How children find their way: access, adaptability and aesthetics in the organisation and design of a new children's library.

Abstract

The organization and presentation of books and media is a central part of accessibility in libraries, and a central part of the libraries’ presentation of itself. Traditionally, this is based on specific classification schemes, categorization, and alphabetization, performed by trained librarians. This paper investigates a different approach in a children’s l ibrary, where the children themselves have decided how books should be organized and displayed within the library, and try to identify what messages about childhood the organization, space and design convey. Our initial research suggests that the library’s organization promotes serendipity as guiding principle. Giving control to the users signals a desire to empower children, and creating a sense of ownership. The space itself signals fun, but also a homeliness that support multifaceted use.