A theoretical perspective of public library physical spaces in a digital environment

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this study is to explore the virtual space of the library and how it is part of the library building and many spaces offered. It inspects as well the work of the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions’ section related to library buildings and equipment libraries can play if they are able to provide remote users education, which can help in fighting illiteracy and promote digital literacy. Design/methodology/approach The study adopted a structuralist approach from linguistics, sociology and anthropology to decorticate the concept of space. It favoured the literature review method, which was the most adequate approach for multidisciplinary results. Findings The study results indicate that the library virtual space became equally important as its physical spaces for our modern world and development. The significance of the virtual spaces is similar nowadays to the physical spaces of libraries as they allow for social integration and self-recognition. Originality/value The value of this study is uniquely exhaustive, as it highlights the value and significance of the library virtual space in the contemporary world, in comparison with the library physical spaces.

State of public libraries in Morocco

“…According to Freeman (2005), libraries as a place have a “sanctified role” as they were considered in older times as the “temple of scholarship” (Freeman, 2005). Moreover, Bouaamri and Barátné (2022) note that “library space, physically or virtually, is not only a home for books and documents, but instead an environment full of emotions and history that is transferred from generation to generation in different ways, either through writings, songs or buildings” (p. 11). Hence, public libraries hold the history of communities and help transferring the knowledge from one generation to another, which is the main aspect of creating new knowledge and maintaining its sustainability.…”

“…Hence, public libraries hold the history of communities and help transferring the knowledge from one generation to another, which is the main aspect of creating new knowledge and maintaining its sustainability. Bouaamri and Barátné (2022) allude that public libraries reflect the situation of the societies where they exist, which includes “the buildings and architecture” that “are backscattering the cultural and societal settings, as well as the history and the collective memory” (p. 11) of their communities.…”

“…Most (2011) argues that the public libraries are valued not just because they are a resource center but also because their value is in relation to the library space that they offer to library users. Bouaamri and Barátné (2022) citing Foucault (1983) note that it is important for public libraries to offer adequate reading spaces for their users so they can build their own cultural and social capitals. These services are the basic and fundamental standards in public libraries in the contemporary world.…”

Survey and Analysis of Citizen Network Political Participation Based on Binary Search Tree Algorithm

“…While traditional questionnaires are often limited by sample size and timeliness, the rapid changes in citizens' online political participation require more flexible and real-time research tools. Citizens are expressing their opinions, participating in discussions, and organizing activities through online channels, resulting in a completely new mode of political participation (Bouaamri & Hajdu, 2022). However, this change has also brought about a series of challenges, one of which is how to effectively assess and understand the degree of political participation in this online environment.…”

Appraisal of Resources and Services of Libraries in Commerce Colleges of Public and Private Sector

“…Libraries commonly serve as nerve center for studying purposes by offering indispensable resources and services to all individuals (Bouaamri & Hajdu, 2022). In the field of commerce education, it is crucial to recognize that high-quality information plays pivotal role in both research and learning (Hussain, Ansari & Siddiqui, 2018).…”