Libraries have always been more than just repositories of books—they are evolving spaces of community engagement, learning, and innovation. The latest LibrarIN Deliverable D3.8 – Living Labs for Co-Creation and Co-Innovation v2.0 explores how libraries are transitioning into experimental spaces that foster co-creation and co-innovation, redefining their role in public service.
Key Insights from the Research
- Libraries as Living Labs: While the term “living lab” is rarely used explicitly, libraries are increasingly recognised as collaborative environments where new services and engagement models emerge.
- Transforming Library Spaces: Libraries are shifting from traditional service roles to offering ‘space-place services,’ ‘processional learning services,’ and ‘democratic engagement services’, creating new opportunities for public value creation.
- Evolving Roles of Librarians: As libraries become more participatory, librarians are transitioning into facilitators of innovation, requiring new skill sets to support co-creation efforts.
- Challenges in Implementation: While the move towards living labs is promising, limited resources, skill gaps, and biases in user participation present hurdles to widespread adoption.
Looking Ahead
The findings of Deliverable D3.8 set the stage for further case study analysis in Year 3 of the LibrarIN project, aiming to refine policy recommendations and better understand how libraries can drive public value through innovation.
For a deeper dive into how libraries are pioneering new formats and fostering innovation, download the full LibrarIN Deliverable D3.8 and explore the case studies and key findings in detail.
Download the full Deliverable here.