The document discusses how libraries are evolving from places solely for quiet study and reading to become hybrid workplaces that support both concentration and collaboration. It notes that libraries are being designed to combine individual work spaces with areas for group work and community gathering. Additionally, libraries are removing barriers to access and making their spaces more open, integrated and adaptable to serve the changing needs of customers. The document provides examples of recent library designs that have blurred boundaries between private and public spaces and incorporated more flexible furnishings to accommodate different uses.
3. “The library is emerging as a new
typology of workplace combining
concentration and collaboration...”.
Helen Hamlyn Centre of
Design Royal College of Art
7. More choice means
better service...
Property owners need to work
closely with the occupiers – a
transparent relationship and
a hands-on approach that
can help establish what the
consumer wants.
14. Connection Ownership Personalisation
Libraries are places where
customers are supported at
an individual level.
Libraries are places where
customers are encouraged to
take ownership, and make
decisions.
Libraries are places where
people ‘connect’ with the
collection and each other.
19. Integrated Open Adaptable
Libraries have to be part of
the fabric of the city.
Libraries have to remove barriers
to access.
Libraries have to make
effective use of their spaces.
21. Library 10
Helsinki, Finland
Diversificatio
n
Fig 1
Tuuka, Official Guide,
Helsinki.
Fig 2
His business card..
“Small business owners,
freelancers, and others who
work from home can come here
and meet other people”
Regional
Manager
22. Fig 1
Customers work in the
children’s area.
Opposite.
Bookable partitions are used
to create enclosed areas.
23. Fig 1
Customers works in the cafe
as well as quiet spaces.
Fig 2
Students gather in the
central library in Halifax in
Canada.
24. 2016
Woollahra Library
Sydney, Australia
“Today, libraries are a flexible
space; they are a community
hub. People come to be
entertained. They come to
study. Libraries are also full of
business people”.
Library as
Workplace
Fig 1
The ground floor is noisy
and active.
Fig 2
The upper floor is quiet
study space.
Director of Community
Services Woollahra Public
Library
25. 2018
Arup
Sydney, Australia
In corporate environments,
libraries are playing an
increased role in the provision
of collaborative workspace
and innovation.
Arup Library
Library as
Workspace.
Fig 1
Informal networking area
within Arup Library.
Fig 2
Smaller collection.