Retooling the public library as social infrastructure: a Dutch illustration

Figures & data

Table 1. Overview of volunteering-as-fieldwork at library in 2019.

Method	Activities	Duration/amount
Volunteering	Participant observation while helping staff (e.g., clearing away returned books, helping visitors at information desk)	±30 hours (6 shifts of 4 hours + some occasional shorter shifts)
Participant observation organised activities	Attending knitting club meeting	7 participants during attended meeting
Participant observation organised activities	Attending Guest at the table (GATT) lunch	6 participants during attended meeting
Repeated interviews with library managers Anne and Linda (fictitious names)	Non-structured/informal conversations, ‘on the job’, discussed themes: attracting /including (new) patrons, the value of encounters, collaborations with social work, the changing nature of librarianship	8 conversations
Interview with library director	Semi-structured interview on the possibilities and limitations of the changing public library landscape.	1 interview

Figure 1. Offering more than a quiet place to study: Poster in library announcing ‘Free wifi, attention and a first cup of coffee/tea’. Source: Anne.

Table 2. Metrics in the annual report assessing the library’s functionings.

Performance measures	Number/percentage
Youth members	1281
Adult members	707
Item check-outs	89,735
Visitors	52,757
Growth of visitors (in %)	15,3
Group activities	25
Number of visitors activities	430

Source: Annual Report

Figure 2. Traces of accountability: Infographic ‘Guest at the Table’. Source: Linda.