“Libraries are the means by which the present learns from the past and leaves its own intellectual legacy to the future.” (Lerner, 1999, p. 12). More than significal buildings and book collections, libraries have been assembled with a purpose and aligned their services with the needs of their times, as reflections of societies in which exist. They preserved for many centuries literature’s treasures, historical reports, national evidence, documented research and scientific findings. Deeply rooted to the history of mankind, libraries are the deposit of our knowledge and represent our educational, cultural and societal identity. By the time they became public, they adopted an educational and social mission, which enabled general access to a wide source of information and gave an opportunity for all people to rise in the society. (Lerner, 1999). For all societies economic growth and well-being are strongly related with a well-educated workforce. Today, Libraries as promoters of learning culture and strong defenders of our intellectual freedom are called to reproach their product, services and spaces to meet 21st century expectations and remain at the heart of our communities. Digitalization and globalization change the labor market demands. A knowledge-based economy requires a different set of performances that cannot be learned from books or by teacher-led lecturing. Learning practices are shifting from memorization and passive reception to interdisciplinary thinking, joint-project and collaborative activities. Due to the rapid changes of technology, lifelong learning becomes determinant of personal fulfilment, with the continuous improvement of skill acquisition and consequently for the development of our communities. In addition to that, digital technologies change not only the way we interact with information but also the way we interact with the world in general. Young generation of learners need opportunities of participation in communal activities, empower their communication skills and develop their identities in the social context. Therefore, we need to reconsider what constitutes an effective learning environment by approaching learning experience as a process rather as an answer. If Public Libraries are going to exist in our future societies, should be way beyond spaces with dusted shelves and book collections. It is essential to redefine their role in our communities as physical and digital meeting points, where past and future cross each other and diverse ideas, cultures and disciplines could coexist. Moreover, to respond to the challenge of redesign libraries’ products, spaces and services, society’s needs should be at the center of the stage. The role of design shifts form deliver something that people use to continuously supporting using (Felix, 2011). The implementation of service design approach when assessing, refining, and creating artifacts would be essential for the Libraries evolution. Service Design as a mind-set/way of thinking process, will allow us to approach libraries system from an holistic point of view, as complex set of performance attributes happening in a particular sequence and time. Theoretical research on experts, literacy and case studies are been done to gain a broad understanding on how the shift from industrialization to digitalization shapes our learning behaviors. The general research concludes to 21st century core values of digital culture, lifelong learning and community of practice and their implementation in Libraries’ product, services and space. Mapping what constitutes an effective library ecosystem leads to the part of field research for the exploration of how Libraries could earn back an active role in our communities. Particularly libraries in Cyprus are left behind as old depositories of books based on traditional models and with limited audience, mostly researchers and scholars. According to the survey research, although young people show high tendency to study in public spaces, only few of them visit public libraries (4.55 %). Cyprus government on the other hand is making remarkable efforts to promote learning, innovation and entrepreneurship and meet EU Strategy of 2020 vision for knowledge growth, inclusive societies and a healthy economy. However, not much has been done to shelter an effective learning experience accessible to the general public. Cyprus Library, “even though designed to play the role of a national library, its historical legacy and the absence of strong public libraries in Nicosia have influenced the orientation of the Cyprus Library” (Cypruslibrary.gov.cy). Today, three different departments in three different buildings compose Cyprus Library. The original building functions only for lending services and a separated infrastructure works as repository of books that cannot be store in library’s