407
  19. Husaini, H., Mohamed Shuhidan, S., Che Daud, S., & Priyanto, I. (2022). Library therapeutic landscape support for covid-19 pandemic-related student well-being in academic libraries. Environment-Behaviour Proceedings Journal, 7(SI10), 191–198. https://doi.org/10.21834/ebpj.v7iSI10.4121
  20. Izmir Tunahan, G., Altamirano, H., & Unwin Teji, J. (2021). The role of daylight on user’s seat preferences [Proceedings paper]. In: Proceedings of the CIE 2021 Conference (International Commission on Illumination). CIE (Commission Internationale de l’Eclairage) (2021). https://council.science/publications/
  21. Izmir Tunahan, G., Tuysuzoglu, G., & Altamirano, H. (2025). From motion to meaning: Understanding students’ seating preferences in libraries through PIR-enabled machine learning and explainable AI. Frontiers in Psychology, 16, 1642381. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2025.1642381
  22. Jamaluddin, J., & Tommeng, L. (2021). Hubungan antara perilaku pencarian informasi terhadap perilaku inovatif mahasiswa di upt perpustakaan universitas hasanuddin. Media Pustakawan, 28(1), 26–36. https://doi.org/10.37014/medpus.v28i1.1102
  23. Jennings, J. (2025). Traffic Adjustments Announced for UCM Kickoff Move-In. University of Central Missouri. https://www.ucmo.edu/news/2025-08-12-move-in-traffic-adjustments.php
  24. Jha, S. K. (2023). Application of blockchain technology in libraries and information centers services. Library Hi Tech News. https://doi.org/10.1108/LHTN-02-2023-0020
  25. Joshi, A., Kale, S., Chandel, S., & Pal, D. (2015). Likert scale: Explored and explained. British Journal of Applied Science & Technology, 7(4), 396–403. https://doi.org/10.9734/BJAST/2015/14975
  26. Ju, Y., Wang, Z., Ju, X., Cao, B., Chen, C., & Lin, B. (2023). Understanding occupancy patterns of university libraries in the post-pandemic era. Energy and Buildings, 291, 113138. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enbuild.2023.113138
  27. Kane, C. M., & Mahoney, M. H. (2020). Using evidence-based library space planning for long-term student success. New Review of Academic Librarianship, 26(2–4), 291–303. https://doi.org/10.1080/13614533.2020.1785517
  28. Khaznadar, B. M. A., & Ali, L. A. (2025). The impact of academic library location on occupational efficiency: A comparison of the university’s campus design. The Journal of Academic Librarianship, 51(6), 103137. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.acalib.2025.103137
  29. Lee, B., Liu, K., Warnock, T. S., Kim, M. O., & Skett, S. (2023). Students leading students: A qualitative study exploring a student-led model for engagement with the sustainable development goals. International Journal of Sustainability in Higher Education, 24(3), 535–552. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJSHE-02-2022-0037 
  30. Lemieux library (n.d.). Technology affordability lending: technology lending. Retrieved November 10, 2025, from https://library.seattleu.edu/c.php?g=1170353&p=8549364
  31. Magalhaes, R. (2018). Design discourse for organization design: Foundations in human-centered design. Design Issues, 34(3), 6–16. https://doi.org/10.1162/desi_a_00493
  32. Navarro, M. R. V., Masalinto, M. L. D., Galicia, L. S., Malabanan, E. D., & Palma, R. D. (2023). Knowledge, preparedness and challenges in hyflex library operations among higher education institutions (Heis) librarians in calabarzon philippines. University Library at a New Stage of Social Communications Development. Conference Proceedings, 8, 38–52. https://doi.org/10.15802/unilib/2023_293575
  33. Nichols, A., & Philbin, P. (2022). Library usage study, the how and what: A survey of space usage at a mid-sized research library. Evidence Based Library and Information Practice, 17(4), 122–138. https://doi.org/10.18438/eblip30103
  34. Ocón, D. (2021). Digitalising endangered cultural heritage in Southeast Asian cities: Preserving or replacing? International Journal of Heritage Studies, 27(10), 975–990. https://doi.org/10.1080/13527258.2021.1883711
  35. Qadeer, A. (2025). The mediating impact of student engagement on the association between generative ai-based feedback and academic performance in higher education. Journal of Research, Innovation, and Strategies for Education (RISE), 2(1), 29–44. https://doi.org/10.70148/rise.18
  36. Qu, M. (2024). Exploring patron behavior in an academic library: A wi-fi-connection data analysis. Education and Information Technologies, 29(9), 11235–11256. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10639-023-12248-9
  37. Reflianto, R., Setyosari, P., Kuswandi, D., & Widiati, U. (2021). Reading comprehension skills: The effect of online flipped classroom learning and student engagement during the covid-19 pandemic. European Journal of Educational Research, volume–10–2021(volume–10–issue–4–october–2021),                                                                                                    1613–1624. https://doi.org/10.12973/eu-jer.10.4.1613
  38. Richter, S., Kishore, S., Piven, I., Dodd, P., & Bate, G. (2025). Chatbots in tertiary education: Exploring the impact of warm and competent avatars on self‐directed learning. British Journal                        of             Educational            Technology,             56(5),            2102–2124. https://doi.org/10.1111/bjet.13610
  39. Sciforce. (2025). Optimizing Multi-zone Restaurant Service with Computer Vision for Hospitality. https://sciforce.solutions/case-studies/optimizing-multizone-restaurant-service-with-computer-vision-for-hospitality-plz33chd5c1w876xvcvmxov1
  40. Stephens, M., Rudiger, N., & Faires, D. (2021). Student perceptions and use of mobile devices for lis coursework: Implications for educators. Journal of Education for Library and Information Science, 62(4), 443–459. https://doi.org/10.3138/jelis-62-4-2020-0093
  41. Sukmaranti, A. P., Mulyono, H., & Istiyati, S. (2021). Analisis pemanfaatan perpustakaan dalam meningkatkan minat baca bagi siswa kelas 4 sekolah dasar. Didaktika Dwija Indria,9(5). https://doi.org/10.20961/ddi.v9i5.49603
  42. Trembach, S., Blodgett, J., Epperson, A., & Floersch, N. (2019). The whys and hows of academic library space assessment: A case study. Library Management, 41(1), 28–38. https://doi.org/10.1108/LM-04-2019-0024
  43. Vanderwerff, M., & Herscovitch, P. (2021). If you build it, will they (Really) come? Student perceptions of proximity and other factors affecting use of an academic library curriculum collection. Evidence Based Library and Information Practice, 16(2), 70–88. https://doi.org/10.18438/eblip29875
  44. Westbank Libraries. (n.d.). Meeting Rooms. https://westbanklibrary.com/meeting-rooms/
  45. Xiao, T., He, X., & Wu, J. (2022). Student classroom behavior recognition and evaluation system based on YOLOX. In D. Cheng & O. Deperlioglu (Eds.), 2nd International Conference on Signal Image Processing and Communication (ICSIPC 2022) (p. 100). SPIE. https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2644211
  46. Xu, X. (2024). Behavioral analysis and educational management of college students in universities by integrating multi-source data. Applied Mathematics and Nonlinear Sciences, 9(1), 20242237. https://doi.org/10.2478/amns-2024-2237
  47. Yemi-Peters, O. E., Abdulrahman, A. B., Oladokun, B. D., & Ufedo, F. (2022). Awareness and access to electronic information resources by students at Kogi State University, Anyigba, Nigeria. Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal), 7305.

Tools


Copyright © 2026  KITE Digital Educational Solutions |  Exclusively distributed by CE-Logic