Third Space |1

Running Head: A Third Space Library

A Third Space Library: Creating a Solution or Creating a Problem

Holley J Larsen
Emporia State University

LITERATURE REVIEW

Third Space |2
With the rapid growth of digitization in our society, the term third space libraries has
become more prominent. Oldenburg calls one's "first place" the home and those with whom one
lives. The "second place" is the workplace where people may actually spend most of their time.
Third places, then, are "anchors" of community life and facilitate and foster broader, more
creative interaction (Wikipedia). As many communities embark on the challenge to create
Oldenburgs ideal, it has been met with varied results.
Librarians are faced with the challenge to create an environment that can compete with
spaces other than home and work. When they are not at either, a library needs to be a way to
enhance the lives of its patrons. Some believe third space libraries are a catalyst for these goals.
The purpose of this study is to review the literature that surrounds the idea of third space
libraries and to understand how librarians are thinking about and presenting library spaces to
their patrons. Also, to understand the basics of what a library is and its functions in todays
digitized world. The following five articles, listed in chronological order, articulate these roles
and how a third space could enhance or dissolve the librarys role in a community.
In 2001, eight library directors met with several different library administrators to discuss
the role of librarianship in the new digital age. In November of 2002, the Digital Library
Federation and the Council on Library and Information Resources commissioned a white paper
to initiate discussion on this topic, based on those library directors findings.
It also discusses an overview of research designed to develop an understanding of how
user behavior and preferences affect demand for, and use of library collections, services, and
facilities, and a call to contribute conscientiously to the legacy of academic libraries and
librarianship.

Third Space |3
Traditional libraries measure success by a librarys physical materials and the use of the
collections and services within the library; however, with the new digitization and new spaces it
will be difficult to measure the success of the institution with that criterion. The value of time,
and comfort are major factors in a librarys success. Allowing for all ethnicities to feel welcome
and the amount of time to obtain the knowledge they seek are top factors the users desire. Troll
concludes that not only does the collection management need to change, but the very structure of
the library must also conform to the new era.
Dewey (2008) talks about the library as a place and how to integrate digitized materials
into the library. The article discusses the importance of using library space to change the
environment allowing a teaching and learning in one occurrence atmosphere. To achieve this
goal of creating new physical and virtual spaces, she states that a migration from print to digital
is mandatory.
With the idea of this transformation spreading quickly across colleges and universities,
librarians are now able to connect with each other in new ways supported by new and advanced
technology. Using a Tennessee academic library, Dewey demonstrates the outcome of supporting
new spaces for libraries with digitization as the main focus.
A reference article entitled Libraries as the Spaces Between Us, Elmborg (2011) notes
that the idea about the library as a place has been written and discussed at great length over the
past few years. The questions of library space will be argued. The commercial approach debated
will lead us away from the productivity we have traditionally conceived libraries to be. Elmborg
argues that the field of library and information science might be charged with failure, and to
think deeply about these different roles and about how our management of space could dissolve
the way we traditionally observe libraries.

Third Space |4
Comparing the two visions of the library, traditional and third space libraries, Elmborg
narrates two examples. The first is called the bibliographic narrative. It serves the knowledge
seeker. The librarian is a collector of materials and is a set of tools to provide access to it. The
second is a literacy narrative where it serves the community members. The librarian is a guide
for them and allows the users to use the library in the context of their life needs. Elmborg
concludes that we must all think on how third space can help libraries and librarians develop
ways of working with diverse populations in an increasingly dynamic world.
The topic is also addressed an article by Rasmus (2013) where he states that public
libraries have changed drastically over the last decade; gone are the card catalog and abundant
staff, replaced by various forms of automation. In the late 1960s few had any real understanding
of the Internet and what its potential for the future would bring. Few were prepared to tackle its
growth and use it for great benefits. Learning from this outcome, many have started asking the
questions they need instead of simply drawing out conclusions. That means a library must plan
for different futures with fluidity and adaptability.
If the representation of knowledge is available in other formats besides books, the
question is asked what the role of the library will be and what we hire a Librarians to do. Are
libraries in the future a source of knowledge, curated and delivered electronically? If so, then
our competitors are those with Wi-Fi access. Starbuks, McDonalds, and other such companies
wanting to establish a customer base similar to ours. Measuring success in this scenario is to
open the possibilities to a more unique and economic plan of action; combining the various roles
and possibly constructing a third place library where many different functions can be housed
under one roof.

