Project Description

This literature review aims to answer the question: What influence, if any, does the physical space of a library have on its patrons’ abilities to cope with or counteract the widespread problems of social isolation and loneliness brought on by the digital age? The paper finds that library spaces may offer a way for people to develop their social identities, make genuine connections with others, and safeguard themselves against isolation.

Methods

I used a review of relevant literature on the topics of social interaction and library space, loneliness and isolation in the digital age, and current barriers to sharing physical space within libraries to answer the research question. Because the question was largely subjective and reliant on personal experience, my sources drew upon personal narratives and interviews to provide qualitative data. By putting works from a diverse range of disciplines in conversation with each other, I attempted to tackle a complex topic and highlight new ways of thinking about libraries and their role in social life.

❖❖❖

My Role

I am the sole author of this work.

Learning Outcome Achieved

Research

❖❖❖

Rationale

This paper was a reaction to the recent shift in people’s primary ways of interacting with each other and their communities, and how this shift has affected our mental health and identities. It aimed to identify new ways that libraries can be seen as valuable tools in improving patrons’ lives, a pressing concern as public libraries continue to lose funding nationwide. Using qualitative evidence from a variety of sources, I was able to conclude that, although many barriers exist that keep people from taking full advantage of physical library spaces, they are still a vital resource for people to develop social resilience through making genuine connections and gaining a sense of belonging, support, and community.