I enjoyed this week’s topic as we looked at the library as a space not only for information purposes but for the human experience. In a previous blog I wrote about Maslov’s hierarchy of needs and how the library fills many of those necessities in the human experience. One of those needs in an updated version of this pyramid was the aesthetic need or need for appreciating beauty, balance, art, and music. In the examples found in our lecture this week, libraries can be a place for that through design and ideas. In addition, I found that the Hygge concept could be part of that as well. According to the Scandinavian Standard (2018): “It’s about finding joy in the little things.” Which not only goes against the need for more and consuming mentality but falls in line with aesthetic vibes. I find that the idea of Hygge closely linked to not only to the concept of coziness, but balance and beauty found in simple things: a candle flame, a cup of tea, being aware of the present moment.
We’ve also seen how libraries can aid in mental health through Tai Chi for the homeless and creating dementia spaces for the elderly. All these examples look at the whole human beyond just the need for information and books. Similar to using the notion of Hygge to design library spaces, all of these things relate back to the physical and mental well-being of the human being. This also creates spaces where patrons want to return to the library. In our everyday lives, many of the spaces we encounter are for efficiency, function or where we consume products or spend money. We need spaces that promote beauty and balance without the ulterior motive of purchase. If we are lucky, we can encounter these regularly through library spaces and experiences especially if we are not able to afford this at home or in the other spaces we inhabit.
Norman, R. T. (2024, October 2). What is the Meaning of Hygge? Scandinavia Standard. https://www.scandinaviastandard.com/what-is-hygge/
Hello Tara,
Great post! I remember learning about the Hagge model in the Programming for Young Adult course to determine the best layout for teen areas in libraries. I find this blends well with the current debate about sprayed edges on books and how some people like them while others don’t. I definitely believe, similar to the Scandinavian concept in the New Model Module, that there is an argument for the beauty of sprayed edges, especially if you have a large group of books and put them together, because they can make someone happy with how they look.
While I do know publishers are just trying to push these sprayed edges to resell books and improve profits, there definitely is a middle ground when it comes to aesthetics. I do think librarians need to consider the aesthetic of the library space and whether it is inviting for patrons to settle in and want to engage in the space because of the way it looks.
Great post, Tara!
Best,
@aniellafields