As the role of libraries continues to evolve, a new policy brief from the LibrarIN project offers essential guidance on how these institutions can become true hubs of innovation and collaboration. Titled Boosting and Evaluating Collaborative Innovations in Libraries: Managerial Guidelines and Policy Implications, the brief provides actionable strategies for transforming libraries into dynamic centres of community engagement and co-creation.
From repositories to innovation ecosystems
The brief highlights a growing shift in how libraries are perceived and used. No longer just quiet spaces for books, libraries today are expected to serve as vibrant environments that promote inclusion, digital literacy, cultural awareness, and community dialogue.
To meet these expectations, libraries need new approaches-ones that focus on collaboration, adaptability, and measurable innovation. The LibrarIN policy brief delivers a roadmap for making this happen.
A roadmap for transformation
At the heart of the brief is a four-phase framework tailored to library managers and staff:
- Understand needs by engaging with users and assessing the local context
- Co-design services through collaborative planning with staff and community stakeholders
- Implement and test new ideas using participatory methods
- Monitor and evaluate results to ensure meaningful outcomes
This step-by-step approach is backed by a practical checklist and a framework for evaluating innovation across key dimensions such as digital transformation, co-creation spaces, personalised services, partnerships, and effective management.
Strategic insights for policymakers
In line with the EU Work Plan for Culture 2023–2026, the policy brief also offers recommendations for decision-makers at national and European levels. These include:
- Supporting libraries as centres of collaborative innovation with dedicated funding and resources
- Investing in staff skills—particularly around co-creation, digital literacy, and social innovation
- Empowering libraries to serve as community anchors that promote European values like democracy, inclusion, and sustainability
Real-world examples and expert voices
To bring its insights to life, the brief features inspiring examples from libraries across Europe. These include the self-managed model at Oodi Library in Helsinki, the Digital Humanities Workspace in Utrecht, and community-driven redesign efforts in Portugal. Experts from the LibrarIN community also share tips on inclusive participation, community mapping, and selecting the right tools for engagement.