This interactive session will explore with participants what the future library building will look like through discussion of the following questions and dilemmas:

• What are the key societal, economic, environmental and design trends that will impact and inform the future library buildings?
• What are the main roles and philosophy of the future library?
• In an age of ubiquitous and rapidly changing technology what are the important spaces that must be included in future libraries?
• Discuss and explore the characteristics and design elements important to successfully functioning library buildings.

The organisers will present some examples as triggers for discussion. Kari has some interesting and innovative examples from Finland and overseas. Jakob and Patti are currently working on a collaborative project as part of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation International Network of Emerging Library Innovators and this involves surveying library managers from around the world on these very topics. We will present a sample of the findings in order to generate discussion and new ideas from the participants.