The perception that an academic library is a place where information services are provided to an information-seeking community; a physical space for studying, researching, and collaborating; and a place to socialize and relax. 

Academic Library as Place

The public library's ideal role has shifted over time. It seeks to be not only a public resource but a place of social, intellectual, and political interchange. Public libraries wishing to adapt in this way may offer more programming focused on current issues and open conversations.

Public Library as Place

Special libraries evoke different senses of place depending on the library's particular focus. Generally, these libraries bring together individuals with similar research needs, often those in a certain profession or with certain intellectual interests. For example, a law library can be considered not only a place of technical knowledge, but one of communion for law students.

Special Library as Place

- Academic Library as Place
- Public Library as Place
- Special Library as Place


San Jose State University

The idea that libraries still function as an environment for teaching, learning and research despite advances in technology. Instead of becoming obsolete due to the accessibility of these new technologies, libraries should instead be the center of these advancements.

Library as Place

Kim, J. A. (2016). Dimensions of user perception of academic library as place. The Journal of Academic Librarianship, 42(5), 509–514. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.acalib.2016.06.013

Dimensions of user perception of academic library as place

- Up until the 1950’s: fixed function design
- 50’s: modular design
- 60’s: romantic architectural style
- 80’s: computer stations
- 90’s: online access
* “Library as place” concept introduced
- 2000’s: information commons space
- 10’s: learning commons space 

Trends in Library Space Design

- Digital Storytelling
- Digital Scholarship
- Library Automation
- Digital Archives

Technology Used in Libraries

- Value to Neighborhoods
- Value of Proximity to Libraries
- Gathering Place
- Tourist Destination

The Value of Physical Libraries

In Library and Information Science, it is important to acknowledge that Librarians will be sought out to answer hard as well as lifechanging questions. How do you help runaways, poverty, and homelessness? What do you do to make sure they have a chance at life?

Homelessness and Runaways

How Librarians interact, develop, and improve communities they are in. How librarians tackle issues in the environment around them(ie. Poverty, learning issues, and illiteracy

Community Development

Library Partnerships are collaborations between libraries and the rest of the community. Partnerships can help with collection development, funding, and building a positive relationship with the community.

Learn Before

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Learn After

Learn After

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