I guess this is the kind of library we should be aiming at. Maybe if our libraries were arranged differently, and books were easier to find, people would borrow more books.
Food for thought.
The Nieuwe Bibliotheek(New Library) in Almere, Netherlands has built a Library that embodies theideals of the 21st Century library!
“They redesigned their libraries based on the changing needs and desires of library users.”
What they found led them to follow a model more relatable to their patrons:
“Guided by patron surveys, administrators tossed out traditional methods of library organization, turning to retail design and merchandising for inspiration. They now group books by areas of interest, combining fiction and nonfiction; they display books face-out to catch the eye of browsers; and they train staff members in marketing and customer service techniques.”
Based on feedback from their community they included a wide variety of services, spaces and programming.
“The library is also a Seats2meet (S2M) location where patrons are empowered to help one another in exchange for free, permanent, coworking space, and they utilize the S2M Serendipity Machine to connect…
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