Elementary Journal of Education
Vol. 1 No. 2 (2025): Pillar PGSD: Elementary Journal of Education

Low-Cost Spatial Reconfiguration of School Libraries as a Behavioral Nudge to Foster Reading Engagement in Primary Education: A Qualitative Case Study

Nurul Resky Aulia Syam (-Universitas Megarezky Makassar, Indonesia)
Afridani Maula Safar (Universitas Megarezky Makassar, Indonesia)
Risda (Universitas Megarezky Makassar, Indonesia)
Afifah Amelia (Universitas Megarezky Makassar, Indonesia)



Article Info

Publish Date
15 Nov 2025

Abstract

Background: Reading engagement in primary education remains limited in many public schools where libraries are underutilized due to disorganized spatial arrangements and minimal environmental stimulation. In resource-constrained contexts, low-cost environmental interventions represent a promising yet underexplored strategy for strengthening literacy culture. Aims: This study investigates how low-cost spatial reconfiguration of a primary school library operates as a behavioral nudge to enhance students’ reading engagement. Methods: A descriptive qualitative case study was conducted in a public primary school using structured non-participant observations over a two-week period. Data focused on changes in students’ visitation patterns, spatial interaction, and reading behaviors before and after shelf reorganization and improved book categorization. Findings were analyzed narratively through a behavioral nudge framework. Results: Spatial reconfiguration generated visible environmental order and accessibility, followed by increased frequency of library visits, more directed exploration of book collections, and longer on-site reading duration. Students’ engagement shifted from incidental presence to intentional reading behavior. Conclusion: The findings demonstrate that spatial design can function as a subtle yet powerful pedagogical catalyst. Low-cost reorganization reshaped students’ spontaneous behavioral choices without formal literacy programs or technological investment. This study advances primary education research by positioning learning environments as active behavioral agents and offers a scalable, context-sensitive model for strengthening early reading culture in under-resourced schools.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

pgsd

Publisher

Subject

Description

Elementary Journal of Education Published by the peer review process and open access with e-ISSN: 3164-5356. Elementary Journal of Education Intended as learning of information and arena of philosophical, theoretical, methodological debates related to education and learning issues. Pillar PGSD: ...