The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of cultural and demographic factors (age and gender) on the perception of product information. The theoretical frameworks of interest in the current study are two cultural models: Hofstede’s individualism (IND) and Hall’s context. In examining the research questions, this research discovers that the cultural changes are occurring for the Korean young generation, even though Korean students are still within collectivistic culture. The correlation results suggest that the younger students have the higher individualism values compared to the older students. Using two multiple regression analyses (one set for high-context condition and one set for low-context condition), the study finds that cultural value and age significantly predicts the perception of product information in high-context (visual) condition. However, there is no significant difference in the perception of product information between male and female.
During the last decade, increasing use of technology that facilitates information access has changed academic library services. The emergence of information commons is one of the key changes. Most previous studies on information commons have focused on its conception and role. Whereas, considering information commons as a spatial service, this study aims to examine the influence of information commons on user traffic patterns within the library and perception of the library. As the information commons grew into main library service space and facility, it is necessary to explore what influences information commons have on the behavior and recognition of users. Two methods were used. First, observation method was used to record traffic pattern and user behavior. Second, twenty undergraduates and twelve graduates were interviewed regarding the use and recognition of the information commons and the library. The results of the study show that the traffic patterns were different between undergraduate students and graduate students; the location and structure of facilities influences their movement and behaviors; and the recognition of information commons tends to affect the perception of the entire library. The findings may help librarians improve and plan for library spaces to meet user demands.