Implications of monumental construction for public library services

This study examines the implications of the current wave of erecting large, even monumental, library buildings for the functioning and status of public libraries. It was carried out through interviews with 42 individuals from five relevant professions: futurists, sociologists, architects, urban planners and experts in information and library science. Also, 24 directors of new, large libraries in Israel and the Western world filled in a questionnaire. The study reveals a dramatic increase in the number of people visiting these libraries and a very significant increase in the number of regular clients who come to the library to receive services other than traditional library services. This research shows that the library is becoming a cultural centre and a place for social life, cultural meetings and leisure-time entertainment. Copyright Saur 2008.