Integrating Characteristics of Library Space, Library Place, Therapeutic Library Landscape and Quality towards Developing the Concept of Library Therapeutic Landscape Quality: Research Gap and Review

Abstract:

Library therapeutic landscape is about the relationships and community between the library providers and users of the library service, facilities and collection or activities in spaces that have a positive impact. The concept of library as therapeutic landscape which lately the resurgence being acknowledged as significant to support not only community-driven resources and lifelong learning but also to enhance the public library service and it is also beneficial to the library from the perspective of library planning and budget resources. It is important for libraries to have an effective method of evaluation of quality due to the nature of business of the libraries which is service oriented basis. The familiar and welcoming environment, quiet, calm atmosphere and the empowerment of the naturally, physically, socially and spiritually of the library therapeutic landscape associated with being able to make non-commercial, pressure decision which contributed to self-care and independent by withdrawing from stressful situations into the relaxing environment of library space and landscape. Consequently, the new approach of therapies has to be injected along with the quality of measurement approach as to refresh the traditional approach of therapies. It has been mentioned that the current chaotic of societal problems among the youngsters needs to be controlled instead of sweeping across it. To help the youngster from those situations is through an education and educational organization such as libraries that has strong roles in the communities. Hence the role of the public libraries as a learning center for the community has to be re-looked. Library as place need to be measured. The purpose of this article is to give an overview of the related information for a study on the characteristics of Library Therapeutic Landscape Quality and Satisfaction for the the public libraries with the objectives are to: a) explore the young people library therapeutic landscape needs b) determine the natural & built environment, social environment and spiritual environment of Malaysian Public Libraries c) to show a literature gap for the Malaysian public libraries. The exploration in understanding the therapeutic needs of young people and public libraries characteristics will generate a framework which can be used as a strategic means in the development of Malaysian Public Libraries Therapeutic Landscape Quality in supporting lifelong learning.