The Four Spaces Model for Public Libraries
Public libraries serve as more than repositories for books; they are vibrant community hubs that support learning, creativity, and social interaction. The Four Spaces Model, developed by Danish researchers Dorte Skot-Hansen, Henrik Jochumsen, and Casper Hvenegaard Rasmussen, offers a conceptual framework that explains how libraries currently function and helps libraries adapt to changing societal needs. This model divides library functions into four interrelated spaces: the Inspiration Space, the Learning Space, the Meeting Space, and the Performative Space. The goal of the four spaces is to support the respective four goals for the future of the public library: experience, involvement, empowerment and innovation. By balancing these four areas, libraries can effectively serve their communities and remain relevant in the digital age.
The Inspiration Space focuses on the goal of experience. This space encourages curiosity, creativity, and cultural engagement. This area allows users to explore ideas, discover new interests, and be inspired by literature, art, and media. In this space users challenge perception and encourage patrons to move beyond familiar choices. It fosters a space for aesthetic experiences through story-telling and other artistic expressions within all media, culture patterns and genres.
The Learning Space focuses on the goals of experience and empowerment. The emphasis here is placed on education and the acquisition of knowledge. While libraries have always been associated with learning through books and research materials, this space has expanded to include digital literacy, lifelong learning, and skill development. This space caters to diverse learning styles and ensures that knowledge remains accessible to all members of the community, regardless of age or socioeconomic background.
The Meeting Space fosters social interaction, collaboration, and community engagement. Libraries serve as neutral, welcoming environments where people can connect, discuss ideas, and build relationships. This space includes study areas, group discussion rooms, and event venues where open events, book clubs, and cultural activities take place. Many libraries also partner with local organizations to host workshops or social services. By providing a space for dialogue and collaboration, libraries strengthen community ties and encourage civic participation.
The Performative Space evokes the goals of involvement and innovation. This is the space where individuals and groups can actively engage in cultural production and public expression. Unlike the Inspiration Space, which focuses on passive consumption of creative works, the Performative Space allows patrons to showcase their talents and participate in hands-on activities. Services like digital media labs enable users to create multimedia projects, fostering a sense of agency and empowerment in cultural expression.
A successful public library seamlessly integrates these four spaces to create a dynamic, multifunctional environment. The Four Spaces Model serves as both an analysis of the library’s actual activity as well as a valuable framework for the future of public libraries in contemporary society.
References
Jochumsen, Henrik & Hvenegaard Rasmussen, Casper & Skot-Hansen, Dorte. (2012). The four spaces
– A new model for the public library. New Library World. 113. 5-5. 10.1108/03074801211282948.