shelves due to the limited space. The third building, which is the one that this thesis will focus on, is the reference department responsible for the provision of reliable and timely information services with accessible study space to the general public. With a strong historical heritage, as the first established library of the island, fixed by the government, well connected with municipality’s stakeholders and located in the capital’s city center; Cyprus Library has strong potentials to become a dynamic learning hub where the individual, ‘me’ becomes a part of a greater ‘we’. With Cyprus needs in the foreground, the research overviews Cyprus socioeconomic framework and evaluates Cyprus’ Library current ecosystem to set project’s objectives. The project proposes a dynamic digital tool called LibHub and the reformation of Library’s physical environment to enhance 21st century learning values and encourage the use of Library by the citizens in an individual and social level. LibHub is a user-friendly digital tool that connects all members with Library’s products, services, and space as well as with each other. The application supports the integration digital culture, lifelong learning and community of practice into Library’s ecosystem, in a transparent way that community’s actors could easily “digest”. Tailored on member’s interest and needs; LibHub provides an efficient way to stay tuned with Library’s available materials and events, connect members with common interest and with stakeholders from private and public industries, creates opportunities for collaboration while supports the development of individual skills. The application not only encourages the interactions with Library physical environment but also promotes the idea of co-creation with members’ participation in Library’s upgrade on new books and upcoming events. Additionally, the reformation of physical environment is essential for the development of an efficient learning experience and relies upon the evaluation of current Library’s ecosystem based on research results. Without dramatic interventions, the concept aspires the transformation of Library’s existing interior into a flexible system where learning experience takes place in a variety of ways, rather than a container of furniture and books. The physical space is been redesign to provide areas for individual use but also areas that support and motivate social interaction. Primary goal of the new design is to develop the sense of belonging into something wider. Thus, the furniture becomes extensions of the excising architectural elements, classical books are moved to the loft, which is now extended and leave space for human presence to create meaning and give life to Library Ecology. Furthermore, physical touchpoints are interlinked with LibHub to personalize Library experience according to visitor’s interest and needs.
Le biblioteche sono il mezzo con cui il presente impara dal passato e lascia la sua eredità intellettuale al futuro. “(Lerner, 1999, 12). Un’istituzione, antica quanto la storia stessa, prende la sua forma secondo la società in cui esiste, e dà forma a quelle società in cambio. Più di edifici significativi e una semplice collezione di libri, le biblioteche sono state assemblate con uno scopo ed allineato il loro servizio in base alle esigenze dei loro tempi. Conservano per molti secoli tesori letterari, rapporti storici, prove nazionali, ricerche documentate e scoperte scientifiche. Profondamente radicate nella storia dell’umanità, le biblioteche sono il deposito delle nostre conoscenze e rappresentano la nostra identità educativa, culturale e sociale. Da quando sono diventate pubbliche, hanno adottato una missione educativa e sociale, che ha consentito l’accesso generale ad un’ampia fonte di informazioni e ha dato l’opportunità a tutte le persone di crescere nella società. (Lerner, 1999). La crescita economica ed il benessere della società sono strettamente legate ad una forza lavoro ben istruita. Oggi, le Biblioteche come promotori della cultura dell’apprendimento e forti difensori della nostra libertà intellettuale sono chiamate a riadattare i loro prodotti, servizi e spazi per raggiungere le aspettative del 21 ° secolo e rimanere al centro delle nostre comunità. La digitalizzazione e la globalizzazione cambiano le esigenze del mercato del lavoro. Un’economia basata sulla conoscenza richiede un diverso insieme di prestazioni che non possono essere apprese dai libri o dalle lezioni impartite dagli insegnanti. Le pratiche di apprendimento si stanno spostando dalla memorizzazione e dalla ricezione passiva al pensiero interdisciplinare, alle attività di progetto congiunto e alla collaborazione. A causa dei rapidi cambiamenti tecnologici, l’educazione a vita diventa determinante per il miglioramento dell’acquisizione delle competenze