NewLib – New challenges for public libraries

Abstract

Public libraries have become educational centers in the last few years.

The poster will showcase the solutions regarding the approach of the community identified by 24 librarians from four countries. Along with 10 designers and reporters, they created 6 prototypes of new services for public libraries by using the Design Thinking methodology. Together, they carried out the project ”New Lib” – New Challenge for Public Libraries from 2016 to 2018. There will be mentions regarding the challenges the libraries have faced, the strategy and the instruments they used, and also the results gained.

The common question was:”HOW – MIGHT – WE?” For Romania, the challenge was „HOW MIGHT WE DETERMINE WHAT KIND OF ACTIVITIES CAN WE ACCOMODATE IN OUR SPACES IN ORDER TO RAISE THE YOUNG PEOPLE¢S INTEREST AND COLLABORATION?” The steps taken by the library – consulting the community by organizing focus – groups, questioners, interviews, info – visits, workshops – will highlight the tools used in developing the prototypes. The ”NEW LIB” Project has created a transnational community, has brought together libraries with expertise (e.g. DOKKI Denmark) and has tested new prototypes for services in 5 libraries from 3 countries (Portugal, Italy, and Romania). The DOKKI Center in Denmark has supported and has provided the necessary expertise for understanding the Design Thinking methodology in which innovation is focused on people. DT develops empathy. This is a concept structured on exploring, ideation and reflection, followed by implementation.

The ”Nicolae Iorga” Public County Library currently has rearranged two spaces and has five new services, after using the Design Thinking methodology. The number of workshop participants has risen by 29%. Of the 80 public libraries that are coordinated, 10 have developed new services.