A bibliometric and systematic review of public library user experience studies: trends and future directions

Purpose The purpose of this study is to systematically examine the evolution, core themes and developmental trends of public library research from a user experience (UX) perspective. It aims to reveal the academic dynamics, international landscape and research hotspots in this field, providing theoretical insights for optimizing and enhancing service innovation and user satisfaction in public libraries. Design/methodology/approach Combining bibliometric analysis and systematic literature review, this study quantitatively analyzes 592 articles and qualitatively synthesizes 224 articles from China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) and Web of Science Core Collection (WOSCC), covering the period from 2000 to 2023. Keyword co-occurrence mapping, dynamic indicators (e.g. annual publication trends, international collaboration networks) and thematic analysis were used to explore research trends. Findings The results indicate that: international research is dominated by the USA and the UK, with interdisciplinary collaboration concentrated in information science, psychology and design. Research themes have shifted from a “library-centered” to a “user-centered” paradigm, focusing on user behavior, digital-physical space integration and AI applications. UX drives sustainable, high-quality library services through precise demand identification, service innovation and evaluation system optimization. Originality/value This study is the first to combine bibliometric and systematic review methods to construct an analytical framework for UX research in public libraries. It suggests future directions, such as dynamic assessment and differentiated cross-group studies, providing valuable insights for both academics and practitioners.