We are excited to announce the publication of “Public Libraries as Social Innovators,” a research article by LibrarIN team members Benoît Desmarchelier, Faridah Djellal, and Faïz Gallouj.
This paper contributes to the ongoing debate on the usefulness of public libraries by documenting their shift in mission. As they transition from codex curators to community builders, public libraries are redefining their role in society.
Key insights include:
- A change in service logic, moving from the mobilisation of technical capabilities in low interactivity contexts to the mobilisation of human capabilities in high interactivity settings.
- Public libraries as social innovators, modifying interaction patterns among individuals and fostering connections within communities.
- Libraries as key players in the knowledge economy, driving social change and contributing to societal development.
This research highlights the evolving importance of public libraries and their impact on community building and innovation.