Third Space |5
Lastly, Abram talks about unlocking real values in libraries (2013) in a reference article
where he begins by admitting we currently have a problem and it has been around for some time.
He references it as a dirty little secret. We dont know how to measure the usage in our
databases and digital products, which prohibits the librarian from gathering the data that we need
to know.
He argues that libraries, publishers, and vendors need to pursue the role of digital content
creators on a much greater scale. With the stability of digitization in place we must then
organize our libraries to premier and promote this new era of knowledge, allowing for greatly
improved learning, discovery, and decision making.
CONCLUSION
In conclusion, readings from the research indicates that by embracing third spaces we
will develop a more beneficial library system. These benefits will increase patron usage and
keep their interests at the heart of the system. It will also heighten librarian collaboration within
other systems, regardless if they support the idea or not.
Research also shows that the patron will migrate to a place that is most comfortable
and welcome, embracing the change and making it a tool for your community instead of a road
block. The competitors will change from bookstores to anything with Wi-Fi access points. This
will be the inspiration to create the third space design and functions within a library.
Digitization is not new to this idea and will be the foundation of the third space design.
With its attributes, the ease of obtaining the knowledge the user seeks will be universally met no
matter what library or library website they visit.
The traditional library does not need to be dissolved for these goals to be met, however.
Many communities still value the idea of quiet study areas and physical books to find and read.

Third Space |6
Many library systems have tried to create third spaces and were forced to return to the traditional
library due to the outrage from the very users they were trying to serve. This shows that it may
be a value to have both ideas working side by side could bring balance to the new digitized
world.
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
In this study, the idea of what third space libraries are and how librarians are thinking
about presenting these new concepts to their patrons will be researched. As well as, to gather
information on the basics of what a library is and its functions in today's digitized world. This
study took a particular interest in the activities, roles, ideas, and identities that patrons have to
their learning and behavioral growth when experiencing an outing at a library. In order to gather
all the data, an interest in how the staff members identified with these patrons and if they
identified it as positive or negative to their learning. Did these outings cause tension or were they
occasions for critical assessment? Was the visit a productive occurrence where both parties left
feeling enriched and learned?
In order to address these questions, a data collection approach with an analysis was
needed. Erickson described the idea of this study as, " Interpretive fieldwork research involves
being unusually thorough and reflective in noticing and describing every day events in the field
setting, and in attempting to identify the significance of actions in the events from the various
points of view of the actors themselves (Erickson, 1986).
The data sources will focus on the Weber County Library system for a subject matter and
will include gathering data from both the patrons it serves and its staff members. This will focus
on conducting interviews from both parties after an encounter, documenting unbiased feedback
reflecting a positive or a negative experience. It would also include observing social events

Third Space |7
organized by library staff members and then conducting a surveying of the event, again focusing
on both the patrons and the staff members involved.
To accurately obtain data for the benefit of the community, a field study will be
conducted surrounding the construction of a new library building for the Weber County area.
Obtaining both qualitative and quantitative information starting from the bond election process.
Taking care to focus on the community members it affects, the Library staff members, and the
government officials overseeing the project. The data sources for this will be gathered from:
reflective blogs, newspaper articles, postings on social media, and field notes from surveying
events and county commission and city council meetings. It will also follow the outreach efforts
library staff will provide with information booths and pamphlets, documenting the reactions
from those they encountered.
Lastly, the data gathered and analyzed from all the sources listed above will provide a
report for the Weber County Library system, giving information on how the library is functioning
as it is now within the digitized world. This data will be able to suggest the changes and concepts
it will need to adapt to maintain a steady growth for this community, or what they need to
continue doing and showcasing as it is now. As the Weber County library system takes on a 43
million dollar bond, we will see if the price tag is worth the third space concept or if the
traditional library building will be what the community prefers.
RESEARCH DISSEMINATION PLAN
The intended goals of this project is to research if a third space library is creating a
solution or creating a problem for the new digitized information that is being produced at a rapid
rate. The idea of the library is changing and it will need to adjust the way it distributes the
information it houses. With the new digitized collections and the libraries being a learning center

