The four spaces – a new model for the public library

Abstract

Purpose -The aim of this paper is to present a model for the public library created by the authors. Design/methodology/approach -The paper is divided into three parts. The first part emphasizes considerations regarding today's focus on both the virtual and the physical library. The second part describes the four-space model, including examples of libraries as illustrations of the different spaces and examples of how the model is being used in the Nordic library-world. The third part pinpoints some critical questions in relation to the model. Findings -The paper shows how the four-space model has been used in different ways in the Nordic countries since it was presented for the first time in a Danish report on public libraries in 2010. Practical implications -The four-space model can be a useful tool in relation to developing, building, designing, arranging and rearranging public libraries. Furthermore the model can be a tool for management and communication in connection with library plans and policy and not least a point of departure for the discussion of the public library's overall role in society. Originality/value -This is the first time that the space model is presented to the library world outside the Nordic countries in a way where examples, usability and limitations are included.

Library Development Strategy for The Community at Coastal Areas

“…Information is at the core of the public sphere at an information or library [25][26]. With the ability of libraries to provide information for the development of independent opinions, the abstract library is a public space.…”

Inovatīvi risinājumi ceļā uz ilgtspēju: sabiedrība, ekonomika, vide

“…Jaunās tehnoloģijas būtiski mainījušas arī bibliotēku statusu -no pasīvām, uz pieprasījumiem reaģējošām institūcijām tām jākļūst par arvien aktīvākām un radošākām institūcijām. Tas uzskatāmi redzams jaunajā publisko bibliotēku konceptuālajā modelī, kuru izstrādājuši dāņu informācijas zinātnieki (Jochumsen, Rasmussen, & Skot-Hansen, 2012).…”

Transformation of Public Libraries: Co-creation of Values at Multipurpose Community Learning Centers

“…In recent years, numerous research focus on the space of public libraries [4] [7] [9][10][11][12] [26][27]. The spaces of public libraries use for different purposes.…”

“…In addition, Jochumsen, Rasmussen and Skot-Hansen [27] proposed a four spacemodel for libraries that consists of four different overlapping space: inspiration space, learning space, meeting space, and performative space. In inspiration space, experience plays an important role.…”