Creation of Social Spaces: Future Success

Mantra for Libraries

Jitender Sharma*

Mark Twain once wrote on evolution that instant results. Also, he doesn't believe in or like to
"Evolution is the law of policies: Darwin said it, Socrates follow strict procedural and disciplinary self study
endorsed it, and Cuvier proved it and established it for -.modes of library. He is one among socially hyper-active
all time in his paper on 'The Survival of the Fittest.' species. He wants to connect with people. He believes
These are illustrious names, this is a mighty doctrine: sharing his perceptions and wants to learn from other
nothing can ever remove it from its firm base, nothing experiences. He is totally a different breed from what
dissolves it, but evolution." libraries have seen for decades together. ."..".:-.

Charles Darwin also wrote "It is not the strongest Libraries urgently need to find ways to
of the species that survives or the most intelligent, but successfully and timely quench the information thirst
the one most responsive to change." , of this new breed user apart from its traditional users
"in order to prevent him drifting away from the library
Hence, only change is constant in this fast changing
forever. A rework by libraries upon themselves in terms
world. Those who adapt themselves to' changes and
of ambience, collection, facilities and add-ons may
evolve themselves with changing circumstances
work and make library users feel a fascination for
survive and thrive, those who don't disappear. The
repeatedly coming back and using the library and its
same principlecan be applied to and is valid for libraries'
services. Libraries need to provide some extra apart
as well. World over information generation, storage
from their normal bounty of books and information to
and dissemination methods and tools are changing.
its users in order to remain fighting-fit for the decades
Users readinghabits are changing. Generations' impact
to come. In other words, they need to adopt new ways
is easily available among earlier users and today's users,
and means to connect and reconnect to the users.
Libraries can't remain aloof of or shut their eyes to
these changes. They have to adapt themselves to the
changing times and environment. Libraries need to ' What is a Social Space?
reinvent themselves to attract users and remain relevant '. According to Wikipedia, asocial space is physical
in these uncertain changing times. or virtual space such as a social center, online social
media, or other gathering place where people gather
Just about a decade ago, with emergeJilceofdigital and interact. Some social spaces such as town squares
technology and e-books, it was predictedthat libraries or parks are public places; others such as websites,
in physical form will not survive for long. More than a shopping malls etc. are privately regulated (wikipedia).
decade has past but libraries not only survived but also
have successfully adopted digital technologies and serve In context of libraries, a social space can be a
their users today both in traditional as well as online physical space inside or outside the library or it can be
ways. a virtual space like social media applications. Apart from
bricks and mortar structures, community place and
This was technology attack on libraries and was space, a presence in cyberspace, and a place of self
easier to handle by learning and adopting the technology. learning and fulfilling hobbies make a library complete.
There is however a bigger challenge facing the libraries
now and that has come from the user's side, the core Creation of social spaces offers the users to meet
entity for which library exists. Today's user seems to informally, hold discussions, organize social events or
be in a hurry.He is not emotionally or loyally attached specialized shows, arranging exhibitions, space for food
to library or any other information provider for the joints and so on. These spaces help in engaging users
information requirement. He has abundance of in more effective and meaningful manner.
resources and mediums to get information. He wants
Need of Social Spaces in Libraries
* Librarian. Jaipuria Institute of Management. A-32A. Sector Creation of social spaces in libraries provides a
62. Noida-201309(UP) library holistic environment that encourages emotional,

