Ergonomic Review of University Library Furniture: A Case Study of Cyprus International University

As university students spend a considerable part of their daily life studying in the library reading area, ensuring that the furniture dimensions used are agreeable with the principles of anthropometrics has become critical. The compatibility between dimensions of furniture and user anthropometrics is therefore important. This study was carried out to understand the anthropometric dimensions of the library users and juxtapose it with the observed dimensions of the furniture in the library. Two approaches were employed for data collection. Namely, measuring the students’ anthropometry and administration of questionnaires to the students using the university library. The questionnaire was focused on the musculoskeletal pain experienced by students. It was discovered that students feel more discomfort in the neck region. Also, shoulders and elbow regions are experiencing a considerable amount of pain. Results of the correlation analysis pointed out that there is a relationship between experienced musculoskeletal pain and variables like gender, age, degree level, and furniture design features. Comparison of furniture dimensions and anthropometric profile of the students highlights that there are mismatches in the paired dimensions. These mismatches are the precursor of the pains felt by the students that affect their well-being.