individuali e per lo sviluppo delle nostre comunità. Inoltre, le tecnologie digitali influenzano non solo il modo in cui interagiamo con le informazioni, ma anche il modo con il quale interagiamo con il mondo in generale. La giovane generazione di studenti ha bisogno di opportunità per la partecipazione alle attività comuni, di potenziare le loro capacità di comunicazione e di sviluppare le loro identità nel contesto sociale. Pertanto, dobbiamo riconsiderare ciò che costituisce un ambiente di apprendimento efficace avvicinandoci all’esperienza di apprendimento come processo piuttosto che come risposta. Se le biblioteche pubbliche dovessero essere presenti nelle nostre società future, dovrebbero essere ben al di là di spazi con scaffali polverosi e raccolte di libri. È essenziale ridefinire il loro ruolo nelle nostre comunità come punti d’incontro fisici e digitali, dove passato e futuro si incrociano e possano coesistere idee, culture e discipline diverse. Inoltre, per rispondere alla sfida di ridisegnare i prodotti, gli spazi ed i servizi delle biblioteche, i bisogni della società dovrebbero essere al centro del palcoscenico. Il ruolo del design si sposta dal fornire qualcosa che le persone usano per continuare a sostenere l’uso (Felix, 2011). L’implementazione dell’approccio alla progettazione dei servizi durante la valutazione, la raffinazione e la creazione di artefatti sarebbe essenziale per l’evoluzione delle Biblioteche. Service Design come modo di pensare/processo mentale, ci consentirà di approcciare il sistema di librerie da un punto di vista olistico, come un insieme complesso di attributi delle prestazioni che si verificano in una particolare sequenza e tempo. Ricerche teoriche su esperti, alfabetizzazione e casi studio sono stati effettuati, per ottenere un’ampia comprensione sul modo in cui il passaggio dall’industrializzazione alla digitalizzazione influisce sull’esperienza di apprendimento. La ricerca generale si conclude con i valori fondamentali del 21 ° secolo della cultura digitale, dell’apprendimento a vita e della comunità di pratica e la loro implementazione nei prodotti, nei servizi e nello spazio delle Biblioteche. Mappare ciò che costituisce un ecosistema di biblioteca efficace porta alla parte della ricerca sul campo per l’esplorazione di come le Biblioteche potrebbero riguadagnare un ruolo attivo nelle nostre comunità. In particolare, le biblioteche a Cipro sono rimaste come vecchi depositi di libri basati su modelli tradizionali e per un pubblico limitato, per lo più ricercatori e studiosi. Secondo il sondaggio, anche se i giovani mostrano elevata tendenza a studiare in spazi pubblici, solo pochi di loro visitano biblioteche pubbliche (4,55%). Il governo di Cipro, d’altra parte, sta compiendo notevoli sforzi per promuovere l’apprendimento, l’innovazione e l’imprenditorialità e di raggiungere la strategia dell’UE 2020 per la crescita della conoscenza, società inclusive e un’economia sana. Tuttavia, non è stato fatto molto per riparare un’efficace esperienza di apprendimento che sia accessibile al grande pubblico. La Biblioteca di Cipro, “nonostante sia stata progettata per svolgere il ruolo di biblioteca nazionale, la sua eredità storica e l’assenza di forti biblioteche pubbliche a Nicosia hanno influenzato l’orientamento della Biblioteca di Cipro” (Cypruslibrary.gov.cy). Oggi, tre diversi dipartimenti in tre diversi edifici compongono la Biblioteca di Cipro. Le fazioni di costruzione originali solo per i servizi di prestito e un’infrastruttura separata funzionano come deposito di libri che non possono essere archiviati negli scaffali della biblioteca a causa dello spazio limitato. Il terzo edificio, su cui si concentrerà questa tesi, è il dipartimento di riferimento responsabile della fornitura di servizi di informazione affidabili e tempestivi con spazi di studio accessibili al pubblico. Con un forte patrimonio storico, come prima biblioteca consolidata dell’isola, stabilita dal governo, ben collegata con le parti interessate del comune e situata nel centro della capitale; la Biblioteca di Cipro ha forti potenzialità per diventare un centro di apprendimento dinamico dove l’individuo, “me” diventa parte di un “noi” più grande. Con le esigenze di Cipro in primo piano, la ricerca fa una panoramica del quadro socioeconomico di Cipro e valuta l’attuale ecosistema della Biblioteca di Cipro per fissare gli obiettivi del progetto. Il progetto propone uno strumento digitale dinamico chiamato App-Lib-Hub e la riforma dell’ambiente fisico della Biblioteca per migliorare i valori di apprendimento del 21 ° secolo e incoraggiare l’uso della Biblioteca da parte dei cittadini a livello individuale e sociale. App-Lib-Hub è uno strumento digitale user-friendly che collega tutti i membri con i prodotti, i servizi e lo spazio della Biblioteca, nonché