This is the third time I have stumbled across this video, so I knew I had to share it. The main library in Aarhus Denmark decided to think out of the box a bit. They have created several people-friendly areas within the library – the Literature Lab, the News Lab, the Music Lab, the Exhibition Lab, and the Square. This is the third time I have watched this seven minute video, and I am still amazed at how they took an ordinary library and transformed it into something truly astonishing. Does anyone know a library in the U.S. doing something similar?
Thanks for sharing this video–first time I’ve seen it. For many libraries, the idea of undertaking this kind of project probably seems daunting. I wonder, though, if there are pieces that a library could focus on as experimental cases…
Also, it reminded me of my previous job directing the Information Commons. We offered spaces where users could create content–audio, video, images, etc. Flatbed and slide scanners, equipment for digitizing video, mixers for blending audio, every kind of editing software package you can imagine. Our staff provided consultation and support for those activities.
For individuals who didn’t want to do it themselves, we offered for-fee production services (yes, a library *charging* for service!). For more than 8 years we were involved in many interesting projects, from multimedia CD-ROM production to mobile device publishing.
Sadly, I understand that the production services operations was shut down 6 months after I left, and the facilities have devolved into a standard computer lab.
Thanks for posting this. I have been working on a presentation on the Future of Libraries (update of 2006 workshop) and this has many of the points I was going to make. Hmmm. Maybe I will just show the video:)
The main points that inspired me are: interactive elements, user created content, events for sharing ideas, use of handhelds (phones) to augment programs, furniture and exhibits that are flexible, collaboration with other agencies and people in the community. Lots of these elements could be incorporated into what we do now in libraries. Doesn’t have to be Euro-tech to be engaging, fun, and flexible… and, of course, transformational.
Sharon