This document summarizes the Urban Mediaspace Aarhus project in Denmark. It describes the framework of the project which included building a new main library, citizens' services building, and renovating public spaces. It details the vision of creating an open, informal learning space for collaboration, dialogue, and inspiration. Examples are then provided of innovative partnership projects the library engaged in, such as digital installations, gaming programs, events for youth, and mobile probes to better understand users. The document emphasizes the library's focus on user involvement, testing ideas, and an experimental mindset.

1. Urban MediaspaceAarhusMarie Ostergard, Project ManagerAarhus Public Libraries, Denmark

2. AgendaUrban Mediaspace Aarhus – the frameworkthe contentthe Aarhus method and mind-setexamples

3. Urban Mediaspace Aarhus – the frameworkToday

4. 20152014Client: City of AarhusPartner: Realdania, Realdania BygClient Advisor: Rambøll DKArchitects: schmidt hammer lassen architects Co-advisers: Arkitekt Kristine Jensens Tegnestue and Alectia A/S

5. Project elementsMediaspace:Main LibraryCitizens’ Services17.500 m2Partners and network11.000 m2 Automatic parking space - 1000 carsTwo new urban harboursquaresArrival centre for light railUncovering of the riverTrafficregulationToday app: 200 people (60 full time jobs)App.: 255 mill Euro

6. The VisionSpace for co-operationPlace for dialogue, knowledge, ideas and inspirationOpen informal learning spaceA unique place for children and families

7. Seven Core ValuesThe Citizen as Key FactorLifelong Learning and UnityDiversity, co-operation and networkCulture and Experience Bridging Citizen, Technology and KnowledgeFlexible and Professional OrganisationA Sustainable Icon for Aarhus

8. the contentIvar Moltke, Create

9. The Library of the futureReckognition/Experienceex. bridge-builderex. media/technology/peopleInspiration SpaceLearning SpaceExperienceDiscoverInnovationEmpowermentParticipateCreatePerformative Spaceex. test-labs/openspacesMeeting Spaceex. democraticspacesD.Skot-HansenC.H. RasmussenH. JochumsenEngagement

10. BeautifulmistakesCity directors’ statement innovation takes time and calls for preparation. weinvest in both.wearewilling to risk and makespace for experiment and untraditionalideasmistakesare part of the procesweestablishnetworksthat support the innovation processCitizen’s Services and Libraries: Innovation Strategyusers as focal pointuser-driven innovationcompetencesexist in networksinnovation through tests and beta versionsstaff’sinventiveness and creativityarepreconditions for innovationneedspriority and management focusthe Aarhus method and mind-set

11. Organisation and mindsetLast responsible minuteInclusion and participationInterdisciplinary Co-operation

12. ’Knowledge velocity and viscosityDavenport and Pruzak, 1998GoalsKnownnon-knowledgeVisionfulfillmentKnowledgeConvergentDivergentAction plansUknownnon-knowledge”Groan”zone

13. Working in iterationsVision1. loopRe-thinkWorkshop2.loopRe-think3. loopAnalyze

14. UserinvolvementUsers, citizens, networkUser involvementcitizen’s panel, focal groups, advisory board, think-tank Children’s labChildren btw 9-14, staff, consultantsWorking groups10 different departments of the city, advisors, architects, foundation Development projectsCitizens, network, staff, stakeholders, international partners

15. TestingOrganisation’s development strategy points towards MediaspaceSpace for “beta-culture” Environment for innovation to up-grade ourselves Development of ”user familiarity”User involvement – space for users as co-creators

16. Out of the Box- libraries in innovative partnerships examplesQuestions:howcanpartnershipsinnovatelibrarieshow do wecooperatehow do wecreatedynamicsActivities: Theater workshops to identifydrivers and barriers for engaging incooperative innovation. Actors: scientists, artists, consultants andlibrary staff Target: to develop partnership models thatfocuses on cooperation and partnerships asa strategic tool for innovating the library.

17. Unleash the Users

18. Digiform- new digital installations in the physicallibraryQuestion: How to make e-ressources:digital music, e-books, onlinedatabases etc. available in thephysicallibraryActors: staff, partners, privateand public, consultants,researchersResult: 10 installations to testout new concepts

19. Experimentingwith digital value-adding in physicalspace

20. GamingCreatesnetwork in the gamingenvironmentConnectsplayers, developers, ordinaryusersNew ways to display games in the physicallibraryNew comptences for the staff: games are as important as books!!

21. Mindspot- youngpeople, arts and eventsTarget: to be an importantcultural factor for youngpeopleoutside the libraryActivities:e.g. Mindspot live in the shoppingcenter. Up-coming bands apply,getchosen and get to play in theshopping center..a.m.o.Actors: New partnerships, musicfestivals and shopping centers

22. Children’sInteractiveLibraryFocusonusing the body astoolInteractionpeople/media/technologyPrototypingthroughuserinvolvementNew approach tocollaborativesearch

23. Personas

24. Digital Elections?Target: Digitalization of electionprocesses. Create an opensourceproduct for othercities. Method: Development in co-operationwithpolitical parties onrecruitmentExperimentswithvotingon mobile and webDigital voting as research projectResult: Election for youthparliamenton mobileNew tool for recruitment and organisationof volunteers for elections

25. Mobile ProbesTarget: knowledgeaboutusers. Develop a new digital and mobile based userinvolvement platform. Research people’slives and inspire to new products or services. Method: Access to users’ daily lifeSend out questions and tasks to participants’mobile phones. Answers and pictures byMMS or text messages. Results: Clues for new library servicesInnovation of programmes for familiesOpportunity to target library services andmedia collection (learn, listen/play music)Knowledge of tweens priorities – alsoregarding staff!

26. In ourlibrary of the future…the library is a mashup libraryrequires integration and presentation of knowledgeand dialogue in a diversity of waysthe physical library must merge with the digitaltechnology is embedded Focus on developing an inclusive building thatsupports the continuous reinventing of functionality

27. Focus on users, process, technology, involvement, co-creationLearnings are integrated in our building processThe library used to be about transactions – in the future it is about relations2014…www.multimediehuset.dk/mediaspace