Since Libraries NI owns all the public libraries here, there are no public libraries directly competing with them. Instead, its direct competitors are digital reading platforms that replace traditional library use, we discussed the idea in class that this is likely Libraries NI trying to diversify their business model as they can see the falling numbers of physical library attendees.
Since i have decided to reposition my brand from just a library, to a third space with a library within it, i now need to do some research into new competitors. My research has shown me that people are mainly put off libraries due to their association with strict rules and feeling pressured to behave a certain way.
I want to shift how librarys are currently viewed in peoples mind. Libraries are not dying, but the way people interact with knowledge s changing. We live in a society where you doon’t need to go to the library to find out information, you can just google it. this is why the third space could reframe books as:
I dont want the library to feel like books are merely static objects on shelves, but catalysts for conversation, creativity and expanding your knowledge in a healthy way.