l!NIVERS ITY NEWS, 53(08) FEBRUARY 23-MARCH 0 I, 2015 13

 social and intellectual development of users. It goes their users to these online retailers. Similarly the threat
much beyond the traditional image oflibrary i.e. a huge also comes from food joints like Starbucks, Cafe Coffee
collection of books with reading and issue/return Day; and Mclzonald etc. Just over a cup of coffee,
facility. Properly designed social spaces can increase users can stay and hold meetings and discussions there
users' motivation and may even have an impact not for hours together. They even provide Wi-Fi
only on their learning abilities but may also help them connectivity and good ambience. Why a user would
to be more responsive social citizens. like to visit a library following strict norms and rigid
frameworks instead of these joints?
According to a recent report released by Internet
and Mobile Association ofIndia (lAMAI), the Internet Just few days back, on social media platform
user base in the country grew 42 per cent to 213 million, linkedin, there was news about new Library of
from 150 million in 2012. It estimates that India will Birmingham that has completely transformed itself and
have 243 million Internet users by June 20 14.According has become a major tourist attraction due to this
to IAMAI expectations, the number of mobile Internet transformation, It houses many facilities and services
users would have touched 185 million by June 2014. like digital theater, amphitheater for children, gardens
The growth ofInternet users has also led to a substantial and balconies to' view the city, local history center,
growth of other digital industries such as e-commerce archive of films and TV programmes, photographs
and digital advertising (JAMAl, 2014). . gallery, Shakespeare museum and so on. It also houses
a Library Cafeteria and many tea corners, a Library.
It is evident frorriabove statistical data ofthe report
shop, a Music library with a live piano for users, number
that more and more people in India are using mobiles
oflarge discussion rooms and meeting halls, escalator
and Internet to get and exchange information. Libraries'
ramp and transparent highly attractive lift. Over 7,000
users also 'fami part of this crowd. Libraries need to
visitors visit this library every day. This is a live example
. awake themselves to this realty and redesign their
how a library can attract users towards itself even in
services and offerings to suit this tech-savvy population
this technology dominated era.
so that they stick with library. Libraries have to reorient
and devise innovative services that not only serve the Learning is now becoming more and more social
information requirement of its fast changing users but and new generation users prefer areas that are
at the same time attract them back to library premises conducive to study in groups. Students' are asked to
not out of any compulsion or pressure but for enriching make presentations in groups as part of their study
and enlightenment of mind and body and soul. Presence arid they need to discuss among themselves to prepare
of social spaces in libraries can be one such attraction, those presentations. An academic library can easily offer
such social spaces and specialized services. Libraries
An article in Business Today, 16 February 2014
may develop flexible learning spaces to suit the needs
issue has described how online retailers like Flipkart of users. Libraries need to be more agile. They need
from India and Amazon are fiercely fighting it out to to provide social space for group discussions or for
get mQre and more share Qn online business in India. collaborative works. They need some counter
•
According to' the author of the articles, the. online mechanisms that may help in. preventing user base
business has a potential of growing. at the rate of 60 drifting away from library.
per cent per year in India for next one decade. Over
one lakh transactions are done at Flipkart on daily basis
Need of Attitudinal Change among Librarians
(Business,20!4).
Digital revolution started towards the end of
. Libraries need to' understand their competition. twentieth century flourished with each passing day.
This competition is not from other libraries alone but Technology and technological gadgets have becQme
from such mega online retailers.like Amazon or Flipkart affordable to each and everyone. Even a rickshaw puller
as well. These portals allow the users to scan through carries a mobile device today and many a times even a
lakhs of books and other materials at a greater smart mobile. Today's users remain online most of the
convenience without even need of paying a single paisa. time. As a consequence, libraries need to adapt in their
Materials can be ordered and purchased online and collection, services and delivery mechanisms so as to
delivered at door step. With ever shrinking budget and remain an integral and essential information provider
no' parity in information technology tools and of this online community, Libraries need to incorporate
techniques, poor libraries are in constant fear oflosing new philosophy and create new spaces to meet the