Third Space |8
not just with books, but with activities and classes, libraries in general will need to analyze what
their community needs. Will this be a third space library where a community center is its center
core, or a traditional library where knowledge is housed for study and reflection?
However, for each library system a new study will need to be conducted, to analyze their
personal needs. Using the Weber County Library system as one of the focus groups for this study,
a third space library building could benefit the community. It would provide an added benefit for
new businesses and families researching the area for a potential place of residency. As well as
adding to the education of all school systems housed in the county. However, the New York City
Library system has had a opposite outcome. Its patrons and county officials focused more value
on the traditional library space and denied the financing for a third space remolding scheme.
Once completing analysis on the data gathered, the information will be sent to a variety
of library journals. They will be able to report on the findings for their prescribers to apply in
their own systems, providing the schema applied along with the results. During which
presentations will be conducted at American Library Association events and conferences where
librarians can ask, first hand, the researchers questions regarding the finding of this study and
how it was conducted.
The role of a librarianship is continually evolving to meet social and technological needs
and with this study it will be able to benefit their professions. By collaborating and utilizing
blogs and social medias with this study, the research will be available to all who seek it. this will
allow these librarians to enhance their buildings as they see fit. It is important that libraries work
together during this transition and that all examples, good or bad, can be taken into affect.
PROJECT SUMMARY

Third Space |9
By collaboration with the Weber County Library system as a focal point of study, the
Utah Library Association seek funding to provide access and materials for conduct research into
its bond proposal for a new third space building, and the remolding of two other branches into
the third space concept.
Currently the concept of third spaces in libraries is a much anticipated idea for librarians,
either as a solution or as a problem. This study will demonstrate one systems ideas as the embark
on the process of creating third spaces. With the knowledge gathered, documented, and
published, it will be freely available to all libraries who wish to demonstrate similar concepts
into their buildings.
The project will also support community members, government officials, and educators,
who require a more detailed study of what a third space is, how it functions, and if it is the
desired outcome within their communities. It will also demonstrate the process of achieving
similar goals for their own systems.
Lastly, this project will also demonstrate the probability of its success and how it will
enhance the new digital media that has increased in popularity. Although the traditional library
systems maintain a powerful support and tool for its users, without some adaption into this idea,
it will not survive the digital age. Making this research viable for other systems to learn from.
NEEDS STATEMENT
The first need is to conduct research on Third Space Libraries. Research on library
buildings and its different functions are incomplete, lacking a direct approach to the different
options available for libraries. With the idea of third spaces in our systems as a current debate,
this study will demonstrate the voice of the community members as they describe the library
system they desire. Allowing for both the library staff members and their patrons an opportunity

T h i r d S p a c e | 10
to design their own system. This will obviously benefit the library system in the study group, but
also the less funded systems who need the knowledge of what a patron is wanting at this present
time.
Secondly, the need to produce a publication. The results of the study will need to be
freely accessible to all libraries who wish to know the outcome. Once the data has been collected
and analyzed it will need to be published in both physical and electronic library journals. The
data should also be stored in a database format linked from the American Library Association
website, allowing for easy accessibility for anyone who desires the knowledge gained.
And lastly, the ability to maintaining and adding to the knowledge. With the database in
place this will need to be maintained so further collaboration, among other libraries, can take
place. Also, allowing for information to be added as other research is conducted from different
systems nationwide. This process should continued to be studied and documented as the new
digitized world progresses. Without this collaboration and study, other libraries may not survive
the change.
GOALS, ACTIVITIES, AND EVALUATION
The primary goal is to research the idea of third spaces in a library. Analyzing the
different options available for libraries with the digitization of books and materials. This goal is
to do a field study of one particular system in Utah, where it is embracing the third space ideas.
The second goal is to gather, analyze, digitize, and then post online the results from the field
study.
The second goal is to document the process of the bond election. Visiting the different
town and county meetings where the process will be discussed for the everyone in the county.

T h i r d S p a c e | 11
The researchers will also need to gain access to the proceedings of the different meetings, the
proposed bond, and the reaction of the county officials and residents.
Thirdly, the researcher will document the proceedings following the bond. IF and how
much passed, the county's reaction, and how the library will benefit from its decision. It will also
note how many participated in the bond and how it was conducted.
Lastly. it will document the groundbreaking, the continued fight over budgets, the
reaction to its grand opening, and what the patrons enjoy and dislike of its new branch.
When conducting goal one, the researcher will need to travel to Ogden City, Utah and
document the different areas of creating a third space library building. It will begin with a
extensive study to what a third space library is and the difference between it and a traditional
system. The research will be conducted by a small group of members affiliated with the Utah
Library Association. While gathering the data, they will produce interview and survey questions
for officials and community members. These questions will be asked in a interview with the
director of the Weber County Library system, Lynnda Wynnsgard. The interviewer will ask about
her goals she would like to implement into the building plans. Also, to discuss her definitions on
third space libraries and her view on how those ideas would benefit the Weber County Library. A
second interview with one of the city commissioners. The interviewer will also ask similar
questions pertaining to the library system. What he/she feels is the direction of libraries and how
those goals can be implemented in third space or traditional buildings. Once the two parties are
addressed a more detailed questionnaire will be created for library patrons and staff members.
When conducting the last three goals the researchers will be required to travel back to
Ogden City and perform field study on the different proceedings. They will be required to follow
the libraries on how they choose to educate the public on how the bond money will be spent, if

