Reflection of Paradigm Changein Information Technology to Library Architecture: The Helsinki Oodi Library

Abstract Since the late-20th century, there has been a transition from an industrial society to an ‘information network society’. ‘The production, organization and dissemination of knowledge’ began to change rapidly at the start of the 21st century, whereas this situation was met by the more effective search, use and evaluation of all kinds of information by library users. This work has focused on how the paradigm shift in information technology differentiates the functions and architecture of the 21st century ‘next-gen’ libraries from the traditional sort. Constituting the sample area of the study, the Oodi Library and its architectural features was examined within the context of ‘new architectural design criteria’, such as accessibility, symbolism, spatial organization, access to collections, self-study and integration, both in situ and by means of literature research. In research, it was observed that libraries need to be designed in line with new architectural design criteria, keeping the digitalization of information and integrating new information technologies in the forefront. The paradigm shift in information technology with digitalization has been the catalyst that transforms the libraries of the 21st century into centres of intellectual life, while reinforcing their role as a symbol of education, equality, transparency and civilization.