Examining the status quo of the design of public libraries in Tehran

The study aims to enhance the design of public libraries, both quantitatively and qualitatively, in Tehran. This is a practical research study which uses both qualitative and quantitative methods. The data was collected through a semi-structured interview and a researcher-made questionnaire. The research was conducted in the public libraries of Tehran during Ordibehesht and Khordad in 1391. Following the data collection, the interviews were transcribed and the qualitative content analysis was used for their analysis. The data obtained through the questionnaire was analyzed by applying statistical methods and SPSS. The results indicate that librarians are not satisfied with the design of public libraries in Tehran. Although the librarians express their enthusiasm for participating in the design of the libraries, they are rarely called upon to do this and their suggestions for making the libraries more attractive and user-friendly are never valued. They suggested that the main obstacles to the effective design of libraries are the mother organization and the library facilities and equipment. The results also reveal that the satisfaction level of the library users with the various aspects of library design is, apart from a few cases of moderate satisfaction, mostly low. The users are rarely satisfied with features incorporated in the design. Originality/ Value: The review of available literature on this subject indicates that no study has been conducted in the area of public library design and the satisfaction levels of both the librarians and users.