Your Community. Your Library
August 30, 2019
“Today, as cities and suburbs reinvent themselves, and as cynics claim that government has nothing good to contribute to that process, it’s important that institutions like libraries get the recognition they deserve. After all, the root of the word ‘library,’ liber; means both ‘book’ and ‘free.’ Libraries stand for and exemplify something that needs defending: the public institutions that — even in an age of atomization and inequality — serve as bedrocks of civil society. Libraries are the kinds of places where ordinary people with different backgrounds, passions, and interests can take part in a living democratic culture. They are the kinds of places where the public, private, and philanthropic sectors can work together to reach for something higher than the bottom line.”
― Palaces for the People: How Social Infrastructure Can Help Fight Inequality, Polarization, and the Decline of Civic Life
Dylan Theissen, Masters candidate in the School of Community Planning at Vancouver Island University, is inspired by the words and works of Eric Klinenburg. When we sat down with Dylan, he shared that examining the difference between a “space” and a “place” has been an interesting way to look at the concept of a library in today’s society. A place is activated — there are reasons for people to go there, to be there, to interact with others and to stay there for extended periods of time. Where else but a library can we do that today without any expense?
Dylan has completed the research and survey portion of his studies and has now moved on to data analysis. Watch his YouTube video and follow him on Twitter if you want to learn more about his important research!
At VIRL, we are constantly working to learn more about our communities and how we can better fill our roles within them. Helps us understand how well we are meeting the technological needs of our customers and communities. This survey will help us identify gaps, trends, and let us know how we are doing. GET STARTED!
