This document discusses the need for a new language to describe the value and impact of public libraries beyond just usage statistics. It proposes examining the individual experience with libraries and understanding the emotional, intellectual, creative, and social benefits they provide. Libraries are described as havens that provide perspective, build community, foster creativity, and offer trusted staff support and resources. The document calls for developing and promoting this new framework with library professionals, media, and political leaders to better articulate the value libraries provide for citizens and society.

1. A library visit is not just a number
The value and impact of public libraries
Christian Lauersen
Director of Libraries and Citizens Services
Roskilde Municipality, Denmark
Twitter: @clauersen
The Library Lab: https://christianlauersen.net/
Next Library Festival 2021

7. Library statistics says something about the use of libraries,
but not neccesaily something about the value of libraries
We need a new language for the value of libraries
and what it means to citizens and society

8. Method and design

9. “It is only once we have started with individual experience
that we can then work outwards, and understand the
kinds of benefit that culture may have for society, for communities,
for democracy, for public health and wellbeing, for urban life and regional growth”
- The Cultural Value Project (2016)

10. The scaffold for a new language
4 dimension of cultural impact:
The emotional: Awakens feelings and thoughts
The intellectual: Creates conversations and reflections
The creative: Inspire and motivates us to create
The social: Self-cultivation/bildung, belonging and
community
Start with the individual experience!
Data: Quantitative and qualitative

11. What is a library to citizens?
Programs
Collection
Guidance
Physical facilities

12. Haven
The public library is a
haven in everyday life, where citizens find
room for contemplation and
take time for themselves and each other

13. Perspective
The public library is a crediable communicator
of knowledge and gives citizens enlightenment
and critical perspective on life

14. Community
The public library is a place where citizens
experience togetherness – alone, or with
others – and were they experience that
materials and facilities are a common
property without financial barriers

15. Creativity
The public library is a source
of inspiration, stimulates
imagination and help
motivate citizens to try new
things

16. Staff
Help from staff at public libraries
holds significant impact; The staff is the
human face of the library and serves for
many as a relational point of reference in
the local community

17. Trust
The public library is a place where
can you trust what you see and hear

18. Next steps

19. Releasing the design

20. Creating a new language:
• Political arena
• Library and cultural professionals
• Traditional media
• ‘Soft’ media

21. Context
Change the language of the value of the
public library in context of society

22. Thanks for listening
Christian Lauersen
Director for Libraries and Citizen Services
Roskilde Municipality, Denmark
Mail: cula@roskilde.dk
Twitter: @clauersen
The Library Lab: christianlauersen.net
Library Planet: libraryplanet.net
Instagram: @librarylovestories
Seismonaut: https://seismonaut.com/