Hyperlinked New Models: Design with the User in Mind
The material presented in both the New Models and New Horizons contained a lot of valuable information that highlighted the many forms of library design and library innovation. These modules really shone a bright light on the direction libraries and information centers have been heading in, and are still heading in. These new and innovative ideas for a long-standing staple that are also considered community hubs are now intentional spaces, which are now being constructed with the user. They [libraries and information centers] are not just buildings for books, but they offer so much more, which includes a strong focus on user experience. User experience covers many areas, from the online space to the physical space (both internally and externally).
As we have learned within the MLIS program, libraries are constantly evolving and transforming to meet the information needs of the user and the community. As Professor Stephens mentioned in a previous module, all these changes can be a bit daunting and overwhelming, especially in terms of deciding what new service or technology is worth providing and learning-and if it would be beneficial to the needs of the user/community. So, how do we do that? How do we sift through the new and unknown and grasp onto what’s necessary? One area to start with is the design and functionality of the library (or information center) space. From that point, an understanding can be gained as to how the space should be created and formatted to meet the needs of the users, which is ultimately based upon the mission/values/goals of the institution. All the articles and media presented in this model successfully showcased how libraries can design their space, and extension of their spaces (i.e. Anythink Nature Library, Moveable Feast mobile kitchens, and the Rolling Library), to effectively meet the needs of the community.
The two articles that stood out to me and inspired the focus of my discussion were “Centering Your Library Around the Community” by Caitlin VerKuilen and “The value of libraries from Roskilde to Toronto” by Christian Lauersen. Both articles highlight the importance of library design with the user and community in mind. They emphasize that the knowledge of being aware of the needs of your community is the primary component in creating and designing the library space with the user in mind. I especially liked the idea of the Impact Compass discussed in Lauersen’s article, and thought of how this model could be a guide in creating and even re-imagining the library space.
Final Reflection
Exploring these modules made me think of the new Obama Presidential Center. When the center opened, there were many television specials and interviews that covered what the center featured and offered. I was in such awe while viewing these special tv programs touring the center and interviewing the many people who were involved in its overall design. Every person that spoke all had one unifying theme when describing the purpose and inspiration behind the Center’s design, which was community. The Obama Presidential Center was created and designed with the community in mind. The Center consists of a museum, the Obama Presidential Center Chicago Public Library Branch, A Forum, an Athletic Home Court, the John Lewis Plaza, the Eleanor Roosevelt Fruit and Vegetable Garden, a Playground, and a Great Lawn. While watching these programs, I was able to gather that the vision for the Center was to imagine how the community would and could interact and connect with the space. For this reason, I believe The Obama Presidential Center exemplifies what it means to design with purpose, as all these spaces were intentionally and carefully crafted with the user and community in mind.
References
Lauersen, C. (2024, August 25). 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/
MS NOW. (2026, June 15). EXCLUSIVE: The Obama Presidential Center: A sneak peek inside the state-of-the-art facility. [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k2iYDn_MqrA
Obama Presidential Center. (n.d.). The campus. https://www.obama.org/visit/campus/
Obama Presidential Center Chicago Public Library Branch. (n.d). https://www.chipublib.org/locations/90/
VerKuilen, C. (2023, February 09). Centering your library around the community. Library Journal. https://www.libraryjournal.com/story/centering-your-library-around-the-community-lj230207
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