How might we... Rethinking the library with design thinking

Abstract

The paper describes the Design thinking for libraries: a toolkit for patron-centered design, a document released in early 2015 and originated from experiences of librarians working side by side in their contexts under the Global libraries program funded by Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. The private design company IDEO partnered with the Chicago Public Library in the U.S. and Aarhus Public Libraries in Denmark heading to the creation of a practical guide for librarians and managers including readings, resources, and activities that will help to understand design thinking methods and rethink the library to the users’ changing needs. The Design thinking for libraries toolkit originates from the participatory librarianship movement, giving more and more attention to the library community and its active role in designing the library of the future.