Module 8 examined New Models within libraries that invite people to participate, feel welcome, and foster a playful environment through services or learning experiences. One really interesting topic from this module was Hygge. Hygge is the idea of a cozy state of mind or feeling cozy and does not have a direct translation to English (Stevens, 2025). I think the feeling of belonging that comes from the concept of Hygge may help encourage a better learning environment. According to Eric Klinenberg’s discussion, public libraries and other shared spaces support education, social interaction, and community engagement (Center for Advanced Study in the Behavioral Sciences, 2018). When Hygge is paired with learning theories or principles, library services and environments may change for the better. Hygge emphasizes creating a comfortable learning environment so that people may feel relaxed. Libraries are spaces for people to use and offer a lot of services and resources to create an environment that promotes learning.
The article “Applying Cognitive Load Theory Principles to Library Instructional Guidance” explains how the human brain processes and learns new information using the Cognitive Load Theory and suggests that working memory has a limited capacity, so learning is more effective when information is presented in a way that does not overwhelm learners (Pickens, 2017). The concept of Hygge relates to the Cognitive Load Theory because Hygge emphasizes creating comfortable and welcoming spaces where learners feel relaxed, while the Cognitive Load Theory highlights the importance of minimizing distractions so learners may process information more effectively. In a library environment these principles may be applied through comfortable seating, quiet study areas, clear instructional materials, and organized learning resources. Newer models of design and collaboration within libraries are meant to create environments that are welcoming to people and get more people involved at the library. Hygge is a great approach, especially when paired with learning principles.
Another approach to foster a fun learning environment is the humanistic learning approach. The article “Teaching strategies for library instruction: Directions from the literature” examines the humanistic approach as a strategy for library instruction through experiential learning (Anna et al. 2023). This strategy connects to the concept of hygge because both emphasize creating a supportive learning experience that considers learners’ individual needs. Experiential learning allows students to explore and practice new skills in a welcoming environment. By incorporating hygge into library spaces through comfortable seating, a welcoming atmosphere, and approachable staff, libraries may help people feel more relaxed, supported, and confident in their learning. The “Do Space” at Omaha Public Library demonstrates the humanistic approach because it provides an environment that encourages personal growth, independence, creativity, and exploration (Omaha Public Library, n.d.). The “Do Space” encourages individuals to explore technology, participate in hands-on activities, and learn at their own pace and these opportunities may support a positive learning environment and experience. I think by combining access to creative resources with a supportive learning environment, the “Do Space” can also connect to the concept of hygge and can contribute to a more inclusive and engaging space for lifelong learning. Hygge seems to be a very powerful and fun strategy to implement creatively in the design and development of a library’s services, programs, and environment.
My dog Bean practicing Hygge on her bean bag.
References
Anna, N. E. V., Kaur, K., & Yanti Idaya, A. M. K. (2023). Teaching strategies for library instruction: Directions from the literature. Malaysian Journal of Library and Information Science, 28(2). https://doi.org/10.22452/mjlis.vol28no2.4
Center for Advanced Study in the Behavioral Sciences. (2018, November 11). Q&A with Eric Klinenberg. Stanford University. https://casbs.stanford.edu/news/qa-eric-klinenberg
Omaha Public Library. (n.d.). Do Space. https://omahalibrary.org/do-space/
Pickens, K. E. (2017). Applying Cognitive Load Theory Principles to Library Instructional Guidance. Journal of Library & Information Services in Distance Learning, 11(1–2), 50–58. https://doi.org/10.1080/1533290X.2016.1226576
Stevens, Micheal (2025). The Hyperlinked Library: New Models [Video]. San José State University. https://sjsu-ischool.hosted.panopto.com/Panopto/Pages/Viewer.aspx?id=a33699b1-6c88-48f5-b684-af1001336869