The first thing that comes to mind when people think of the library are aisles and aisles of books. Of course, back then having physical books was the way to find information whenever you needed it. In today’s world, as technology has evolved and decreased the need for physical information, such as books, magazines, maps, etc., you would think that the aisles of books would decrease as well. So why haven’t they? When you go to your public library or any library on campus, there are still hundreds upon hundreds of physical books. The reason may be simpler than you think.
The concept of Third Places
Libraries, and other physical locations such as restaurants, cafes, and concert halls, are considered as Third Places. This term was first coined by sociologist Ray Oldenburg in 1989 in his book, The Great Good Place. Oldenburg describes the Third Place as “a space where people meet to unmind, discuss, and talk about things that matter to them, their neighborhood, and their community” (Leferink 2018). It is coined the Third Place because it is a space that is distinct from both the work environment and the domestic space of home and family life. Third Places are about sociability and the need for someone to find their identity rather than about isolation. As mentioned earlier, technology is getting rid of the need for physical information needs but yet, people still want books to be present at libraries.
Contact Day
In 2017, on Dutch Contact Day, staff at the library of Free University of Amsterdam were planning to renovate their library. With this renovation in mind, they allowed for suggestions from students and staff about what the new library could look like. The number one suggestion that students made for the renovation? They wanted physical books around them. The want for physical books was more than just for the information they provided but because they provided the atmosphere and comfort that students liked. During Contact Day, an environmental psychologist, Joren van Dijk, helped attendees explore and address this topic. During his research, he explained the importance of physical space and how the library was one of those places that people liked to gather to meet, learn, and engage with each other.
Improving the library experience
Leferink talks about three things that libraries can do to improve their spaces for patrons. These three things include: involving end users in the design, bringing the outdoors in, and offering a range of different spaces. The end users, or those who benefit from the programs and services offered at the library, should be included in big decision making when it comes to library environment. Including these suggestions from library patrons can allow for the library to better respond to diverse needs and wishes. “Participation in the design process can also increase the involvement of end users at the library; the library transitions from a library to their library” (Leferink 2018). Introducing nature to the library has great impact to people. Research shows that seeing or experiencing nature results in “increased focus, cognitive flexibility and creativity” (Kent 2023). If more library patrons are better concentrated, they will be more willing to spend more time at the library. As libraries offer many services to many people, there is always going to be differences in how library patrons like to enjoy their services. The library needs to be able to offer spaces for those that like to meet with others and engage. It also needs to offer spaces for those that enjoy more quiet spaces for studying and reading. As a Third Place, the library needs to be able to offer services and locations for a multitude of its patrons needs and wants if it wants to succeed.
References
Kent, J. T. (2023, December 5). Your brain on nature: how exposure to natural environments heals, calms and cures. Retrieved from Nevada Today: https://www.unr.edu/nevada-today/news/2023/atp-nature-and-the-brain
Leferink, S. (2018, January 24). To keep people happy…keep some books. Retrieved from Next.
Oldenburg, R. (1989). The great good place: cafes, coffee shops, community centers, beauty parlors, general stores, bars, hangouts, and how they get you through the day. New York: Paragon House.