Assessment Of Ergonomic Seat Design and Its Relationship with Student Comfort and Learning Performance in Selected University Libraries in Oyo State, Nigeria

University libraries support prolonged reading, research, and digital learning, making ergonomically appropriate seating essential for students’ physical comfort and effective study activities. Inadequate seating design and poor postural support may contribute to physical discomfort and reduce the quality of the study environment. Therefore, this study assessed the ergonomic characteristics of seating furniture and examined their relationship with student comfort and learning performance in selected university libraries in Oyo State. A multistage sampling technique was employed, combining physical observation, ergonomic seating assessment, and questionnaire administration. Five university libraries were purposively selected namely the University of Ibadan, Ibadan; Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso; Ajayi Crowther University, Oyo; Emmanuel Alayande University, Oyo; and Kola Daisi University, Ibadan. Of the Three Hundred and Sixty-Six (366) questionnaires administered, Three Hundred and Fifty-Five (355) valid responses were retrieved and analysed. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, Mean Weighted Values (MWV), cross-tabulation, and multiple regression analysis. The findings showed that reading/private study and research/project work were the predominant purposes of library use. Wooden chairs (33.8%) were the most common seating type, while adjustable chairs accounted for few (14.1%). Physical discomfort was reported by many (67.6%) of respondents, with the lower back (77.1%), upper back (70.8%), shoulders (66.7%), and neck (62.5%) being the most affected areas. Overall seating comfort was predominantly rated as fairly comfortable (33.8%), while only 11.3% of respondents rated the seating as very comfortable. Ergonomic seat-design performance varied across the institutions, with Ladoke Akintola University of Technology recording the highest MWV (3.64) and Kola Daisi University the lowest (3.29). The study concludes that ergonomic characteristics of library seating are associated with students’ comfort and learning-related outcomes. The study recommends the adoption of anthropometry-informed ergonomic standards, phased replacement of poorly performing furniture, increased provision of adjustable and cushioned seating, routine maintenance, and periodic ergonomic audits incorporating user feedback.