The Arctic Academic Library as a Learning Environment

The academic libraries are influenced by the changes in the ways of teaching and studying. The long distances in the Arctic areas have given wing to new developments such as distance learning already before. However, post-pandemic changes in customer behavior have been crucial for libraries. The academic libraries had to adapt their premises to the new ways of studying and to enhance their attractiveness. Working in groups, participation in distance or blended learning, listening to recorded sessions, use of e-materials, hybrid use of group working rooms - all these require functional spaces.

This presentation is a case study of Lapland University Consortium Library's long development path. LUC Library is a joint library of two organizations: University of Lapland and Lapland University of Applied Sciences. They are the northernmost institutions of higher education in Finland.

The refurbishment of the LUC Library premises was started after conducting many customer surveys. The renewal was planned in collaboration with students and property management. It was carried out by using a user-driven approach and co-creation methods. The follow-up will be made in autumn 2024.

The changing needs of the customers, the peripheral arctic location and the aging library spaces form a complex ensemble. The essential starting point for planning was the user-driven approach. The aim of improving spatial flexibility – developing diverse and convertible spaces that will stand the test of time – was hopefully achieved.