.' 14 UNIVERSITY NEWS, 53(08) FEBRUARY 23-MARCH 01,2015

 ever changing information needs of their users. This have to align their services toward contents digitization,
requires complete attitudinal changes among librarians making U3eof social media and even providing services
who have always seen themselves as custodian and on user's mobiles. Such personalized services coupled
caretaker of their holdings instead of serving users with providing social spaces in libraries for informal
optimally. interactions over a cup of tea/coffee may help libraries
to overcome challenges posed by online retailers and
More than a decade ago during an interaction with
food joints who intend to snatch away libraries' clients.
a group of librarians, the then librarian of IIM
Ahmedabad library had said "If a book is stolen from Librarian can play even a much greater role
our library, we do not get worried unnecessarily but especially with students' users in terms of shaping the
. get more copies ofthe same as we consider it a worthy directions of their discussions and act as a mentor or
book that users want to read". Such a big attitudinal guide and guiding them to best resources or way to
change from a custodian of books to optimum user tackle group problems. Such little initiatives will have
friendliness is what librarians need to undergo if magical effects and users will come back again and
librarianshave to remain relevant in this changing world. again to library without any external force or pressure.
Librarian needs to develop and act as a helping hand
Librarians need to understand that effective and
for his users.
relevant library services are driven by user needs, not
by building huge collections or technological advances
alone. Technology may change again tomorrow but How to Develop Social Spaces in Libraries?
librarians need to keep focus on their core mission and First of all, librarians have to understand the scope,
values i.e. litergpy, reading and learning. They need to limitations and constraints of a library before thinking
understand changing user needs and external about creating socialspaces in library. Concept of social
environmental pressures and evolve strategies in tune spaces will vary a lot with the type of library where it
with mission of their libraries. is planned. For instance, a Defence sector library may
not create social space for general public; however, it
In order to remain meaningful in such changing may create an environment that is conducive for defence
times, libraries need to diversify the purpose for which personnel needs. Similarly, an academic college library
a library is established and functions. It is the time may not entertain or extend its scope to general public
when libraries reinvent them as social spaces, which . as it has specialized user groups of students and faculty.
may bring more and more people to it on regular basis. It may however again create social spaces so as to
Attitude of library staff matters most in creating social engage the student and teaching community more and
spaces in library. They have to understand information- more to library and its activities. Public library will be
seeker's mind set and develop their services in tune open for all users and hence social space scope and
with the same. It requires a bit extra effort and taking requirements will also vary with each type of library.
initiativesto open up a dialogue with users. Rest follows.
National Mission on Libraries was launched on 3
No longer can a library be considered as a static February, 2014 by the President of India. Inaugurating
collection of books and only books. Nor the librarian the projectPresident mentioned that Iibraries being
can remain a person staring at users to maintain silence. social institutions and repositories of knowledge and
Today's libraries need to be well-equipped with not only information must help the society by helping the
printed documents but with electronic resources for individual to understand himself or herself and the
the benefit of their users. Librarians have to necessarily world of which h~ or she is a part. A public library is
possess specialized and professional education in often called "the people's university" because it is
their discipline along with IT skills and other available to all sections of society .. Thus, through
competencies required for the job. Libraries and democratization of access to knowledge, libraries
librarians will have to shake off their stereotype image contribute in promoting inclusive and sustained
and attitude and embrace new technologies and development of the people". Public libraries therefore
approaches to support learning through new ways and necessarily will be creating social spaces for all types
means in the 21st Century. In fact, librarians need to of people irrespective of their gender, caste, race or
go beyond that and develop social spaces both physical religion. Stich initiatives encourage more and more
and online or virtual spaces in tune with changing libraries to build and develop social spaces so as to
requirements ofusers and their learning habits. Libraries give access to more and more users and expanding

UNIVERSITY NEWS, 53(08) FEBRUARY 23-MARCH 01, 2015 15

,.' ••••.• ..• o:.."...",.... ..'.~ . ' ,.,....,.~.'

