The continuing relevance of the library as a third place for users and non-users of IT: the case of Canada Bay

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to consider how libraries support the development of community networks both physically and digitally. To do this, a case-study methodology was employed, including a combination of data about the library and qualitative interviews with library users considering their experience of the library. This paper proposes that libraries act as 'third places' spatially connecting people; libraries also build links with online media and play a critical role in inclusively connecting non-technology users with the information on the Internet and digital technology more generally.The paper establishes the value of libraries in the digital age and recommends that libraries actively seek ways to develop links between non-technology users and activity on the Internet. It addresses the need to reach these types of non-technology users in different ways. Further, it suggests that libraries utilise their positioning as third places to create broader community networks, to support local communities beyond existing users and beyond the library precinct.

Libraries as transitory workspaces and spatial incubators

“…On the other hand, the library is still a public place open to all (Houghton et al, 2013). The observational studies and interviews conducted by Houghton and his co-authors in the Concord Library, City of Canada Bay, Australia, show that despite the use of technology and social media within the library and with other libraries, users seem to prefer social connections within the physical space.…”

Community gardens as third places

“…initial examples of third places include cafes, barbers, pubs and piazzas. The third place concept has been applied to place-based research to include other public places such as libraries (Houghton et al, 2013), market places (Mele, 2015), franchised food outlets , pop up parks (McGlone, 2016) and virtual spaces (Steinkuehler & Williams, 2006;Williams & Kim, 2019). Community gardens have also been described as third places in a number of studies, however, the assertion has not been systematically and critically investigated (Calderon et al, 2014;Glover, 2004;Veen 2015).…”

Open Creative Labs – Treffpunkte für Kreative?

“…Hierfür ist der Beitrag wie folgt aufgebaut: Zunächst soll kurz darauf eingegangen werden, durch welche Eigenschaften "Treffpunkte" zu charakterisieren sind. Dabei orientiert sich der Beitrag insbesondere an dem Konzept der "Dritten Orte" (Oldenburg 1997;Oldenburg und Brissett 1982 (Houghton et al 2013). Die wohl wichtigste Funktion, die "Dritten Orten" zugeschrieben wird, ist deren Rolle im Aufbau und Erhalt von Gemeinschaften und Gemeinschaftssinn (Houghton et al 2013;Oldenburg 1997).…”

“…Dabei orientiert sich der Beitrag insbesondere an dem Konzept der "Dritten Orte" (Oldenburg 1997;Oldenburg und Brissett 1982 (Houghton et al 2013). Die wohl wichtigste Funktion, die "Dritten Orten" zugeschrieben wird, ist deren Rolle im Aufbau und Erhalt von Gemeinschaften und Gemeinschaftssinn (Houghton et al 2013;Oldenburg 1997). Demzufolge kre-ieren "Dritte Orte" einen gesellschaftlichen Mehrwert, weil sie dazu beitragen, Beziehungen innerhalb von Gemeinschaften zu stärken, Netzwerke auf-und auszubauen, lokale Gemeinschaften und Nachbarschaften einzubeziehen und Mehrwerte auch für unregelmäßige Nutzerinnen und Nutzer zu stiften.…”