The four spaces of the public library

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingBook chapterCommunication

During the last 10–15 years the societal context and thereby the library's societal legitimacy has changed in a crucial manner. The development of the Internet and tendencies toward globalisation, detraditionalisation and cultural liberation has challenged the library. Therefore the role of the physical library has changed from a more or less passive collection of books and other media to an active space for experience and inspiration and a local meeting point. One could speak of a transformation from ‘collection to connection’ or even from ‘collection to creation’ rather than the predicted transformation from ‘bricks to clicks’. In this article we will present a model for the future public library that includes some overriding goals as well as outlining four spaces in the public library which support these goals. We propose the model as both a framework for the discussion of the values of the public library in the beginning of the new millennium and as a more concrete tool for designing, developing and redesigning the library.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationThe End of Wisdom? : The Future of Libraries in a Digital Age
EditorsWendy Evans, David Baker
Number of pages6
PublisherElsevier - Chandos Publishing
Publication date2016
Edition1st Edition
Pages39-44
Chapter2
ISBN (Print)9780081001424
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2016

    Research areas

  • Faculty of Humanities - Empowerment, Experience, Innovation, Inspiration space, Involvement, Learning space, Meeting space, Performative space, Public libraries, The four space model

ID: 169924267