Human-Centered Design in Nordic and Baltic Libraries
Aim
The network-project aims to transfer the Design Thinking toolkit to Nordic and Baltic public libraries through workshops and to build a network of design thinkers in libraries and other cultural institutions across the Nordic/Baltic countries. The goal of the network is to learn from each other, develop contacts and exchange knowledge and experiences. This project will add a Nordic approach to the design thinking-toolkit.
Project duration
October 2018 – June 2021
Lead partner
Martynas Mažvydas National Library of Lithuania
Project Partners
Aarhus Public Libraries (Denmark)
Reykjavik City Library (Iceland)
Libraries of Malmö (Sweden)
Source of project funding, value (EUR)
The project is cofinanced by the Nordic-Baltic Mobility Programme for Culture, the project value is 130 000 EUR.
Project description
Rapidly changing needs of users and society requires continuously and creatively to improve and adapt their services and products. To better understand users’ needs, libraries, cultural and artistic organizations need new tools which will enable staff to see their organization from the users' perspective and to initiate updates and changes of services while using user-centric approach. The project aims to implement such toolkit in Nordic and Baltic countries and to share experiences and knowledge about design thinking across countries. This is done through workshops by adding new Nordic/Baltic methods and tools to the toolkit and by working on design challenges together. The chosen toolkit has been developed by Chicago Public Library and Aarhus Public Libraries with support by Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation under the previous project “Design Thinking for Libraries”. It is a comprehensive new resource for any staff member hoping to advance their library by using human-centered design methods. The Design thinking toolkit is a way for libraries, cultural and artistic organizations to make sure that they keep developing according to the needs of their users.
Project Team at Martynas Mažvydas National Library of Lithuania
- Rūta Lazauskaitė, Head of Cultural Education Unit at Children's And Youth Literature Department, the curator of the design thinking ambassadors' network at National Library of Lithuania;
- Vaida Gasiūnaitė, Chief Designer of Marketing and Intellectual Services Unit at the Communication and Marketing Department, the ambassador of design thinking and the curator of the international project’s challenge at National Library of Lithuania;
- Greta Leleivaitė, Chief Librarian of Customer Service Unit at Services Department, the ambassador of design thinking;
- Aušra Marčiulaitytė, Chief Bibliographer of Music and Visual Arts Unit at Services Department, the ambassador of design thinking.
Project results
A project group has worked on a friendly hack of the Toolkit for Design Thinking in Libraries: posters that function as design stations but can also be used as a board game. It takes you through the design process but also asks you to stop on the way to consider people and the planet. This tool invites to think of both people and the planet as design solutions, plan, document and reflect collectively and creatively. Download, stick it on the wall, gather your team and join the quest!
Project coordinator
Project Management Unit of Martynas Mažvydas National Library of Lithuania
Contact persons for the Project
- Povilas Sapkauskas, Manager for Cultural Activities at the Project Management Unit, National Library of Lithuania, e-mail:
- Helene Bruhn Schvartzman, Project Manager and Consultant of Civic Engagement, Aarhus Public Libraries, Denmark; e-mail:
- Guðrún Lilja Gunnlaugsdóttir, Project Manager, Head of Service and Development, Reykjavik City Library, Iceland, e-mail:
- Andrea Hofmann, Project Manager, Business Developer, Libraries of Malmö, Sweden, e-mail: