1. Henrik Jochumsen
Associated Professor at the Department of Information Studies, University of Copenhagen

2. The public library in urban development
29/05/2019
The public library
in urban
development
Dr. Henrik Jochumsen
Department of Information Studies

3. The public library in urban development
Public libraries are today facing major challenges
Explosive developments in technology and media
The library between the virtual and physical
The library in competition
New users
Cuts and savings
Uncertainty about the future role of the library
Process of transition

4. The public library in urban development
Cities are today facing major challenges
Transition from industrial to knowledge society
Increasing inequality and segretion
Cities have to stimulate creativity, innovation, sustainability and cohesion
The global competition
Attract and retain businesses, inhabitants and tourists
Think in terms of visibility, branding and staging
Process of transition

5. Libraries in Urban Development Context
Cultural institutions are today seen as major factors in urban development
Bilbao-effect

6. We are not building a library for the city. We are building the city.

7. The public library in urban development
New focus on the importance of the physical library
Not the exspected development ”from bricks to clics”
A renaissance of the physical library

12. The public library in urban development
Research questions
How can the library contribute to the city’s and urban district’s image, attractiveness and identity as part of a strategic urban development?
How can the library as an urban space support citizens in need of public meeting- places and experiences?
How can the library contribute to the development of the city's creativity and innovation through new relationships?

13. The public library in urban development

14. Symbolic and aestetic quality Part of city branding
Icon:
Different and unique
Symbolic and aestetic quality
Part of city branding
Seattle US The library as place

15. Placemaker:
Part of revitalization of city-centres and former industrial and port areas Development of new neighbourhoods
Salt Lale City US The library as place

16. Support cohesion and local identity
Catalyst:
Support cohesion and local identity
Support a local social and economic boost
Bispebjerg Denmark The library as place

17. Openminded meeting place: A low-intensive meeting place
A place to be and stay in
Seattle US The library as space

18. Public domain:
The library can be a social mediator that soften borders between different areas.
The Garage Sweden The library as space

19. Experiencespace:
The library can be a stage for experience in the city or it can itself be staged
Biblioteket som oplevelsesrum
Hjørring Denmark The library as space

20. Partnerships and creative alliances:
Through partnerships with the market and civic society the library can support creativity in the city and provide the citizens with new experiences
Roskilde Denmark Relations

21. Hybrid cultural arenas:
By being placed together with other cultural institutions the library can use the synergy effect to develop new forms of knowledge, culture and experience in the city
Elsinore Denmark Relations

22. Creative entrepreneurs:
By supporting the cultural and artistic food chain the library can support the creative and innovative city
Copenhagen Denmark Relations

23. The public library in urban development
To sum up: Why libraries and urban development?
Cities want to focus on creativity and innovation.
Cities want to support cohesion and an active and vibrant civic society.
Cities are interested in marketing based on culture and knowledge.
In this context many cities seems to be increasingly aware of libraries’ potential.

24. The public library in urban development
To sum up: Why libraries and urban development?
Libraries want (need) to strengthen their anchorage and relevance in their local communities.
New willingness and desire to engage in more dynamic relations with the surroundings.
A need to focus on the resources the community represents in terms of citizens, users and partners (read co-creation).
Part of the movement ”from collection to connection”.

25. Thank you!