Cocreating service innovations in European public libraries
PMR — pp. 1-29 2026-05-25 Original Cocreating service innovations in European public libraries
Anthony Arundel, Nordine Es-Sadki, Paul Windrum, Luis Rubalcaba
Abstract
This study uses survey data for 543 European libraries to investigate the effect of co-creation and other factors on the usefulness of knowledge for innovation obtained from four groups: library users, non-management staff, non-profits and businesses. The study finds that 24.3% of libraries develop a 'high priority' innovation through co-creation with library users. Co-creation has a substantial positive effect on the usefulness of knowledge obtained from all four groups. The knowledge of non-managerial library staff on user needs can partly substitute for user engagement. The results support the importance of drawing on multiple knowledge sources within a library innovation ecosystem.