Libraries are an important space for meeting people of all different kinds
In an era characterised by digitisation and globalisation, libraries are actually anything but outdated – they provide a vital space where people can encounter people different from themselves.
22 March 2018
(The photo shows Henrik Jochumsen. Photo by Simon Klein-Knudsen)
Information, refinement and empowerment. These three concepts seem almost to belong to the history books, but are in fact the foundation for libraries – both as they were when they began and as they are today, according to Henrik Jochumsen, associate professor at the Department of Information Studies at the University of Copenhagen. He has studied library development for more than 20 years.
"The three concepts form the whole foundation of libraries, and are also an important prerequisite for democracy and our access to knowledge. In fact, this role is not far from what libraries actually do today. But, of course, it takes place in ways quite different than before,” explains Henrik Jochumsen.
He says that libraries today play a major role in providing communities with a kind of shared space that relates to two crucial movements in today’s society: digitisation and globalisation.
“I think the need to be out and about among people in a concrete, physical space has been strengthened as a result of the digitisation of our society. And the library is one of the only non-commercial places in the community where you can just come and spend some time,” says Henrik Jochumsen.
According to Henrik Jochumsen, one good indicator that the library has gained importance as a physical space is to be found in library statistics. While lending rates have been declining for a number of years, the number of visitors has moved in the opposite direction – they have risen.
“I believe that the increase in visitor numbers should be seen as a counterweight to the risk of isolation that also accompanies digitisation. You can end up very much alone when working at home using a computer, and so today there is also a great need to spend time with other people,” he says.
You meet all kinds of people in a library
“At the same time, the library is a space where we can encounter people different from ourselves – and that is crucial in relation to globalisation,” says Henrik Jochumsen.
“Libraries encompass a high degree of diversity, and in our society they are one of the few places we’re likely to meet people different from ourselves. When we go to work or spend time with our family and friends, it’s most often with people who are fairly much like us – ethnically, educationally and culturally,” he points out.
Although libraries have many different – and often important – functions in local communities, according to Henrik Jochumsen, he identifies the opportunities to meet people of all kinds as a particularly important one.
“I think the fact that spending time in libraries is going to involve meeting many different people with backgrounds different than yours is very important in societies where cohesion is under pressure due to forces that include increasing income disparities and the high degree of ethnic and cultural differences that accompany immigration. This doesn’t necessarily mean these people will actually be talking to each other in the library – but the mere fact that you are in the same space together is very important,” says Henrik Jochumsen.
And there is reason to emphasise and protect that unique role, he believes.
“Nowadays much of the material in libraries is also available in digital formats. At a time when the role and significance of libraries are no longer as immediately obvious as they once were, it is a good idea to highlight and explain exactly why and how our public libraries are still important. And that’s where an award like the Public Library of the Year comes in,” he declares.
The IFLA also believes that this award plays a key role in emphasising the overall significance of public libraries
The Public Library of the Year is an annual international library award presented to the world’s best new public library by the International Federation of Library Associations (IFLA) in collaboration with Systematic, which sponsors the actual USD 5,000 prize.
“Libraries are an investment in ensuring development in our society. I would like to congratulate both the IFLA and Systematic for their role in the Public Library of the Year award, which will undoubtedly reflect and highlight the great work that public libraries do worldwide,” says IFLA President Glòria Pérez-Salmerón, whose opinion is backed up by her IFLA colleague.
“The Public Library of the Year Award showcases beautiful, innovative and practical new buildings that both illustrate and inspire us all in what it is possible to achieve. This prestigious award honours the best new public libraries,” said Christine Mackenzie, president-elect at the IFLA.
15 May is the final deadline for applying to be considered for the Public Library of the Year Award 2018, which will be announced and presented at the IFLA Annual Meeting at the end of August.
