A Study Of Public Library Patrons’ Space Service Needs In The Metaverse Field

In 1992,Neal Stephenson coined the term "metaverse" in his science fiction novel "Snow Crash",in which he described it as a virtual world detached from the real world,which could be accessed through an interface between two social forms using a virtual device.In 2021,a series of events such as the listing of Roblox,the first stock of the metaverse concept,and the renaming of Facebook to Meta,have sparked widespread interest in the metaverse worldwide.The metaverse,as a masterpiece of digital technology,will drive changes in the way society operates,and libraries will inevitably be affected.From the perspective of development,the organic growth of libraries and the advancement of technology have formed a symbiotic relationship that is "interdependent".Based on this background,the application and development of metaverse-related technologies present an important opportunity for promoting the transformation and optimization of library services,providing guidance for the construction of diverse spaces,and offering innovative insights for public library space services.Through a rational analysis of metaverse technology using the Hype Cycle,this study clarifies the potential for the future development of the metaverse,its possible integration with libraries,as well as the advantages and disadvantages of such integration.Taking the user as the starting point,this study uses the grounded theory method to conduct in-depth interviews with public library users of different ages,educational levels,professions,and regions,exploring their demands for public library space services.Combining with the KANO model,this study constructs a user space service demand model for public library users under the perspective of the metaverse,and proposes corresponding development strategies.The results show that library construction is an external driving factor for user space service demand,while user demand and spatial configuration are internal driving factors.Public libraries should aim for intelligence,use diverse governance methods,and rely on technology to enhance their space service capabilities from three aspects: library management,user experience,and spatial configuration.