This week, I was particularly drawn to the theme of forward thinking and trend spotting regarding the use of library space and library design. I work in a three-story university library, and while each level contains print materials, each space is also used in very distinct ways. The first floor is for general study, reference, and teaching. The top floor, with its floor-to-ceiling ocean views, is our largest space and requires users to remain quiet. The middle level, the smallest of the levels, is for group study. Through simple observation and patron feedback, it is abundantly clear to our library that the need for more group study space is a high priority. Last summer, we conducted a large-scale weeding project to downsize our overcrowded print collection on our middle level, and we are now working with university administration to source funding for a complete overhaul of the space.

This week’s readings inspired me to consider what it might look like for my library to completely rethink its use of space on each level rather than stick with what has always been done. In HBM Architects’ article, Centering Your Library Around the Community, they write, “As library designers, we must meet the challenge [of design] by understanding and providing for the needs of the communities the library serves” (2023). They continue in their article to highlight the importance of understanding who the library serves and what its users need to “help provide tailored library services through flexible facilities that are lasting and vital community assets” (HBM Architects, 2023). My library’s users, more than anything, need group space where they can interact, collaborate, and work together. I wonder what that group space could look like if we moved it to the larger upper level. Not only is the square footage larger, but with its vaulted ceiling and stunning views, the space naturally lends to a cozier and more creative vibe, or as the Danish call it, hygge.

This more community-centered and awe-inspiring environment, I think, could inspire more creativity and deeper learning from our student users. The change would also more closely follow current library space and design trends, such as providing room for active learning, creating areas conducive to collaborative and hands-on work, and facilitating more face-to-face interactions (New Media Consortium, 2017). I also believe that by utilizing the larger library space for group study, our library would set itself up for more long-term library design success.

References

HBM Architects. (2023). Centering Your Library Around the Community. Library Journal. https://www.libraryjournal.com/story/centering-your-library-around-the-community-lj230207

Lauersen, C. (2024). The value of libraries from Roskilde to Toronto. The Library Lab. https://christianlauersen.net/2024/08/25/the-value-of-libraries-from-roskilde-to-toronto/

New Media Consortium. (2017). NMC Horizon report: 2017 library edition. https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/hxs7kuv54vwew0cpg6570/2017nmchorizonreportlibraryEN.pdf?rlkey=h978y9r0bnmnylqbdcmfmud4s&e=1&st=7et3bwlv&dl=0

Stephens, M. (2019). Wholehearted Librarianship: Finding Hope, Inspiration, and Balance. ALA Editions.