In the inaugural year of the LibrarIN project, extensive groundwork has been laid to comprehend and delineate the intricate realm of co-creation and innovation within libraries. In the report ‘D2.1 Conceptual framework and model of participatory management and sustainable growth v1.0’ Luis Rubalcaba (UAH), Paul Windrum (VTT), Ernesto Solano (UAH), Kirsi Hyytinen (VTT), Tiina Tuominen (VTT), Sari Vainikainen (VTT), Varun Gupta (UAH), Fabio Moscoso (UAH), and Nuria Madueño (UAH)
provides a comprehensive overview of the theoretical advancements in academic literature, shedding light on definitions, typologies, drivers, and barriers.
Furthermore, a foundational integrated conceptual framework, the cornerstone of Work Package 2 (WP2), is introduced to decipher the intricacies of value co-creation in public library service delivery.
The project’s first-year milestones feature two critical literature reviews: one on innovation in public libraries and another on academic libraries. These reviews reveal a thriving theoretical foundation and a notable surge in innovation studies over the last 15 years.
Some key highlights of the report include:
Distinct Library Language
The revelation that libraries have a unique language for expressing innovations is pivotal. Recognising and utilising this language is crucial for a profound understanding of innovation and co-creation dimensions.
Comparative Study: Academic vs. Public Libraries
Despite differences, both academic and public libraries share a common language and similar typologies in innovative services, making them amenable to similar study approaches.
Literature Review Insights
Effective literature searches hinge on using library terminology. A new literature review, encompassing both public and academic libraries, provides an integrated perspective on innovation in libraries.
Exploratory Pilot Studies
To address literature gaps, exploratory pilot studies were conducted, offering practical insights into library innovation, entrepreneurial service support, and co-creation with various patron types.
Key Request Questions
Addressing four key questions across LibrarIN Work Packages has proven insightful, covering the identification of innovation and co-creation, drivers, barriers, impacts, and new ways of participation.
Conceptual Framework
A work-in-progress conceptual framework, rooted in a service innovation Lancastrian approach, is introduced. It encapsulates dimensions such as service characteristics, values, innovation outcomes, user preferences, and stakeholder roles.
Year one of LibrarIN marks a significant journey toward unraveling the intricacies of innovation and co-creation in libraries. The achievements set the stage for future studies, guided by the evolving conceptual framework, in the dynamic landscape of library services.