For my Project X topic exploration, I chose to explore the idea of libraries being designed as places for people instead of simply places for collections. I initially chose this topic because I was intrigued by the complex black-and-white diagram of the four-space model from Jochumsen et al., (2017). Here is a color-coded version of the diagram of the four spaces of the library from the University of Copenhagen (Impact Of Humanities Research, 2017):

Figure 1: A color-coded diagram of the four spaces of the library, featuring the overlapping preformative. inspiration, learning, and meeting spaces.

Jochumsen et al., (2017) developed the four-space model, which describes the role of the physical library as shifting from a passive collection of documents to an active space for experience, involvement, empowerment, and innovation. Libraries offer communities physical spaces for learning, experiences, meetings, and creative expression. Because the role of the library is evolving, library buildings must be designed or redesigned with flexible multipurpose spaces. Flexibility is key when thinking about designing and redesigning library spaces. Libraries are for everyone, and they need to be capable of supporting diverse groups of people with diverse needs and interests (Laerkes, 2016).

The four-space model reminded me of a concept I read about last semester in INFO 200: Information Communities. While researching programming opportunities in public libraries, I read an article by Professor Micheal Stephens (@michael) about the idea of libraries as creative classrooms. Libraries act as creative classrooms, or learning environments that utilize innovative teaching practices, including formal, informal, in-person, and virtual. As creative classrooms, libraries have the unique opportunity to create valuable community learning spaces and creation zones that foster discovery, social learning, and participation (Stephens, 2014).

Figure 2: The Las Vegas-Clark County Library District’s Main Theatre, located at the Clark County Branch. This facility is one of six performing arts centers available for rental through the library district for a fee (Room Detail, n.d.).

Libraries are neutral spaces that belong to everyone. These neutral spaces serve as common areas where people can come together and feel like they belong to a community regardless of their background. Public libraries can create some pretty unique neutral spaces. Depending on the needs of the community, spaces can range from multipurpose meeting rooms to kitchen facilities to performing arts centers (Sannwald, 2007). The Las Vegas-Clark County Library District encourages its community to gather together in its diverse facilities, including conference rooms, auditoriums, performing arts centers, and podcast recording studios. (Rental Facilities, n.d.). The diverse neutral spaces offered by the Las Vegas-Clark County Library District act as both learning spaces and creation zones that foster creativity and collaboration between community members. Additionally, both the spaces and programs offered within the spaces serve the creative needs and theatrical interests of the Las Vegas community.

In my future practice as an information professional, I will be reminded that libraries are for people every time I interact with library patrons. The idea that libraries are designed for the communities they serve will guide my interactions with my community. In the future, I hope to work in public libraries as a librarian, branch manager, or in an administrative role. I will refer to the four-space model if I am ever tasked with redesigning or designing new public library spaces.  While designing programs, I will remember that libraries are neutral spaces for people to connect with others and learn in unique and innovative ways.

References 

Impact Of Humanities Research: 24 Case Studies. (2017). University of Copenhagen. https://humanities.ku.dk/collaboration/impact/pdf/Impact_cases_august_17.pdf

Jochumsen, H., Skot-Hansen, D., & Hvenegaard Rasmussen, C. (2017). Chapter 2 – The Four Spaces of the Public Library. In D. Baker & W. Evans (Eds.), The End of Wisdom? (pp. 39–44). Chandos Publishing.

Laerkes, J. G. (2016, March 14). Building new libraries and redesigning existing libraries. https://blogs.ifla.org/public-libraries/2016/03/14/building-new-libraries-and-redesigning-existing-libraries/

Rental Facilities. (n.d.). Retrieved February 15, 2024, from https://thelibrarydistrict.org/rental-facilities/

Room Detail – Las Vegas-Clark County Library. (n.d.). Retrieved February 15, 2024, from https://events.thelibrarydistrict.org/roomdetail?roomId=5258

Sannwald, W. W. (2007). Designing libraries for customers. Library Leadership & Management, 21(3), 131-138.

Stephens, M. (2014, May 15). Library as Classroom. Library Journal; New York, 139(9). http://search.proquest.com/trade-journals/library-as-classroom/docview/1522681789/se-2