Libraries as third place and digital space: interview with Knut Skansen
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1108/DLP-02-2023-137 |
| Published date | 23 January 2023 |
| Date | 23 January 2023 |
| Pages | 124-127 |
| Subject Matter | Library & information science,Librarianship/library management,Library technology,Records management & preservation,Information repositories |
| Author | Knut Skansen,Anna Maria Tammaro |
Libraries as third place and
digital space: interview
with Knut Skansen
Knut Skansen is the Deichman Library Director and Director of the Deichman Public
Library agency.
The Deichman Public Library is the agency for public libraries of the city of Oslo and
operates 22 branch libraries. The Deichman Library is Norway’s largest and oldest
public library, founded in 1785. In 2020, the building of the new Oslo’s library opened in
Bjørvika, close to the Opera house. The Deichman’smission,asstatedonthelibrary’s
website [1], is to contribute to a society where everyone feels belonging, can participate
and be engaged.
In 2021, the Deichman Bjørvika in Oslo was the winner of “The Public Library of the
Year award,”presented annually by the International Federation of Library Associations
and Institutions (IFLA) in collaborationwith the Danish software company Systematic A/S.
Among the criteria of the award are functional architecture, creative ICT solutions and
digital development in interaction with local culture. On the choice of the Deichman
Bjørvika, jury chairJakob Lærkes said [2]:
The Public Library of the Year award is all about paying tribute to role models, and the winning
library –Deichman Bjørvika –is a shining example. A beautiful and impressive building which
serves as a beacon for future library buildings. Deichman Bjørvika more than lives up to the
criteria for the award, and the international jury was particularly impressed by how the building
combines environmental awareness with architectural flair. The library is a new paradise for
books and reading, while incorporating advanced technological solutions. Deichman Bjørvika
shows how libraries can function as institutions that bring people together in towns, cities and
local communities.
This interview will focus on the Deichman Bjørvika digital services and understand the
impact of digitizationon the library and the community. The method used is that of a remote
interview, sendingthe questions by email to Knut Skansen.
Q1. In presenting the Deichman Library, you said a strategic goal is
“promoting democracy”? How is the Library’s mission aligned with
digitization policies toward extending democracy?
In Norway, the law on public libraries is anchored in the constitution. The public library
is part of the democratic infrastructure and must ensure that everyone has equal and free
access to knowledge and culture. The law also ensures that the library’s content must be
broad and diverse. This applies both to the physical content –such as paper books –and
to the digital content –such as e-books. In addition, the Norwegian Library Act states
that we must facilitate debate, conversations and a public space for the exchange of
opinions. We can do this in the physical space through a program for various themes. But
we can also do that by making available tools and knowledge about how to express your
opinion in a modern democracy. We have three podcast studios in the new main library.
We also have such offers in the local libraries. We produce many podcasts with varied
content, but also invite patrons to produce their own content and use their democratic
right to say what they think or facilitate a debate. We know that for many young people it
DLP
39,1
124
DigitalLibrary Perspectives
Vol.39 No. 1, 2023
pp. 124-127
© Emerald Publishing Limited
2059-5816
DOI 10.1108/DLP-02-2023-137
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