Daylighting Conditions in Nigeria University Libraries: Impact on User Comfort and Academic Performance

This study assessed daylighting conditions in university libraries and their impact on user comfort and academic performance. A quantitative survey design was adopted. The study population comprised library users at the Federal University of Technology, Minna, El-Amin University, and New Gate University in Niger State, Nigeria. Using Cochran’s formula, a sample size of 150 respondents was determined at a 95% confidence level, 8% margin of error, and maximum variability (p = 0.5). Respondents were purposively selected based on their active engagement with the library facilities. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire with acceptable reliability (Cronbach’s α = 0.780) and analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics in SPSS. The study revealed moderate user satisfaction with daylighting (mean = 3.48 on a 5-point scale), yet significant challenges persist, including insufficient natural light (64.0%), poor window placement (56.7%), glare, and overheating. Entrance areas and reading rooms receive better daylight, while computer zones and some study areas remain under-lit, leading to reliance on artificial lighting. Statistical analyses (ttest, ANOVA, and Pearson correlation) confirmed significant relationships between daylight satisfaction, frequency and duration of use, visual comfort, and academic productivity. Users preferred large windows (90.0%) and skylights (55.3%) for improved design. In conclusion, the study reveals that although daylighting contributes positively to user experience and academic performance, current provisions in the studied libraries are inadequate and unevenly distributed. The study recommends the need for balanced daylighting strategies that integrate better façade design, shading devices, and spatial planning to enhance user comfort, reduce energy consumption, and support sustainable library environments in tropical climates