{"id":46,"date":"2026-07-12T00:15:15","date_gmt":"2026-07-12T00:15:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/287.hyperlib.sjsu.edu\/happyhelpfulhyperlinkedhopefullibrarian\/?p=46"},"modified":"2026-07-13T05:05:36","modified_gmt":"2026-07-13T05:05:36","slug":"innovation-roadmap-outdoor-library-as-a-service-olaas-a-24-7-hybrid-learning-space-in-westwood","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/287.hyperlib.sjsu.edu\/happyhelpfulhyperlinkedhopefullibrarian\/2026\/07\/12\/innovation-roadmap-outdoor-library-as-a-service-olaas-a-24-7-hybrid-learning-space-in-westwood\/","title":{"rendered":"Innovation Strategy & Roadmap: Outdoor Library-as-a-Service (OLaaS) \u2013 A 24\/7 Hybrid Learning Space in Westwood"},"content":{"rendered":"

What is the Idea?<\/b><\/span><\/h2>\n

Innovation Description<\/span><\/p>\n

A new innovative idea is the creation of an Outdoor Library-as-a-Service (OLaaS) model near the Westwood branch of the Los Angeles Public Library. The OLaaS innovation will extend library services from the building itself to a 24-hour technology-enhanced public learning space in the surrounding park area. Unlike adopting technology simply because it is new, the OLaaS project places greater emphasis on planning, community involvement, and long-term sustainability, reflecting the ideas presented in Technoplans vs. Technolust<\/em> (Stephens, 2004).<\/span><\/p>\n

Purpose of Innovation<\/span><\/p>\n

The purpose of such an innovation would be to create an accessible learning community for not only UCLA students but also for the community members that make use of public facilities for safety and learning.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Michael Burke\/EdSource (2026)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

This framework incorporates current trends in libraries through social infrastructure, outdoor digital connectivity, and design flexibility for service provision (Institute of Museum and Library Services [IMLS], 2022; Stephens, 2016). Critical elements of OLaaS are outdoor Wi-Fi networks, charging points, modular furniture and study spaces, and digital access nodes used for searching the library collection and services. With QR codes and mobile apps, users can access the library services from anywhere outside the building on their mobile phones.<\/span><\/p>\n

OLaaS seeks to solve the problem of overcrowding in the library space to increase accessibility of information and study space during non-operating times of the library (Aab\u00f8 & Audunson, 2012).<\/span><\/p>\n

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  1. Mission & Institutional Context<\/b><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    Los Angeles Public Library is geared towards serving an urban community in need of information, education, and other resources, in addition to offering free and equitable access to such services (Los Angeles Public Library, n.d.). In particular, the library at the Westwood Branch functions in a unique setting, owing to its close connection to UCLA and the socioeconomic disparity, which includes homeless people who depend on the public space as their only reliable option.<\/span><\/p>\n

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    Figueroa (2023), Solving homelessness benefits everyone, Invisible People.<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

    Current challenges include a lack of seating inside, limited operating hours, and high demand for studying space. Such barriers are experienced especially during the time when there is an increase in the number of students. Such innovations are necessary as public libraries become less focused on their buildings and more connected to the community through digital expansion. These innovations are important at the moment due to libraries being key to accessing digital technologies and learning informally (American Library Association, 2023).<\/span><\/p>\n

    OLaaS fulfills the objective of the library in its mission of providing equitable access to services not only within the library but also outside its premises, such that services are available during the off hours (Stephens, 2016).<\/span><\/p>\n

    Action Brief Statements<\/b><\/span><\/h2>\n

    Westwood Branch Action Brief<\/span><\/p>\n

    User-Centric Action Brief<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

    Persuade UCLA students and members of the Westwood community that by engaging in the OLaaS space, they can benefit from 24-hour access to a safe, connected, and flexible environment for learning and accessing information, which will result in improved learning experiences, reduced space barriers, and increased access to library services on an equal basis, as the library aims to extend knowledge and access beyond its physical walls.<\/span><\/p>\n

    Staff\/Administrative Action Brief<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

    Persuade library staff and administration that by adopting OLaaS as an outdoor service expansion in phases, they will be able to overcome the problem of indoor overcrowding, expand their reach, and promote community engagement, which will reinforce the library’s status of a 24\/7 civic resource, as libraries are changing into hybrid infrastructures of digital and physical spaces.<\/span><\/p>\n

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    24\/7 library access at Wiesbaden Library. From 24\/7 Library Access, by U.S. Army Garrison Wiesbaden Family and MWR (n.d.). https:\/\/wiesbaden.armymwr.com\/happenings\/247-library-access<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

    Where Did I Find Inspiration?<\/b><\/span><\/h2>\n

    The idea for this innovation was inspired by current trends in public libraries that emphasize expanding access beyond the physical building, promoting digital equity, and creating community-centered public spaces. Rather than replicating an existing program, this roadmap combines several emerging ideas into a service model designed specifically for the Westwood community.<\/span><\/p>\n