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Understanding the needs of the user is the one and only thing that matters if you want to create a library that caters for the need of its users. – Aat Vos
In this column, I ask CILIP conference keynote speaker Aat Vos for his perspective on the changing shape of the library space and its function from a European perspective. Aat is a Netherlands-based architect and creative consultant behind some of the most interesting and ground-breaking libraries, including Deichman Tøyen “open for all” library in Oslo.
AAT Vos says: From my perspective, I can say one thing parallels the situation in the UK: these are difficult times for libraries – especially when there is no strong vision of where the next development should lie. Libraries in countries with library laws (the Netherlands, Denmark and Norway for instance) perhaps have a better starting point, but it still is no guarantee for a worry-free future as it still comes down to a shared vision between librarian and stakeholders to bring about change. Laws make discussion easier – but then most laws are designed to protect the status quo. But things are on the move. The Netherlands is looking at Denmark, Norway and the rest of Scandinavia now, with new ideas taking shape in Århus, Helsinki and Oslo on both a regional and a local scale. Germany is awakening from a long institutional hibernation and is trying to catch up with its neighbours, as is Belgium, which has suffered decades of budget cuts.
The customer is the resource After a recent library remodelling, we asked clients to respond to a brief questionnaire about the change in space usage. Seventy-three per cent experienced “a lot more” visitors, visitors that in 55 per cent of cases have become “more diverse”. And different social groups “mingle more often than before”.
We also asked about activities. Despite the fact that 64 per cent of people visited on their own, all are
March 2018
more involved in library activities, which in 82 per cent of cases are organised by users. I recently heard that Deichman Tøyen hosts a staggering 82 activities a month – all organised by its users. That is almost 1,000 per year – in a venue of only 600 square metres. Users do indeed become resources, as the Danish architect Ivar Moltke has said. So, we might consider that libraries are moving towards a more social environment. I find this interesting, especially when you think that the traditional role of libraries is to cater for individual needs. Libraries used to be quiet places, for study, reading, work and contemplation – but they are now becoming the community’s playground. At Tøyen for example, they have the local Oslo cinema club, which screened RocKabul, a film featuring Afghanistan’s first heavy metal band.
Maslow in his famous model understood that our primary needs are physiological (warmth, food). Second on this rising pyramid is safety, and social needs (love, a sense of belonging) are third. Individual needs are fourth, and self-actualisation is fifth and last. Libraries tend to be focused on the needs of the individual. But I think we are beginning to understand that libraries also fulfil social needs and even basic needs such as warmth, food and safety, so libraries now increasingly penetrate that whole hierarchy of needs.
And the customer is the market As an architect, I have learnt that I don’t know it all – and the same applies to consultancy. It is never a good idea to start with assumptions if you intend to create social places. There is a lot to be learned from the principles of marketing. The customer comes first: there are no markets, there are only customers. Understanding the needs of the user is the one and only thing that matters if
David Lindley (
david@designinglibraries.org.uk) is Executive Director of Designing Libraries, a Community Interest Company. If you have a story to share or an upcoming project, do get in touch.
www.designinglibraries.org.uk.
you want to create a library that caters for the need of its users.
Be amazed
The good news is, there are many ways to do this. It can even be free: ask people at the supermarket on a Saturday morning what they think is lacking in their neighbourhood (but don’t mention the word library, as that will frame every answer). Or use the card games that we have developed to investigate the activity needs or the type of atmosphere people like to hang out in. Or use demographic, social and economic data to analyse who is living where in the society you work in. Compare that to the people using your facility and find out who you are missing. There are so many ways to find out who your users are – and what they want. You will be amazed. IP
Aat Vos (
www.aatvos.com) is Design Associate of Designing Libraries. He will be speaking at the 2019 CILIP Conference.
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http://cilipconference.org.uk/ INFORMATION PROFESSIONAL 33
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