 their activities beyond books.
Most of library colleagues in Delhi-NCR must
have visited British Council and American Centre library
in Delhi and must have witnessed large queue of users
outside them to go and study there. These libraries'
set-up, ambience, informal and formal sitting
arrangements and cafeteria facilities inside the library
itself are some examples of social spaces that.need to
be created in each library so as to attract users in large
numbers. Both these libraries have extensive outreach
programmes and they keep holding different events,
films screening and many more such functions that
attract users in large numbers. A user is willing to pay
for such services and ambience. This is what is required
from all libraries.
Libraries need to convert themselves to
multipurpose entities without losing their core focus
of information and knowledge provider. They can
arrange social functions,' cultural, sports and
educational events or competitions for different age
groups. Otherevents like new books launch, or calling
celebrity authors live, or through webcasting·etc. will
attract large number of users to the library. Idea behind
this is making direct connections with users arid
bringi~g them to library doorstep.
IN.l) library that organizes social and academic
events on continual basis, calls experts from all parts
of the world for benefits of students, library and
academic community and opens up library 24 hours x
365 days is another example of developing social spaces
in library.
Among management institutions in Delhi-NCR,
JaipqriaInstitute of Management, Noida offers similar
facilities. to i.tsusers, This library provides its, space to
all its users fon group interaction, holding literary or
cultural events. Library staff extends all possible help
including infrastructural support encouraging more and
more students to spend their time in library. It routinely
organizes book reviews, story-telling, e-quiz program
etc. It also gives 'Best User' and 'Library Friend' award
and certificate to its users on monthly basis. depending.
upon users' visits, use' of library resources and their
help in organizing different activities in library.
Social media tools-like Facebook, Twitter etc. can
be used by librarians for continuous library alerts and
news updates. It is estimated in 4 February 2014 Times
oflndia report that Facebook has over 12 billion users.
Librarians can reach to a larger users segment using
1'6 UNIVERSITY NEWS, 53(08) FEBRUARY 23-MARCH 01, 2015
this online social space medium. Same is the case with
Twitter and other Chat applications. A regular
interaction and engagement with users and potential
users is required.
Libraries need to manage their physical space also
differently. As learning habits are more social now and
users especially students in an academic library prefer
group learning, hence libraries need to convert their
physical spaces to areas that are conducive to study in
groups and further offer them for holding social events,
group activities and specialist services.
Librarians need the ability to use technology to
support study in a variety of modes. They should be in
a position to offer its users training in effective utilization
of digital resources, for searching academic contents,
retrieving library resources and making use of Internet
and social media for getting desired information.
There is need of mindset transformation on part
oflibrarians. They need to perceive library as learning
and social space rather than just a building. They must
create friendly learning spaces, providing access and
guidance, reaching out to more and more users in need
of support. Libraries can even play greater. role in
providing access to cultural heritage to the masses.
Users learning habits are changing. New
generation user is the one who is always connected,
multimedia savvy, an'd capable of multitasking. He is
impatient, creative, expressive and-social. He doesn't
believe in structured format or enviroriment. If this is
the user scenario today, then one can easily imagine
how the future user would be and what will be his
needs. Changes in libraries in future can be due' to
various reasons including academic culture,
demographics, distance education, funding,
globalization, infiasttucture/facilities, libraries, political
climate, publishing industry, societal values, students/
learning, and technology. Libraries need to equip
themselves to handle these changes.
Technology is developed to an extent that users
can "talk" through assignments with their handheld
devices, which issue: alerts when passing a bookstore
with material they need to cite along with basic details
of the material and its availability, price etc. Companies
make use of big data to know customers personal
interests, reading habits, shopping history and so. on.
lt is often questioned if libraries would have any
relevance in such a scenario, On contrary, it is also
true that users would still need a place to study, reflect,
and escape from the noisy environment surrounded
 them. Moreover, bookstore will charge for any service
beyond providing basic information. A library can fill
these gaps by providing both social spaces and the
desired reading material. Hence, people will not stop
using physical libraries; they will just need them in new
