In this module, the reading that really stood out to me was Moving Beyond the “Third Place”. The article describes a forum held at the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions 2016 World Library and Information Congress. The forum was led by Marie Ostergaard, head of community engagement at Dokk1, a large cultural center in Aarhus, Denmark, that includes the Aarhus Public Library, Ostergaard described Dokk1 as being much more than just a library but instead the “living room of the city” (Morehart, 2016). Three other panelists presented their libraries, all of which were said to focus less on collections and more on the library as a space in which to work, perform, and congregate.
I find this idea compelling and slightly intimidating for a couple of reasons. The libraries in which I have worked are already gathering places, workspaces, and activity centers but I am concerned by the idea of deprioritizing collections. Focusing on the community’s needs and providing opportunities to learn and congregate are central to what we do, but providing access to information through physical and digital materials shouldn’t get lost in the rush to meet other needs.
I am impressed by the beautiful, spacious libraries that are being shown in articles like this but one of my library’s current issues is our layout and the need for quiet space versus areas to collaborate and socialize. The single-floor, open concept layout means that the children’s area, cafe space (the only space in which patrons are allowed to eat), the teen space, and the quiet area all flow from one to the next, with no sound barriers or buffers. If we were able to add on to the building and create distinct spaces, we could better serve everyone’s needs. This isn’t to say that I am resistant to these kinds of changes; furthering the third space idea and making libraries true community hubs is inspiring. But for a small space like mine, it will take some really thoughtful and innovative planning to move to the next level.
References
Moreheart, P. (2016, August 17). Moving beyond the “third place”. American Libraries. https://americanlibrariesmagazine.org/blogs/the-scoop/library-design-moving-beyond-third-place/
Hi Susanne,
Thank you for sharing a different perspective about a shift within libraries to focusing less on collections and more on third spaces for communities. I think your concerns are valid in that libraries should be an access point for information and connection for our communities and that may get lost with this shift. I feel that often times new ideas sound amazing in theory but might not be the answer for every community/library branch.
@susanneritchie thank you for sharing your views and the details on your library. In my mind, I see the collection and the third place as fluid. The collection for most library is usually stays around the same size with additions and deselection. That is how the library in Aarhus was able to accommodate their full collection and still have so much space in the new building for the rest of the things they wanted to do. The fluid aspect of third place might come as a day progresses quiet in the morning for users may be a little louder in the afternoon as the young people get out of school and come in, etc. I hope you have a chance to plan a new building or a building expansion as part of your future career.