Development and validation of LibSCAPE: A comprehensive scale for measuring library space services

In the field of library and information science, while the value of library space is gaining significant attention, most research focuses on facility standards related to library operation and management, space configuration, and remodeling considerations. This study develops and validates LibSCAPE, a new measurement scale for assessing user perceptions of library space services. The creation of LibSCAPE involved integrating elements from the servicescape model with specific characteristics of library environments, supported by literature reviews and empirical research across various service sectors. Through a synthesis of literature, expert interviews, and user surveys, several factors affecting user perceptions were identified and validate. Both exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses confirmed the reliability and validity of the scale, demonstrating its effectiveness across different library contexts. Applying the LibSCAPE scale in a study involving multiple library types revealed that user perceptions measured by LibSCAPE significantly correlate with overall service satisfaction and continuance intentions. This tool provides libraries with actionable insights to enhance the user experience and contributes to library and information science by offering a standardized methodology for evaluating the impact of physical space on service quality.