Introduction of Interactive and Product Design in reshaping the Public Library’s services through ICT and public engagement: The case of Mytilene Public Library’s archives

Abstract

Deep into the Information Age, traditional Public Libraries should evolve into modern Digital Libraries. A new approach is being proposed, in order to make local history accessible and draw the attention of the public by revitalizing the Library’s traditional facilities. This could happen by using interactive ICΤ (Information and Communication Technologies) and new scientific fields, while simultaneously introduce Library’s digital product in new, competitive markets. Recognizing the importance of including the user experience into this process, Library’s strategy is to attract new groups, especially the potentials of younger people whose experience with new technologies is far more advanced. Achieving this, the organization creates and delivers digital content to its audience and improves their experience in the Library. The present work poses a question on how new scientific fields can help expanding Mytilene Public Library’s reach through public engagement, by enabling access to this vague collection of archives and making it more appealing to the public. The fields of Interactive and Product Design set a promising perspective into succeeding these goals. Using integrated design principles and methodologies such as brand identity, user experience mapping, digitization, merchandise product design and QR coding, a viable strategic plan was determined. Initially, a series of questionnaires was given to the public audience in order to ascertain the user’s experience, concerning the conceptual model of the library. Having collected a sufficient number of answers, a series of interactive merchandise products was designed, inspired by the Library’s most famous collections. The outcome is a collection of notebooks, mugs, t-shirts, bookmarks etc. which by using QR coding creates an innovative, interactive means of exploration through the Library’s collections that the visitor can wear, use, carry around and share through social media simultaneously. The idea of attaching QR coding in the designs helps promote the Library’s collection as the user can discover the cultural heritage and context behind the tangible object, through the Library’s digital database. The proposal received great acceptance from the local society and was characterized as an innovative alternative of the traditional memorabilia.