The Commons @Public Libraries: Prototype Book by Beayue Louie

Beayue Louie a 2014 student grad project

The Commons @Public Libraries Problem Space Goal of Public Libraries Public libraries help form the foundation of a democratic society by pooling resources together to provide individuals with greater collective access to information than they can afford separately. They strive to ensure that every community member

Where does the published content from public libraries traditionally come from? has access to information resources to enrich their lives, regardless of age, gender, socioeconomic status, ethnicity, social or political affiliation, education or technological competence.

Where do we get our information from?

The Flow of Information As a result of ubiquitous computing, however, society, and consequently, public libraries, are undergoing an interesting shift in information exchanges in which interactions in the physical domain are becoming more isolated and narrow, as those in the virtual domain are growing wider and more complicated. While the Internet does and will continue to play an important role in knowledge transfer, there are many caveats involved with its use, such as commercial intent, false or misleading content, overwhelming data

abundance, exacerbated reductionism and (hidden) exposure to group think and sole source proliferation. Furthermore, the rapid technological obsolescence of personal electronics and continued commercialization of Internet access places a high admission price on such information - one that even libraries are not immune to.

The Commons @Public Libraries Problem Space Individual & Group Usage Despite its varied resources and potential to serve as a central common space in the community, there is a strong perception of the public library as a separate institute of formal knowledge, where we passively consume or utilize information products and services on an individual or small group basis.

How do we collectively use public libraries?

Isolated Streams of Usage

How do we use public libraries?

The Commons @Public Libraries Final Prototype Thesis Issue How do we encourage individuals to interact more with the public library and each other in order to promote collaborative knowledge creation?

Project Description

The Commons enables the public to contribute to the content of the library, while providing a physical and virtual platform in which to engage in public discourse.

INFORMATION

The Commons @Public Libraries is a communal, modifiable space in public libraries that all members of the public can interact with or curate on any topic that interests them.

Project Objectives The Commons aims to: • facilitate knowledge creation, not just information access; • address the direct needs of the community; • be adaptable to new forms of knowledge creation; • encourage interactions between members of the public and/or the library; • foster civic dialogue and collective ownership; and • be executable and financially viable for a broad range of library systems.

The Commons @Public Libraries Final Prototype System Streams The Commons can be divided into three system streams: 1. Individual Elements; What does the public bring to The Commons? 2. Physical Components What does a public library need to host The Commons? 3. Interaction Levels How does the public interact with The Commons?

The Commons @Public Libraries Individual Elements Knowledge & Interests Every person has a rich and varied body of knowledge, interests, history and experience that no organization can replicate. The Commons aims to tap into each person’s unique expertise to help libraries build collaborative learning experiences that are as varied as the public itself.

Public Library Engagement Model COMMUNITY’S LIVING ROOM

Community Engagement

COMMUNITY’S KITCHEN

vs.

The Commons serves as a platform in which individuals can contribute to the narrative of their public library, and consequently, their community. It aims to not only showcase our individual interests and ideas, but create shared experiences that show how these similarities and differences contribute to the richness and vibrancy of society.

Learning, in its most enjoyable form, is pursuing the things we are passionate about. Action The Commons is a public call to action. Rather than merely providing information resources for the public to consume, it invites individuals to collaborate in order to create a communal experience that is greater than its parts.

The Commons @Public Libraries Physical Components Framework The Commons will be comprised of three modular frame systems that can fit the same interchangeable panels, shelves and inserts: 1. beech wood cube frames; 2. interlocking steel post frames; and 3. hinged steel panel frames. Details of the locking mechanisms for the modular frames and components are still being considered. Affordability & Local Industry The different systems allow public library systems and their communities to purchase or manufacture the frame components that best suit their budget. The wood cube and hinged steel panel frames, in particular, can be made locally as they only require basic woodshop and metal shop equipment, respectively.

Wood Cube Frames

Upgrades The three frame systems can be combined to create an even broader range of interaction spaces. This allows public libraries to “upgrade” their frame system without rendering the older frames obsolete. Assembly & Disassembly Each frame system consists of a minimal number of base parts. This allows for: • easy storage; • interchangeability of parts for repair and replacement; and • minimal manufacturing and material requirements. Note:

Square panels are included in these pictures for context purposes.

