Skip to Main Content
 

Global Search Box

 
 
 
 

Files

ETD Abstract Container

Abstract Header

Popular Library: Rethinking the Cultural Relevancy of the American Public Library

Fredwest, Janice M.

Abstract Details

2010, MARCH, University of Cincinnati, Design, Architecture, Art and Planning : Architecture (Master of).
The American Public library is no longer the popular destination that it used to be. Since the emergence of America’s public libraries in the late nineteenth and the early part of the twentieth century, the library’s main goal was providing its community with information and education, a once-unique capability. Now, rapidly developing digital information technologies like the computer and the Internet provide an opportunity for contemporary society to access information without the aid of such a building. Today people go to other destinations “hot spots” for information and community activity such as Barnes & Noble’s, Borders, or shopping centers. The library has to introduce something completely new in order to make it relevant to people’s lives and for them to want to travel there. Hence, the main argument of this thesis is the library needs to position itself as a popular place of destination in order to remain relevant to the community, justify its continued financial support and existence and keep its patrons happy. It is argued that the library needs to borrow a leaf from certain popular places of destination such as shopping centers, sports arenas, and other places which call for human interactions. Or, essential and utilitarian destinations, such as the grocery store or drug store, where people are required to frequent in order to properly live in contemporary society. My arguments evolve from the supposition or understand that buildings types are not fixed. Instead they continuously evolve and adapt according to changes in function, technology, social behavioral patterns, and image.
Nnamdi Elleh, PhD (Committee Chair)
Elizabeth Riorden, MARCH (Committee Chair)
59 p.

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Fredwest, J. M. (2010). Popular Library: Rethinking the Cultural Relevancy of the American Public Library [Master's thesis, University of Cincinnati]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1277140389

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Fredwest, Janice. Popular Library: Rethinking the Cultural Relevancy of the American Public Library. 2010. University of Cincinnati, Master's thesis. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1277140389.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Fredwest, Janice. "Popular Library: Rethinking the Cultural Relevancy of the American Public Library." Master's thesis, University of Cincinnati, 2010. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1277140389

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)