In their article “Innovation in Libraries: A Service-Oriented Perspective,” published in high impact journal Research Policy, LibrarIN project partners from the University of Lille—Benoît Desmarchelier, Faridah Djellal, and Faïz Gallouj—explore the evolving role of libraries through the lens of innovation. Although often overlooked by “service studies,” innovation is increasingly crucial in libraries, which is frequently considered in simple, descriptive terms.
The authors propose a fresh perspective of libraries as “architectural” or “assembled” services. This approach views libraries as ecosystems that blend core and peripheral services, skills, and technology to create valuable experiences for users and communities alike. Moving beyond the idea of libraries as static collections or straightforward information systems, this perspective reflects the complexity and variety of library services as they adapt to meet society’s changing needs.
This research broadens our understanding of libraries as dynamic, service-oriented spaces central to community life and resilience, highlighting their expanding role as hubs of social and technological innovation.