Rethinking the architecture of public library spaces in order to redefine a new paradigm

Purpose: The present study aimed to briefly review the current status of the required spaces for the public libraries in the country and identify and redefine the architectural needs of these spaces to achieve a new pattern for contemporary libraries. Method: It is a qualitative research based on grounded theory. The data is collected using library and field methods, analytical analyses, and interviews with the users and librarians in four selected libraries affiliated with the Iran Public Libraries Foundation, the researchers, and the experts in the field of architecture. Findings: The architects, the specialists in the field of librarianship, and the managers and policy-makers of public libraries have witnessed rapid changes caused by technological evolutions, communication revolution, and cultural and social transformations. These evolutions have affected the library services and missions, the physical and functional design and planning, and even its cognitive and aesthetical aspects. Compelling and diverse perspectives on public libraries and their future, goals, services, and space are presented in the 21st century. The skepticism about the functional life of libraries due to the nature of new technologies and communications suddenly becomes more critical due to the nature of preserving the documents of human civilization and the possibility of interaction between societies (as opposed to new communication technologies that push for isolation). The diversity of views emphasizes that providing a single form of design is impossible. However, it is possible to provide a kind of interaction in the design process that is achieved by the participation of the public. Originality/value: The findings of the study seek to redefine the role of public libraries relying on the relevant components of the library architecture to create and develop a suitable platform for the social capital from this space. By changing the library strategies from the complex-oriented pattern to the interaction-oriented pattern, and redefinition of the spaces, in addition to preserving, publishing, and presenting various sources of knowledge, contemporary libraries should be the custodians and publishers of collective memory and participate in the relations between people and civil institutions. A good architectural design of library spaces should reflect their intentions and mission in our times. More importantly, the designed space should provide the possibility of achieving development goals.