Inspiration Report – Scandinavian Libraries and The Third Place
Throughout this class, I have been continuously inspired by DOKK1 in Aarhus and the plethora of other Scandinavian and Northern European libraries that are consistent trendsetters. Thus, I chose to focus my Inspiration Report on such libraries and how I might implement their innovative strategies and services in a public school library.
The following topics are covered in my report:
- Oldenburg’s Third Place
- Social capital & social infrastructure
- Library examples in Scandinavia/Northern Europe
- The Four Space model
- Community surveys & using qualitative data
- Creating a patron-driven haven
Overall, the research demonstrates that it is feasible to make a public school library into a third place, per Oldenburg’s criteria. We can look to examples in Northern Europe (and beyond!) for inspiration.
Please see the PDF attachment for my Inspiration Report, titled “The Third Place: Scandinavian Libraries Set the Stage for Social Havens.”
@savannahpolizzi I really enjoyed reading your inspiration report, and your idea of using Scandinavian libraries as model for a school library. I hadn’t thought of applying it to a school library(such a cool idea!). I especially liked the examples you provided (gives me ideas for a field trip to check out all those libraries in Europe). Laerkes’ four space model also resonated with me and I talk about it in detail in my Assignment X. Thanks for sharing!
@royaflin Oh how I would love to take a field trip to check out these libraries!!! I was scoping it out in Google Maps after writing my report and thinking to myself that the trip was feasible. Someday! š
Thanks @savannahpolizzi for a great report that so well summarizes some of the really inspiring things happening in the Scandinavian libraries. As a school librarian too, I am intrigued by how to apply these principles to my public middle school library. One of the areas that I know I need to work on is including more student voices. It can be hard to remember when Iām just trying to get so much done in one day! Your report is helpful in reframing some of the key elements that should be considered. And your graphics are beautiful! Thanks for sharing.
@maggierogers Thank you! I totally agree with the pressure of getting everything done in one day! We were MANY hats as school librarians, and it can be exhausting at times! The MLIS program helps me create a “vision” at least, and I can see where I want to take my school library in the long run. š