Libraries are not just about books, at least not anymore. Libraries and librarians are considering how to engage people, the community and not have everything or seem to have the focus solely revolve around books.  Public Libraries have continued to expand their vision of creating an outreach model that caters to the broader community and various programs.

Furthermore, the spaces in the library shouldn’t also only be geared towards books and the libraries’ other materials. Essentially, people should be more important than these materials. “Move away from the concept of the library as a book storage facility full of shelving deserts and staff processing transactions” (Booth, 2013).

I think this makes me reflect as a future information professional of treating spaces in the library for people utmost, and not just fully centered around books. Also, it’s a way of customer service- of focusing on the needs of the patrons, their information needs and not only thinking that shelving, ordering, and displaying books are the utmost value (it is important, yes), but libraries are meant for people, the community, activities and more for the public.

I think this also goes along with engaging with patrons and making them feel welcomed, important, and valued. I, as a patron like it when a librarian is aware, and even goes further to make some small talk about the book I’m picking up and checking out or anything else- its more about the experience than solely the materials getting from one place to another.

According to the article, Libraries as Creative Spaces, “Public Library needs to get ready to embrace a future that goes beyond collecting, storing and sharing books… Library expands its role from a place where info can be acquired to one where it can be created, turn ideas and concepts into something tangible” (Domsy, 2013).

There’s this greater need and vision for making libraries more than what most people consider them to be or see them as. And where there is much more room for competition from other places such as cafes, bookstores and the like- libraries are continually forming their niche over the decades with upgraded and interesting things that includes not just internet access or maker spaces but other events for the community too. As Domsy also notes, “The space contained within a public library has historically been dominated by the library’s physical collection” (Domsy, 2013).

This also goes further into creating connections and improvements for the patrons to have their chance of sharing their experiences and what matters to them in the library or what they would like to see. This can delve further into the ‘4 spaces of the public library’. And to also support larger goals for the library that relate to these spaces. These could include experience, involvement, empowerment and innovation.

I think as an information professional, this goes more in depth and thinking outside the box. To bring in new things if that’s what patrons want from their library.

On another related note, for the library to be an inviting and welcoming place goes back to the focus on people, not books. The space and architecture are important. I was looking at an article that depicted and highlighted the most beautiful Bay Area libraries in California, and with photos and reasonings behind it. I found it interesting because it proves the point that the way a library looks, is displayed and other features such as its lighting, furniture, architecture and special features really can make it a relaxing and enjoyable experience. It can go into the personality, the history, and culture of the city that portrays itself in the library in a unique way.

References

Booth, M. (2013). People and UTS Library.

Domsy, C. (2013). Libraries as Creative Spaces. Feliciter, 59(2), 28–29.

(Hong, J. 2019). The Most Beautiful Bay Area Libraries. https://sf.curbed.com/maps/beautiful-bay-area-libraries-map-best-architecture-books.