Nordic Libraries Annual 2023: Freedom and Flexibility: Self-Service Libraries in the Nordics
Arrangør: Regional State Administrative Agencies in Finland in collaboration with Kirjastokaista – Library Channel and Espoo City Library
Nordic Libraries Annual is an annual conference looking at topical issues in public libraries and library development.
The next Nordic Libraries Annual will be held online on November 2, 2023. The conference will examine the self-service use of libraries.
What happens when customers have the freedom to decide how and when they use library services? Self-service means inclusion, community, and ownership of the spaces, but also permissiveness and trust. It requires practical solutions, safety, and tolerance, as well as adaptation of personnel and patrons. The customers’ self-service also affects the professional identity of the library personnel.
What can self-service libraries offer users? What does the freedom of self-realization mean, and do we have limits for it? What does the library space allow and enable for independent use with others? What interesting examples can be found in Nordic libraries?
The conference is related to the report on self-service libraries in Finland, which was published in June 2023. The report is available available in Finnish pdf 1.6MB , Swedish pdf 1.7MB and in abbreviated version in English pdf 678kB .
Programme
10.00 Welcome to the Nordic Libraries Annual 2023
Päivi Jokitalo, Moderator, Niina Bruun and Eveliina Puntari, Library Pedagogues, Lippulaiva Library/Espoo City Library
Video Presentation of the Lippulaiva Library
10.15 Making Space in the Library – the Conflict between Permissive and Safe
Dan Hallemar, Journalist, Editor and Podcaster, Sweden
10.45 Break
11.00 Self-Service and Self-Activity – from the User´s Point of View
Maija Berndtson, Former Director of Helsinki City Library, Manager of Library Ranking Europe, Finland
11.20 Discussion on the Themes of Library Spaces and Independent Use
Discussion between Dan Hallemar and Maija Berndtson, moderated by Päivi Jokitalo
11.45 Break
12.30 Flexibility and Equality of Access, Self-Service Libraries in Finland 2022
Jonna Toukonen, Senior Officer at Finnish Regional State Administrative Agencies (AVI)
12.50 Comments and Discussion
Riikka Rajala, Organizational Planner, Finnish Library Association and Lisa Engström, Senior Lecturer, Lund University, Sweden
13.20 Self-Service Libraries – Three Cases from Finland
Mia Penttala-Salli, Nurmo Branch Library/Seinäjoki City Library
Jolanda Raitio and Mikaela Johansson, Pargas City Library
Minna Männikkö, Oulu City Library
13.50 Break
14.00 Self-service (Meråpent) in Norway – Trends and Tribulations
Stian Færden Kristensen, Advisor, Viken Regional Library, Norway
14.30 Self-Service Libraries – Cases from Denmark and Sweden
Lone Billehøj, Solrød Library and Culture House, Denmark
Naghmana Toom, Garaget/Malmö City Library, Sweden
15.00–15.15 Summary and Conclusion