This is how we create attractive environments : an investigation of design strategies in the children’s area in public libraries

The aim of this study is to gain knowledge on the way library managers and librarians describe intentions and ways of working as well as their thoughts on what makes an attractive children’s interior design of public libraries. It is also an aim to acquire knowledge on the way they describe how the interior design works in practice. Two theoretical models are used in the study. One is Stephen Kaplan’s model of environmental psychology, which explains how visual aspects of an environment affects human preference. The other is that of Jochumsen, Hvenegaard Rasmussen & Skot-Hansen, which involve experiences and activities connected to the library context. The methods used are semi-structured interviews and qualitative content analysis. The results indicate the aim towards a safe, accessible interior, which fits children’s needs and requests, and also appeals to their parents. The respondents describe an interior that supports reading promotion, and being stimulating and varied, both in form and in content. A strive for a balance in the interior design is indentified. However, sometimes conflicts and other difficulties arise from its use. This can disrupt the balance, and why it results in priorities. The conclusion is that it is difficult to meet all of the guidelines and expectations that are available to children’s libraries today, to strike a balance with the interior design, and succeed in an interior that is ultimate in all respects