l’uno con l’altro. L’applicazione supporta l’integrazione della cultura digitale, dell’apprendimento a vita e della comunità di pratica nell’ecosistema della Biblioteca, in un modo trasparente in cui gli attori della comunità possano facilmente “digerire”. Su misura per l’interesse e le esigenze dei membri; App-Lib-Hub fornisce un modo efficiente per rimanere in sintonia con i materiali e gli eventi disponibili della Biblioteca, collegare i membri con interessi comuni e le parti interessate del settore, crea opportunità di collaborazione e allo stesso tempo sostenere lo sviluppo delle capacità individuali. L’applicazione non solo incoraggia le interazioni con l’ambiente fisico della Biblioteca, ma promuove anche l’idea di co-creazione con la partecipazione dei membri all’aggiornamento della Biblioteca su nuovi libri e prossimi eventi. Inoltre, la riforma dell’ambiente fisico è essenziale per lo sviluppo di un’efficace esperienza di apprendimento e si basa sulla valutazione dell’ecosistema della Biblioteca attuale secondo i risultati della ricerca. Senza drammatici deterioramenti, il concetto aspira alla trasformazione degli esistenti interni della Biblioteca in un sistema flessibile in cui l’esperienza di apprendimento si svolge in una varietà di modi, piuttosto che un contenitore di mobili e libri. Lo spazio fisico è stato riprogettato per fornire aree per uso individuale ma anche aree che supportano e motivano l’interazione sociale. Inoltre, i touchpoint fisici sono interconnessi con lo strumento digitale App-Lib-Hub per regolare l’esperienza della Biblioteca nell’interesse o nei bisogni del visitatore e sviluppare il senso di appartenenza.
Library hub for effective learning experience
VASILEIADOU, PANAYIOTA
2016/2017
Abstract
“Libraries are the means by which the present learns from the past and leaves its own intellectual legacy to the future.” (Lerner, 1999, p. 12). More than significal buildings and book collections, libraries have been assembled with a purpose and aligned their services with the needs of their times, as reflections of societies in which exist. They preserved for many centuries literature’s treasures, historical reports, national evidence, documented research and scientific findings. Deeply rooted to the history of mankind, libraries are the deposit of our knowledge and represent our educational, cultural and societal identity. By the time they became public, they adopted an educational and social mission, which enabled general access to a wide source of information and gave an opportunity for all people to rise in the society. (Lerner, 1999). For all societies economic growth and well-being are strongly related with a well-educated workforce. Today, Libraries as promoters of learning culture and strong defenders of our intellectual freedom are called to reproach their product, services and spaces to meet 21st century expectations and remain at the heart of our communities. Digitalization and globalization change the labor market demands. A knowledge-based economy requires a different set of performances that cannot be learned from books or by teacher-led lecturing. Learning practices are shifting from memorization and passive reception to interdisciplinary thinking, joint-project and collaborative activities. Due to the rapid changes of technology, lifelong learning becomes determinant of personal fulfilment, with the continuous improvement of skill acquisition and consequently for the development of our communities. In addition to that, digital technologies change not only the way we interact with information but also the way we interact with the world in general. Young generation of learners need opportunities of participation in communal activities, empower their communication skills and develop their identities in the social context. Therefore, we need to reconsider what constitutes an effective learning environment by approaching learning experience as a process rather as an answer. If Public Libraries are going to exist in our future societies, should be way beyond spaces with dusted shelves and book collections. It is essential to redefine their role in our communities as physical and digital meeting points, where past and future cross each other and diverse ideas, cultures and disciplines could coexist. Moreover, to respond to the challenge of redesign libraries’ products, spaces and services, society’s needs should be at the center of the stage. The role of design shifts form deliver something that people use to continuously supporting using (Felix, 2011). The implementation of service design approach when assessing, refining, and creating artifacts would be essential for the Libraries evolution. Service Design as a mind-set/way of thinking process, will allow us to approach libraries system from an holistic point of view, as complex