Interlocking Steel Post Frames

Hinged Steel Panel Frames

The Commons @Public Libraries Physical Components Modular The Commons is designed as a modular system of interchangeable panels, shelves, inserts and stackable frames that allows users to shape the space on an ad hoc basis. Interchangeable Panels Each panel is 2’ x 2’ and made of 1/8” hardboard. The panels come in a variety of formats, such as: • plain (for painting or poster overlay); • chalkboard; • pegboard; • acrylic glass; • felt board; • whiteboard; • cork board; • steel magnet board; • 2 x 2 Collection Square frame (with and without door inserts) (plain or chalkboard on opposing side); and • 3 x 3 paper grid (plain or chalkboard on opposing side); for maximum flexibility and combination possibilities.

Plain Panel For painting or poster overlay.

Chalkboard Panel For quick, temporary and lowcost public interaction.

Pegboard Panel Capitalize on existing DIY fixtures and resources in the market.

Acrylic Glass Panel For enclosed, secured displays.

Felt Board Panel For felt cut-outs.

Whiteboard Panel For quick, temporary and lowcost public interaction.

Cork Board Panel For quick, temporary and lowcost public interaction. Allows for movement and added privacy (contributions not visible until pinned).

Steel Magnet Panel For quick and temporary public interaction. Allows for movement and added privacy (contributions not visible until posted).

2 x 2 Collection Square Frame Panel (Removable Doors) Holds up to four 11” x 11” Collection Square panels.

3 x 3 Paper Grid Panel Holds up to nine 8” x 8” paper squares.

The Commons @Public Libraries Physical Components Group Usage Panels Although all of the panels allow for multiple users, the 3 x 3 paper grid panel and the 2 x 2 Collection Square frame panels, in particular, are designed for group contributions and interactions.

2 x 2 Collection Square Frame Panel Holds up to four 11” x 11” Collection Square panels. Collection Square frame panels are “coffeetable book”-sized squares, made of MDF or plywood (1/8” thick). Each panel will sport a library barcode or tag, allowing library members to borrow a square through the library’s regular system. The content of the square can be created at home and “anonymously” returned to the library for inclusion in a scheduled program.

The panel features two aluminum bars /dowels that snap into place to accommodate removable doors for interactive displays and 3D content (e.g. multimedia collage).

3 x 3 Paper Grid Panel Holds up to nine 8” x 8” paper squares. Given the prevalence of personal desktop publishing and word processing programs, individuals or groups can submit or tiled content of high quality using home printers. The content can be tiled or separate, which in and of itself has an interesting informational interaction component. The 3 x 3 paper grid panel holds the paper squares using tension (four aluminum rails on the panel are spaced to provide less than 8” of vertical space).

The Commons @Public Libraries Physical Components Interchangeable Shelves Each shelf is 2’ x 2’ and made of 1/4” hardboard.

Materials Wood-product hardboard will be used for both panels and shelves. As the panels and shelves will be reused, MDF hardboard serves as a:

The drawback to this material, however, is its environmental footprint in terms of manufacturing processes, adhesive materials and disposal.

• lightweight; (easier handling and mounting due to a wide range of physical strength and abilities of the potential curators) • affordability; and (initial, replacement and customization costs) Plain Shelf Holds library materials or curated artifacts and supplies.

• accessibility (pre-cut at many hardware stores for no or minimal woodshop time); option for public libraries. Sustainable Alternatives When possible, sustainable MDF, such as the Forest Stewardship Council-certified, urea formaldehyde-free MDF panels can be used in place of standard MDF. Alternatively, bamboo can be used for non-marking panels such as poster, cork board (backing) and frame panels. Material costs, however, will increase substantially, which may decrease the quantity and type of panels a public library may be able to afford, thereby affecting the scope and potential adaptability and adoptability of The Commons.

Diorama Shelves Holds acrylic glass panels, which can be used to create layered, 3D displays using 2D materials.

The Commons @Public Libraries Physical Components Panel Assembly Depending on the frame system used, the panels can be: • mounted onto a wood cube; • slotted into an interlocking steel post; or • dropped into a hinged steel panel frame. The panels can also be mounted directly onto the wall using a non-permanent connection system (e.g. industrial Velcro).

Wood Cube + Chalkboard Panel

Hinged Steel Panel Frame + Paper Grid Panel

Interlocking Steel Post + Collection Square Holder

Hinged Steel Panel Frames + Pole (Flushed)

Hinged Steel Panel Frames + Pole (Staggered)

The Commons @Public Libraries Physical Components Shelf Assembly Shelves can be: • inserted into a wood cube at a 45° angle and dropped into place; or • slotted into place in the grooves on top of each interlocking steel post (before posts are locked together vertically). The square notches at each corner holds the shelf in place between the “legs” of the wood cube or steel posts frame systems. The octagon pin on the head of each interlocking steel post (reverse divot on the foot) allows the posts to lock in perfect alignment to create cubes frames, without interfering with shelving.

