The role of public libraries in culture‐led urban regeneration

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to present a research project on public libraries in urban development focusing on how libraries contribute to culture‐led urban regeneration as icons, placemakers and community vitalization.

Design/methodology/approach

The research project is based on case studies of new “cutting‐edge” public libraries in Europe and North America. These case studies have been conducted through analysis of documents, observation and qualitative interviews with key informants.

Findings

The article finds that new public libraries have re‐conceptualized their design, brand and functions as an answer to strategies of culture‐led urban regeneration, and at the same time they have actively contributed to urban development by changing the image and identity of urban places, contributing to urban diversity and addressing social and economic problems.

Practical implications

The article provides a framework for development of strategies and legitimization for public libraries and a point of departure for the discussion of the library's contribution to urban development.

Originality/value

This is the first public presentation of the findings of the results of the research project Public Libraries in Urban Development – Creativity, Innovation and Experience outside the Nordic countries.

Citation

Skot‐Hansen, D., Hvenegaard Rasmussen, C. and Jochumsen, H. (2013), "The role of public libraries in culture‐led urban regeneration", New Library World, Vol. 114 No. 1/2, pp. 7-19. https://doi.org/10.1108/03074801311291929