The impact and concept of public libraries in the twenty-first century

Although impact evaluation has been required in public libraries, it has rarely been attempted in public libraries. This study described the potential impact of public libraries in the twenty-first century, including theoretical background. The conceptual study investigated, and this paper discusses, the functions and possible impacts of libraries based on a survey and review of the extant literature. The impact compass of the Roskilde Library in Denmark, an early attempt to evaluate the impact of public libraries comprehensively, was utilised in the study. Based on a review of published literature, the possible impact of public libraries has been presented. The impact compass captures the impact of public libraries; however, the tool is ambiguous. The primary concepts of public libraries were found to be the provisions of reading, information, and meeting place. Although the impact compass has some limitations, the information it provides is an important base on which to develop impact assessments of public libraries. Future development of an impact evaluation process, using the impact compass as a base, is necessary.