set of performance attributes happening in a particular sequence and time. Theoretical research on experts, literacy and case studies are been done to gain a broad understanding on how the shift from industrialization to digitalization shapes our learning behaviors. The general research concludes to 21st century core values of digital culture, lifelong learning and community of practice and their implementation in Libraries’ product, services and space. Mapping what constitutes an effective library ecosystem leads to the part of field research for the exploration of how Libraries could earn back an active role in our communities. Particularly libraries in Cyprus are left behind as old depositories of books based on traditional models and with limited audience, mostly researchers and scholars. According to the survey research, although young people show high tendency to study in public spaces, only few of them visit public libraries (4.55 %). Cyprus government on the other hand is making remarkable efforts to promote learning, innovation and entrepreneurship and meet EU Strategy of 2020 vision for knowledge growth, inclusive societies and a healthy economy. However, not much has been done to shelter an effective learning experience accessible to the general public. Cyprus Library, “even though designed to play the role of a national library, its historical legacy and the absence of strong public libraries in Nicosia have influenced the orientation of the Cyprus Library” (Cypruslibrary.gov.cy). Today, three different departments in three different buildings compose Cyprus Library. The original building functions only for lending services and a separated infrastructure works as repository of books that cannot be store in library’s shelves due to the limited space. The third building, which is the one that this thesis will focus on, is the reference department responsible for the provision of reliable and timely information services with accessible study space to the general public. With a strong historical heritage, as the first established library of the island, fixed by the government, well connected with municipality’s stakeholders and located in the capital’s city center; Cyprus Library has strong potentials to become a dynamic learning hub where the individual, ‘me’ becomes a part of a greater ‘we’. With Cyprus needs in the foreground, the research overviews Cyprus socioeconomic framework and evaluates Cyprus’ Library current ecosystem to set project’s objectives. The project proposes a dynamic digital tool called LibHub and the reformation of Library’s physical environment to enhance 21st century learning values and encourage the use of Library by the citizens in an individual and social level. LibHub is a user-friendly digital tool that connects all members with Library’s products, services, and space as well as with each other. The application supports the integration digital culture, lifelong learning and community of practice into Library’s ecosystem, in a transparent way that community’s actors could easily “digest”. Tailored on member’s interest and needs; LibHub provides an efficient way to stay tuned with Library’s available materials and events, connect members with common interest and with stakeholders from private and public industries, creates opportunities for collaboration while supports the development of individual skills. The application not only encourages the interactions with Library physical environment but also promotes the idea of co-creation with members’ participation in Library’s upgrade on new books and upcoming events. Additionally, the reformation of physical environment is essential for the development of an efficient learning experience and relies upon the evaluation of current Library’s ecosystem based on research results. Without dramatic interventions, the concept aspires the transformation of Library’s existing interior into a flexible system where learning experience takes place in a variety of ways, rather than a container of furniture and books. The physical space is been redesign to provide areas for individual use but also areas that support and motivate social interaction. Primary goal of the new design is to develop the sense of belonging into something wider. Thus, the furniture becomes extensions of the excising architectural elements, classical books are moved to the loft, which is now extended and leave space for human presence to create meaning and give life to Library Ecology. Furthermore, physical touchpoints are interlinked with LibHub to personalize Library experience according to visitor’s interest and needs.| File | Dimensione | Formato | |
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Panayiota_Vasileiadou_850502.pdf
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https://hdl.handle.net/10589/140697