In the posts linked to above, you will find musings about designing libraries and library programs for children and teens, national library programs to target adult illiteracy, international efforts to promote books-as-therapy for children facing trauma, activist art libraries, oral history collections, and joint-use library facilities (libraries and museums; public libraries and school libraries; public libraries and academic libraries).
So, I would draw your attention to a few 21st century libraries - some mentioned at IFLA, some just sitting around waiting for interested people to discover them. Building one is really not that complicated; it just requires vision (and trust me, OPL staff have vision! In fact, we even have a conceptual design plan for the New Central Library) and some bravery. As a recipe, I would recommend slow cooking various forms of knowledge: hardware (books, computers, art, manuscripts, microfilms + people, for starters) and software (databases, online tools, e-books, digital audiobooks). Add spaces that allow for quiet contemplation, group work, and inspiration. Stir frequently and serve daily. Consult (in no particular order):
- The Biblioteca Alexandrina
- The Seattle Public Library
- The Vancouver Public Library (featured in recent articles in both the Citizen and the Globe and Mail recently)
- The Millenium Library in Winnipeg
- Basically anywhere in Sweden (some hints here)
- The Idea Stores in London
- San Diego Public Library
- The District of Columbia Public Library
- The Designing Better Libraries blog
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