T h i r d S p a c e | 12
passed. They will also need to conduct more surveys to gather data on how the community feels
about the process. Making sure to analyze every step along the way.
For the evaluation process, the researchers will conduct random surveys and interviews
with patrons after visiting the library during each step. Conducting these interviews on an
individual bases or within a group setting, gathering data on how these patrons view the library
as a tool within the community. As well as gathering numbers of visitations and participation
during the various county meetings. Conducting an evaluation on the blog postings, news
articles, and library website on how many visited the sites to read the information given.
TIMELINE

Research: This time will be dedicated to the research of Third Space in Libraries.
Allowing for the researchers in the study group to familiarize themselves with the
different concepts and options available to libraries.

Construct topics for interviews and surveys. Using the time to build controlled
vocabulary, so each interview conducted will be producing the desired data.

Hire Research and Data Analysis personnel

Train Research Assistants on conducting surveys and field notes.

Begin researching Ogden City's library system and community.

Finalize the groups goals and establish data entry procedures.

Visit Ogden City and study the residence and the library system as a information hub for
them.

Interview director and officials.

Maintain a presence in the field during bond election.

T h i r d S p a c e | 13

Visit library site and continue to survey and interview the community members.

Go to ground breaking.

Continue to document stages of building and the reactions of city officials and
community members.

Document grand opening.

Visit after the library has been established and conclude with final interviews of library
director and county officials.

Analyze the data entries

Produce results for other library systems in journals and in a database linked to the Utah
and America Library Association websites.

PROJECT BUDGET

Research Assistant
Will spend 20 hrs per week, in a 12 month field study, conducting interviews and field study
work on the patron visits to the library system. The will insert data entries and document their
findings.
Rate of pay is based on internships and work study funding. The hourly pay of 7.25 / hr for 960
hours = $6960.00

Staff
Holley Jan Larsen, Project Manager 20 hrs per week, in a 12 month field study (Donated time)
ULA Members contribute 500 total hrs (Donated time)

T h i r d S p a c e | 14

Covered costs
Housing and living costs for personnel staying in Ogden City = $21,300
Transportation = $6,000
Computers and Software = $600
External hard drives =$150
Website fees = $75
Publication Fees = N/A

TOTAL GRANT REQUESTED: $28,125

TOTAL OTHER FUNDINGS: $27, 840
TOTAL PROJECT: $55,965

T h i r d S p a c e | 15

References

Erickson, F (1986). 5. QUALITATIVE METHODS IN RESEARCH ON TEACHING

119-161. : Michigan

State University. Retrieved July 28, 2014.

Troll, D. A. (2002). How and Why Libraries are Changing: What We Know
and What We Need to Know. Libraries and the Academy , 2, 99-123.
Retrieved
June 7, 2014.

Miller, D. C., & Salkind, N. J. (2002). Elements of Research Design. Handbook

of Research Design
and Social Measurement (6 ed., ). Thousand Oaks, California: Sage
Publication Ltd. .

Dewey, B. I. (2008, October 11). Social, Intellectual, and Cultural Spaces:

Creating
Compelling Library Environments for the Digital Age. Journal of Library
Administration, 48, 85-94. Retrieved June 7, 2014.

Elmborg, J. K. (2011, August 4). Libraries as the Spaces Between Us.

Reference & User

T h i r d S p a c e | 16
Services Quarterly, 50, 338-350. Retrieved June 7, 2014.

Abram, S. (2013, June 1). Upping our Game: Unlocking Real Values in
Libraries.
Computers in Libraries, 33, 15-20.

Rasmus, D. W. (2013, December 1). Uncertainty and the Future of Libraries.

Computers in Libraries, 33, 5-7, 32-36.
Keisler, S. (2014). The Internet as it was and what it might become. Culture
of the Internet.
New York: Psychology Press.

Wynnsgard, L. (2014 August 14). Personal Interview.

Bell, M. (2014 August 14). Personal Interview.