Purpose

Proliferation of digital devices amongst patrons implies that libraries are faced with the challenge of providing conducive study spaces to patrons. This study, therefore, aims to establish the effect of digital devices on noise levels in the Mzuzu University Library and measures that have been taken to curb it.

Design/methodology/approach

The study was anchored by the technology advancement model. The mixed methodological design was used and involved use of qualitative and quantitative techniques. Questionnaires were used to collect data from a sample of 110 students, whilst an interview was conducted with one librarian responsible for managing service. SPSS was used to analyse quantitative data, whilst qualitative data was presented by following order of the themes.

Findings

The findings revealed that students owned a number of digital devices that included smartphones, laptops and augmented reality/virtual reality headsets which they deployed for a variety of uses. The findings further indicated that use of digital devices in the library has resulted in an upsurge in noise levels. Measures taken by students and library staff to tackle the problem have had limited success.

Practical implications

The prevalence of mobile digital devices has resulted in high levels of noise in academic libraries. However, this has not diminished users’ desire for a quiet study place. This paper, therefore, offers some insights of how libraries can combat the problem of noise to ensure that libraries remain attract to all groups of users.

Social implications

Besides transforming the way people do business and interact with others, digital devices have also negatively impacted people and society in the form of increased road traffic accidents due to misuse. Promoting responsible use of digital devices in the library may have spill-over effects, in that library patrons may become more disciplined in their usage of the digital devices elsewhere, thereby help eradicate the ills that have come about due to their wanton use.

Originality/value

Some studies that have been done have pointed to a high prevalence rate of digital devices at Mzuzu University. However, none of them has investigated the impact the existing digital devices have had on noise levels in the library. This study is one of the first studies to be done on the topic not only at Mzuzu University but also academic libraries in Malawi. It is further hoped that action taken based on the recommendations made would lead to reduced noise levels in the library that will lead to creation of a conducive place for study.

中文翻译：

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数字设备对高校图书馆噪音水平的影响

目的

顾客中数字设备的激增意味着图书馆面临着为顾客提供有利学习空间的挑战。因此，本研究旨在确定数字设备对姆祖祖大学图书馆噪音水平的影响以及已采取的抑制措施。

设计/方法/方法

该研究以技术进步模型为基础。使用了混合方法设计并涉及使用定性和定量技术。问卷用于从 110 名学生的样本中收集数据，同时与一位负责管理服务的图书馆员进行了访谈。SPSS用于分析定量数据，而定性数据按主题顺序呈现。

发现

调查结果显示，学生拥有许多数字设备，包括智能手机、笔记本电脑和增强现实/虚拟现实耳机，他们将这些设备部署用于各种用途。调查结果进一步表明，在图书馆使用数字设备导致噪音水平激增。学生和图书馆工作人员为解决这个问题而采取的措施收效甚微。

实际影响

移动数字设备的流行导致学术图书馆中的噪音水平很高。然而，这并没有减少用户对安静学习场所的渴望。因此，本文提供了一些关于图书馆如何解决噪音问题以确保图书馆对所有用户群体保持吸引力的见解。

社会影响

除了改变人们做生意和与他人互动的方式外，数字设备还以因滥用导致的道路交通事故增加的形式对人们和社会产生负面影响。提倡在图书馆负责任地使用数字设备可能会产生溢出效应，因为图书馆顾客在其他地方使用数字设备时可能会更加自律，从而有助于消除因随意使用而产生的弊病。

原创性/价值

已经完成的一些研究表明，姆祖祖大学的数字设备普及率很高。然而，他们都没有调查现有数字设备对图书馆噪音水平的影响。这项研究是不仅在姆祖祖大学而且在马拉维的学术图书馆就该主题进行的首批研究之一。进一步希望根据所提出的建议采取的行动能够降低图书馆的噪音水平，从而创造一个有利于学习的场所。