Wood Cube + Plain Shelf

Wood Cube + Plain Shelves & X-Beam Inserts

Wood Cube + Pegboard Panels, Plain Shelves & Steel Dowels

Interlocking Steel Post + Plain Shelf & Acrylic Glass Panel

The Commons @Public Libraries Physical Components Square Tiles The use of modular squares to form walls and/or shelving allows for: • quick set-up and take-down; • easy storage; • affordable repair or replacement • interchangeability; • flexibility; • greater manageability; • lower printing and material costs; and • affordable customization for A/V equipment or specialized programs or exhibits (pre-cut 1/8” or 1/4” hardboard panels are approx. $1 - $4). Moreover, it makes The Commons more attainable for the library and members of the public to curate as the space is flexible in both size and format. By breaking down large spaces into smaller components, the process of creating programs and exhibits becomes less daunting and more attainable.

Variable Heights

Content can be targeted for different age groups.

Public/Private Spaces

The panels can be attached to a few or multiple sides of the display. This creates public/private spaces that will allow multiple individuals to interact with the visible space with some privacy.

Interchangeable Panels

Allows for quick installation and easy storage. Makes the system more approachable for the public to curate as the space is flexible in size (less daunting and attainable printing and material costs).

Shelf Insert

Creates a bookshelf for library materials or curated artifacts and supplies. Can also be used in combination with panels to create hidden storage space in the cube below.

Stackable Frames

Building blocks to create 3-dimensional spaces.

The Commons @Public Libraries Physical Components Combinations The panels and shelves can be combined in a pattern or grid layout (flushed or staggered) to create stand-alone or combination wall and/or shelving space with varying degrees of exposure/privacy. This is of particular importance, as existing wall space in public libraries is at a premium. The shelving can also be used to incorporate (open and enclosed) displays, library materials, A/V equipment and other resources.

Wall Space + Various Panels

Wood Cubes + Various Panels & Shelves

Hinged Steel Panel Frames + Various Panels

Interlocking Steel Posts + Various Panels & Shelves

Interlocking Steel Posts + Diorama Panels & Shelves

The Commons @Public Libraries Physical Components

Mixed Frame Systems Concept

The Commons @Public Libraries Physical Components Library Space Physical Space The Commons is flexible in form. It can occupy: • floorspace; • a portion of a wall; • a single wall; • a corner; • a combination of walls; or • an open room.

By allowing for different configurations, The Commons can adjust to the size, layout and resource constraints of each public library (and its branches), while accommodating the changing information needs of each neighbourhood as well.

FLOOR SPACE

CORNER

PARTIAL WALL

COMBINATION OF WALLS

SINGLE WALL

OPEN ROOM

Virtual Space The Commons will also feature an online component in which visitors to the space and library staff will be encouraged to take pictures and videos of the space and/or in connection to current programs or exhibits and upload them via social media with a hashtag specific to that library system (e.g. #TheCommonsECUAD). This content will be featured as a “live feed” on a sidebar of the library’s main website and will be compiled as part of a public depository of The Commons programs and exhibits, both for archival and resource purposes so past content can be further built upon in the future.

Questions or discussion points raised in the physical or virtual The Commons will be cross-posted and can be followed up or built upon by the library or public to encourage dialogue and cross-pollination of ideas and opinions.

PHYSICAL THE COMMONS

VIRTUAL THE COMMONS

The Commons @Public Libraries Physical Components Tools for Engagement As part of the public library system, The Commons is accessible to a broad range of individuals and groups. It pools together public space and resources in an informal environment to encourage civic dialogue and engagement, while removing participation, financial and commitment barriers traditionally associated with institutional or commercial alternatives. By providing a platform in which the community’s interests and opinions can be brought to the forefront of the library, alongside traditional streams of published content, The Commons not only creates opportunities for tangential learning, but serves as a tool to foster community engagement.

Viewer 1. Visit The Commons. Highlights • accessible • informal environment • easy to engage and disengage • low time-cost • broad exposure

Interaction The Commons is available for use by both members and non-members of the public library. In addition to visiting The Commons as a viewer, individuals can interact with The Commons as: 1. a participant; 2. a contributor; and 3. a curator.