PurposeIn this information age, demonstrating the significance of physical libraries is increasingly important. The roles and functions of libraries have been discussed using the concept of the library as place in interdisciplinary perspectives. However, the overall structure of the concept is inadequate because there are multifaceted arguments; how the concept has changed is not clear either. The purpose of this study is to clarify the whole picture of the roles and functions of the library as place in public libraries and to show the transition of the roles and functions.Design/methodology/approachQualitative content analysis and time-series analysis were conducted using 175 related articles that mentioned the roles and functions of the library as a place.FindingsAn overall of 2,966 codes about library as a place was extracted and organised into a conceptual model, comprising 3 symbolic infrastructures (Wisdom, Heritage and Community), 11 categories (Intelligence, Creativity, Novelty, Culture and History, Neutrality, Equality, Empowerment, Publicness, Privacy, Sociability and Friendliness) and 30 subcategories. The study found that concepts of the library as place have developed rapidly since the 1990s, and roles have diversified from traditional ones.Originality/valueThe conceptual model of the library as place in this study, which integrates diverse perspectives such as physical spaces, activities and symbols, is the first of model's kind.
This study aims to clarify what kinds of specific strategies have been planned for public libraries in Norway and how they have changed over time following the Norwegian Public Library Act, amended in 2014. We have analysed government strategies and municipality plans and strategies for Oslo. Document study of the Public Library Act, national strategies concerning public libraries, and library management plans. We review 11 policy documents carefully and organise what specific plans are being made for public libraries to function as public places, according to the mission in the Public Library Act of 2014. Regarding dissemination of information and independent meeting place, the government and Oslo municipality made specific plans such as developing the national digital library and building a new central library in Oslo. Concerning dissemination of education and cultural activities, and an arena for public discussions and debates, there were partial strategies in both the government and the municipality. Various projects, financial support, building maintenance, and events have been conducted to accomplish libraries’ missions as places, as stated in the Act. Public libraries should facilitate a cultural offering that meets the needs of a diverse citizenry.
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