Breaking Out Of The Library Mold: Library Evolution

Jolene Kemos

Seelye, K. (2014, March 07). Breaking out of the library mold, in Boston and beyond. The New York Times. Retrieved from http://www.nytimes.com/2014/03/08/us/breaking-out-of-the-library-mold-in-boston-and-beyond.html?emc=eta1&_r=0

Descriptive Summary:

This article profiles the evolution and expansion of the Boston Public Library.  Emphasizing both architectural and service focused changes, the article not only discusses the happenings in Boston, but the evolution of library service globally.  Successful models for participatory service, evolved and unconventional library collections, virtual and physical space improvements, digital and physical collection considerations, and shifting philosophies are presented.  Modern libraries now emphasize not only finding information, but creating it, and emphasize community focus and collaboration instead of merely information managment. 

Evaluation:

This is an exciting and inspiring article.  While focused on The Boston Public Library, the evolutions discussed are relevant to libraries everywhere.  Of particular interest to me is outward facing architecture, including large amounts of glass, with the intent of infusing the library space with the energy of the community, and the emphasis on the evolution of the teen space of the library.  The BPL has created a new teen space that will be known as a “homago” space (“hang out, mess around and geek out.”)  They have focused this space with consideration to the things that teens really want to do including lounging, eating, gaming, and employing highly creative digital offerings to edit and record music and video, and to create comic books.  It is exciting to see an institution built in 1848 embrace “eco-urban chic” in the interest of providing relevant and desired resources and services to its patrons.