Identifying User Needs for Inclusive Library Spaces for Students with Disabilities: A Qualitative Study of the Disability Corner at the Universitas Sebelas Maret Library

Abstract

Purpose – Inclusive library spaces are essential for students with disabilities to access information and participate in academic activities. This study identifies spatial barriers and needs and formulates user-centered requirements for developing an inclusive Disability Corner at the Library of Universitas Sebelas Maret, Indonesia.
Methods – A qualitative descriptive-exploratory design was employed using purposive sampling. Data were collected through one Focus Group Discussion (FGD) involving 25 participants comprising disability practitioners, librarians, students with disabilities, and the Disability Corner management team, complemented by library-environment observation and document analysis. Thematic analysis was used to identify spatial barriers, needs, and design requirements.
Findings – Five dimensions emerged: physical accessibility and mobility; quiet and sensory-friendly spaces; comfort and privacy; concentration and academic well-being; and user involvement in spatial design. Participants identified noise, crowding, and excessive sensory stimulation as barriers to concentration, indicating the need for quiet and sensory-friendly spaces with greater environmental control. The findings show that inclusive library design must address physical, sensory, psychological, and learning-related needs.
Research Implications – The study provides an empirical basis for translating stakeholder experiences into user-centered spatial requirements for the Disability Corner. However, its single-site, pre-implementation design limits generalizability and does not establish the effectiveness of the proposed requirements. Further research should validate them through post-occupancy evaluation and comparative studies across academic library settings.