ways. In other words: we see a transformation from
a more or less passive collection of books and other
media to an active space for experience and inspiration
and a local meeting point.
Hence, libraries will go under transformation much
beyond the predicted "bricks to clicks" to from
"collection to connection" or even from 'collection to
creation' as proposed by the American Library
Association in its new strategic vision.
The Four-SpaceModel
Jochumsen, Skot-Hansen and Rasmussen (2014),
in their four-space model reflected about the library's
role as cultural centre, knowledge centre, social centre
and information centre (Figure-I).
Accord1hg to them a new library model is needed
that takes into account the challenges the societal
development poses in relation to the library, and which
at the same time highlights the potentials of the library
of the future.
According to this model the library's overall
objective is to support the following four goals:
• Experience
• Involvement
• Empowerment
. Fig.I: Four-Space Model of Public Library by Jochumsen, Skot-Hansen and Rasmussen
INVOlYEMOO
UNIVERSITY NEWS, 53(08) FEBRUARY 23-MARCH 0 1,2015
• Innovation
In this model first two goals concern individual's
perception in his quest for meaning and identity in a
complex society, the other two are societal goals:
Empowerment concern development of strong and
independent citizens who are able to solve everyday
problems, while innovation has to do with finding new
answers to practical problems or developing completely
new concepts, methods or artistic expressions.
Here the library can make a contribution by making
space for learning, experience, engaging meetings and
possibilities for expressing oneself in a creative way.
These things cannot be considered in isolation and
individually, but must be seen as overlapping functions
that interact in the library space both physically and
virtually.
This model also contains a vision for the library
consisting of four different overlapping spaces:
• Inspiration space
• Learning space
• Meeting space
• Performative space.
The four overlapping spaces are not just physical
spaces but are seen as possibilities that can be fulfilled
both in the physical library and in cyberspace. These
four spaces will support each other, and thereby support
the library's objectives. Librarians' task is to make all
four spaces interact by. incorporating them in the
library's architecture, design, services, programs and
choice of partnerships.
17
 The Great Good Place
In his famous book "The Great Good Place", Ray
Oldenburg (1989), defines the significance of the third
place in a healthy society. Neither work nor home, the
third place is a neutral community space, where people
come together voluntarily and informally in ways that
level social inequities and promote community
engagement and social connection. There can't be a
better place than libraries to fill the space of the third
place.
Libraries are purpose-driven organizations. They
are socially responsible and responsive. With no profit
motive, they have the ability to identify and respond to
community needs as neutral community space unlike
home and workplace. Indian libraries and librarians also
need to identify the potential hidden in them to respond
to community needs by being socially responsible and
responsible citizens and help community development
by opening their libraries for the betterment of society.
Conclusion
Change iso. constant and necessary. One who
doesn't' change with changing times will perish with
time and the one who changes as per changing needs
will cherish. Our libraries and librarians need to
understand this simple mantra of life if they wish to'
survive and thrive in these changing times. Libraries
are meant for users. Hence there is necessity to
understand users, their needs and their reading habits.
For libraries to be successful not only in current
scenario but future as well, they need to pursue new
models of users' engagement in which they provide
platforms for social engagement, move away from
fixed and rigid conventional frameworks and designs
to comfortable, open-ended venues for people and
participatory activities. Like social media where people
have built up their own community spaces, libraries
too can fulfill such aspirations of their users.
Libraries are places where critical thinking is
encouraged to thrive. Hence, it is an urgent need that
librarians create new social spaces in libraries so as to
stimulate intellectual discussions, innovative ideas
through group interactions and much more.
References
I. Wikipedia. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Social_space
2. IAMAI (2014). http://ibnlive.in.com/newslindia-to-have-
243-million-internet-users-by-june-20 14-report/ 448786-
Il.html [Accessed on 13 September 2014]
3. Business Today, Vol. 23 Issue 3, 16 February 2014
4. Jochumsen, Henrik; Skot-Hansen, Dorte and Rasmussen,
Casper Hvengaard (2014). "The four spaces- A new model
for the. public library". http://centralbibliotek.dk/sites/
default/files a_new_modeI_oCthe-public_library_final_
artikel_dorte_skot-hansen.pdf [Accessed on 4 Feburary
2014]
5. Oldenberg, Ray (1989). The Great Good Place. New York:
Paragon Books. 0

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