Drammensbiblioteket is located in a venerable and central location by the Drammenselva river and is “cohabiting” with the University of Southeast Norway – Drammen campus. The library opened to the public in 2007 and has since been open to changes and adaptations in its offerings and interior in order to appear as an appealing place for citizens.
Problem statement: A desire to reach young people aged 13-19
When Drammensbiblioteket contacted Innsikteriet, they wanted to reach a specific target group to a much greater extent, namely young people aged 13-19. Before planning and starting work on a new youth department, it was important for them to have a good knowledge base. Our mandate was to assist with insights to ensure that you hit the bull’s eye by ensuring thorough feedback from the young people themselves!
For us, it has been important to form a picture of what characterizes the everyday lives of young people in general. What occupies them, who and where do they spend their time today. How is the library seen and experienced in relation to other arenas. It was important for us to understand when the library is used and why it is nice to be there. Possibly what it is that holds them back and makes them more skeptical. Among those who do not use the library today, it has been important to understand why the library is opted out or not on the radar.
Lene in Inssikteriet helped us talk to the young people. She worked her way towards the issues that we in the library were concerned with: What the library can offer those who already use the library and those who could become users of the library.
Uncover young people’s expectations and wishes for a new department
Part of the need for insight was to uncover the young people’s expectations and wishes for a new department aimed at them. If they were allowed to help decide what would be important in the youth department and this environment to thrive. The young people worked in groups to come up with ideas and possible solutions. They were also presented with concrete solutions from other locations for brainstorming.
Those working on the project at the library were involved in the process, via on-site observation (digital). This meant that they also received first-hand information and heard the young people’s direct feedback. This was of course communicated to the young people.
Methodological approach
The insight team chose to conduct 4 focus groups, two focus groups with 15-16 year olds and two focus groups with 17-19 year olds. Within each target group, we chose to split between users of the library today and those who are considering and or may be users in the future. The focus groups were conducted in the library’s premises, with the opportunity for a “tour” of the premises where the new youth department will be located. All groups had a mix of genders. They were also given a homework assignment to submit to us before they arrived.
We got good input on the type of zones they need, how they envision using the library and what makes the library a good place to be.