public-library services. Finns also happen to treasure
the typology’s more traditional contents, borrowing
around 68 million books per annum: over 12 items per
person. Undeterred by its users’ predilection for publi-
cations, Oodi embraces technology to push the possi-
bilities of content access. It has abandoned the library’s
role as book holder to become a phygital showroom of
sorts. Although the space retains only 100,000 vol-
umes at any specific time – considerably low by library
standards – users can utilize Oodi’s online services and
book-sorting robots to locate up to 3.4 million items.
This automated system subsequently frees up a librar-
ian’s workload, enabling more face-time with locals.
Reducing storage requirements also gave ALA much
more floor area to develop what the architects call an
‘indoor extension of public space’ that’s expected to
welcome 2.5 million visitors each year. The library is
described as a ‘civic living room’ that, besides books,
offers a movie theatre, recording studios, maker space,
exhibitions and community events. Redefining what a
library can be transpired in close collaboration with the
institution’s users, further strengthening Oodi’s role as
a community-orientated establishment.
Prioritizing learning over loaning, Oodi future-
proofs the library’s role in education by providing access
to 3D printers and the like, innovations often out of »‘One way to stay relevant is
to make the library a space
for people, not for books’
FRAME LAB 135