1. The Library of Birmingham
David Potts │ Head of Library Resources
IFLA – 23rd February 2018
2. Birmingham: The City and its people
• Birthplace of the Industrial Revolution
• The ‘city of a thousand trades’
• Belts, buckles, buttons, iron, guns, jewellery, scales, locks, wire
production etc.
3. Birmingham - People
• 1 million citizens (city-region 5.3m)
• 36%+ from ethnic minority communities
• 50+ languages spoken in the city
• Europe’s second most diverse city –
(Amsterdam)
• 46% under 30 years old (39% England average)
4. Local Economy
• Above average unemployment
• Above average number of
people with no qualifications
• Poor graduate retention
• Challenging image domestically
but….
• Strong economic growth (2016)
• Record visitor numbers (39m)
• Office and residential sector
showing strong growth
7. Consulting with the community 1
• What qualities would you like to
see in your new library?
– Welcoming and accessible to all
93.3%
– Helpful and knowledgeable staff
90.9%
– Attractive building and surroundings
80.4%
8. Consulting with the community 2
• Community engagement 2009
– Space for prayer
– Café
– Shop
– Toilets everywhere (!)
– Services for children, young people & families
– Learning spaces (quiet and non-quiet areas)
– Comfortable furniture
– Eating areas
– Access for disabled people
– Friendly staff
• Clearly identifiable
• Friendly
• Knowledgeable
• Not always behind a desk (Floor walkers)
18. Rewriting the book?
• Library
• Archive
• Unique collections
• Event space
• Corporate venue
• Social meeting space
• Business meeting space
• Tourist attraction
• Brasshouse Language
School
19. The Public Library is public realm
Cafe
Wi-fi
Retail
Gardens
Foyer
Theatre
Meeting Rooms