In the context of our Knowledge Society (UNESCO 2005), libraries are a critical infrastructure to enhance a lifelong learning. Community libraries, university libraries or national libraries are shaping an educational environment where citizens can learn, discover, or exchange knowledge. The concept of educational commons presents an opportunity to broaden education and involve libraries in this process. Furthermore, with the growing need for information and digital literacy in our daily lives (e.g., fake news, deepfakes), libraries are well-positioned to address these challenges.
This communication aims to bridge the gap between knowledge commons and educational commons. We draw inspiration from Charlotte Hess’s work (Hess & Ostrom, 2007), a renowned librarian who emphasized the importance of collaborative approaches in education. To achieve this purpose, we will explore findings related to the LibrarIn project (Horizon Europe), which investigates co-creation of value in libraries.
Libraries are reconfiguring themselves to offer new services and experiences that cater to educational needs. Our analysis highlights key aspects of successful library collaborations with communities, including the development of participatory governance models, community-led digital literacy programs, and collaborative efforts to promote media literacy. We also examine the role of libraries in fostering critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills among learners of all ages.
Through this research, we aim to contribute to a deeper understanding of the potential for libraries to play a central role in shaping educational commons. By doing so, we hope to inspire new models of collaboration between libraries, communities, and other stakeholders, ultimately promoting more equitable and inclusive access to knowledge and learning opportunities. Moreover, their missions align with specific interests: promoting education, equality, inclusion, and fostering democracy. In this communication, we will examine experiments, projects from libraries, and how they can contribute to reinforcing educational commons.
Hess, C., & Ostrom, E. (Éds.). (2007). Understanding Knowledge as a Commons: From theory to practice. MIT Press.
