For this module’s reflection blog post, I decided to focus on the topic of global libraries.
In one video, discussing the Dokk1 Urban Media Space in Aarhus, Denmark, a Project Manager for the space stated:
“From the very beginning of the whole new library, we’ve spent a lot of time engaging the public into giving us their ideas of what a library should be, how to meet the community needs, because that’s what a library should be…. The only way to do that is really to ask them.”
That is, each unique community will have unique community needs. Therefore, each library should be likewise unique, so as to serve those unique community needs. I wondered how different community needs were across the globe and if (and how) different libraries were meeting those needs.
As I reviewed different global libraries, it became apparent this is being done. The Dokk1 Urban Media Space houses, among more traditional library spaces like project rooms, halls, study cells, a playground and family picnic tables (LibraryBuildings.info, n.d.; Ni Riain & Engberg, 2019). I personally haven’t heard of such spaces in a library in the United States. The space seems to be inclusive for all community members – materials are available in multiple languages and the space is wheelchair-friendly (Ni Riain & Engberg, 2019).
A library in Australia started Conversation Clubs to help combat a loneliness epidemic growing in Australia (Hasan, 2022). Another Australian library, in the Northern Territories, reclassified its materials “in consultation with the local community” to organize materials “according to key cultural aspects of Yolngu life [such as] art, language, culture and customs [as well as] the natural environment” (Thompson & Trevaskis, 2018).
Overall, I think this module’s materials helped me reflect on how important it is to connect with your surrounding community as a librarian. Only then can you hear directly what patrons need and want. Going forward, I hope to be curious, facilitate communication with community, and be creative in meeting community needs!
References:
Hasan, T. (2022). How Your Library is a Sanctuary of Health and Wellness.
LibraryBuildings.info (n.d.) Dokk1.
Ni Riain, C. and Engberg, J. (2019). DOKK1 Main Library, Aarhus: So Good They Put It On a Stamp.
Thompson, J. & Trevaskis, L. (2018). A Remote Library Dropping Dewey to Use Local Indigenous Concepts Instead.
@gbateman I appreciate reading what you were taking away from this module and how it may inform your future practice in meeting community needs. These far from home examples really resonate with me.
Gemma, I really enjoyed reading your post and thinking about what international or as you put it, global libraries are doing to meet the needs of their users and the community at large. They are having conversations with them about their needs and what they feel a library should be and then meeting them there when they can. I also like that no two libraries are alike because the needs of the various communities is as diverse as the people themselves. It makes me want to have a conversation with my own public library about what conversations they are having with the community about what they want to see in a library. I know they have made some improvements, but I also don’t know for a fact if it was community led or our library just following what other libraries have done in the area. This class certainly gives a person many ideas and wonders about how to go about getting and fostering those connections and meeting those users where they are and for what they need. Libraries simply aren’t just for books anymore and I think that is amazing that libraries can adapt and change.