Real and virtual segments of modern library space
| Published date | 14 September 2012 |
| Pages | 5-7 |
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1108/07419051211280027 |
| Date | 14 September 2012 |
| Author | Victor Zverevich |
| Subject Matter | Library & information science |
What is library space actually about?
Thisquestion can be answered in as many
ways,as many library scientistsstudy this
issue world-wide. When we say “library
space” it looks at first glancethat there is
no issue for discussion,that everything is
absolutely clear. Certainly, each library
has a standard set of spaces: reading
room, circulation, storage area, entrance
area, office spaces, media center,
conference room, etc. Each library
arranges its own space to the extent of
the ideas ofits staff. It looks like this is all
there is to it, at least at first glance [...].
Further on we will become convinced
that there could be an enormous variety
of viewpoints on library space and the
issues of its arrangement, and that library
space arrangement is not an easy thing
at all. To define the term “libraryspace,”
library scientists often appeal to
philosophy, sociology, and other social
sciences and humanities. In contemporary
Russia, interest in the issues of library
space and relevant studies has increased
in the recent decade. Researchers and
library managers have come to an
understanding about the following
situation: if you want to design a good
modern library project, then you need to
attract professionals from other fields
(architects, designers, furniture
producers, etc.) working in modern
librarianship and teach them to design
and implement library projects.
What does the modern library
look like, and which social functions
is it supposed to perform? Due to
development of computer, network
and telecommunication technology
development, information and
communication (socializing) functions
take a priority at modern libraries. This
trend is taking place world-wide. Social
functions and even an appearance of a
traditional library, which we are used to,
is unavoidablychanging. Possibly, in the
future it will even change much more
rapidly. Other aspects of modern library
space are changingas well. In particular,
the division of library space into “real”
and “virtual” segments is already
physically visible. The activity in the
electronic segment of the library space
consistently increases.
Taking everything mentioned above
into account, I would like to suggest the
following definition of library space.
Library space – is an “[...]aggregateof
all physically existing squares (spaces),
where documents on traditional carriers
are stored and reader services and
the library’s operational, technological
and communication activities take
place, as well as physically intangible
spaces where circulation of electronic
resources takes place, including
the library computer’s memory and
telecommunication channels (either
wired or wireless)” (Zverevich, 2012).
Besides, “[...] the second segment [of
library space] is located either inside
existing squares (spaces, internal
segment) or outside (external segment)”
(Zverevich,2011). This definition proves
that library space is divided into two
major segments: physically existing and
visible (“real” segment) and invisible to
the human eye and physically intangible
(“virtual” segment).
The “real” segment of library space
encompasses the spaces for storing
collections on physical carriers (printed
documents, CDs, audio- and videotapes,
etc.), server rooms for storing the
library’s own electronic resources,
service areas, public areas, office areas,
internal interiors and adjacent areas.
Attention to its space helps libraries to
secure their missions and develop in
either theoretical or practical aspects.
The second segment of library space
was assigned by the library community
with the surefooted title “virtual library
space”. I do not completely agree with
using the term “virtual” as a synonym to
the adjective “electronic” in respect of
any aspect of library and/or information
activity. Certainly, this is the topic for
a special discussion. In this paper I am
going to call this segment “electronic
library space (ELS)”. This segment
of library space deals with electronic
resources. The internal part of ELS
contains user workstations located in
“real” library space and access points for
portable computers, WiFi zones within
“real” library space, memory of library
computers, monitors, from which users
read information online, and servers
which preserve the OPACs, databases
and other resources produced by the
library, as well as the library’s web site.
The library web site is a very
important element of library space.
Information on the library’s history and
present status, its working schedule,
OPAC, book reviews and/or ratings, the
library’s own databases and other
information products produced by the
library, reader comments in forums and
on guest pages, library news and
information on forthcoming events,
elements of the library’s corporate
style, staff roster, contacts, and other
important content can be found on the
web site. So, the library web site consists
of constantly renewed information, and
is an educational and entertaining
resource of the library, extensively
used for edutainment purposes as well.
The library web site serves as a bridge
between internal and external segments
of ELS, although it is physically
located in the internal segment only.
This is very important in the context of
the library’s operating as a local
community center.
The external segment of ELS
encompasses the electronic resources
provider’s server, telecommunication
channels, library and librarians’ blogs
and professional groups in social
Library Hi Tech News
Number 7 2012, pp. 5-7, qEmerald Group Publishing Limited, 0741-9058, DOI 10.1108/07419051211280027 5
Real and virtual segments of
modern library space
Victor Zverevich
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