The document discusses developing a new language for describing the value of public libraries beyond just statistics. It proposes examining the emotional, intellectual, creative, and social impacts on individuals and then working outward to understand broader societal benefits. Libraries provide citizens with a haven, perspective, sense of community, inspiration for creativity, and trust. The next steps are to release this framework and create a new language to change perceptions of library value in political, professional, and public discourse.

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/
NAPLE Forum 2021

8. New Public Management..

9. .. vs. the bigger picture

11. 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

12. Method and design

13. “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)

14. 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

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

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

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

18. 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

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

20. 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

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

22. Next steps

23. Releasing the design

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

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

26. 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/