Personality Types in the Public Library
In the library and information science (LIS) field, we constantly discuss the diversity in our current communities and how we, as librarians, can better serve diverse groups of people. Diversity usually means thinking of gender, sexual orientation, cultural background or ethnicity; rarely is personality type taken into context. While libraries have typically been thought of as a haven for introverts, the world is increasingly oriented towards extroverted personalities, as described by Cain (2012) in her book Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking. With active programming, physical interactions at the reference desk, open collaborative spaces and on the spot reader’s advisory service, libraries may be oriented more towards extroverts than we think. This does not mean that we are offering bad service; for extroverts these attributes of the library make it fun, engaging and help recharge their batteries.
Dr. Carl Jung was the first to popularize the terms introversion and extroversion in relation to personality (Dossey, 2016). ‘Introverts’ in this case will come to mean a person who prefers quieter, more minimally stimulating environments, who feel energized when deeply focused and make deliberate thoughtful actions (Dossey, 2016). ‘Extroversion’ explains the personality type that prefers socially engaging stimulation and interaction (Cain, 2012). They are quick thinkers who feel bored or restless when put in a quiet environment (Dossey, 2016). Jung’s foundation has been built upon by many social scientists since. In 2012, Susan Cain gave a TED talk titled The Power of Introverts, that quickly resonated with introverts around the world. The talk received its first million views faster than any other TED video and has moved on to become one of the most popular TED talks of all time (TED, 2017). One of Cain’s most interesting points is that introversion is different from being shy, which she describes as a fear of social judgement (2012). She also gives many examples of how depleting it can be for introverts to live in a world that does not accept their inherent traits (Cain, 2012). Cain describes in detail how introversion has become seen as a "second-class personality trait, somewhere between a disappointment and a pathology" even though one third to one half of the population identifies as an introvert (2012).
By putting a focus on how public libraries can achieve a balance in their space design, we can ensure that both introverts and extroverts will feel comfortable using these spaces. Libraries can work to explore space design beyond open concept and collaborative environments that seem to be on trend. Introverted personalities require quiet, secluded spaces that are free from interruption and offer privacy (Steelcase, 2017). They also benefit from being able to exercise some control over their environment; such as the ability to control the amount of light or noise (Steelcase, 2017). Balancing their sensory receptors by providing calming colours and natural materials is also an important factor in minimizing over-stimulation (Steelcase, 2017). Many public libraries offer quiet study rooms that have a closed door and can be booked in advance (Halifax Public Library, 2017). Even positioning a table and chairs in a quiet corner of the library away from foot traffic is a great way to accommodate diverse personality types and those needing a quiet space. Ensuring that libraries reserve some of their floor plan with introverts in mind is essential for them to be able to work effectively and feel included in a public space design that they will choose to participate in.
The services that public libraries provide vary considerably by location, community needs and access to funding, however public service is a fundamental part of what library staff provide. The Southern Ontario Library Service (SOLS) competencies describe that front line staff in public service should “anticipate and meet the needs of users in the most visible way” (2014). By understanding that introverts and extroverts have different ideals of how library staff can meet these needs, we will be better equipped to provide excellent service to every patron. For example, under the reader’s advisory competency library staff should “assist users with choosing popular and recreational reading, viewing and listening choices”. A subsection of this competency says that library staff should “engage with users virtually as well as face-to-face” which confirms that there are multiple ways to communicate effectively with patrons to achieve the same outcome. The Kitchener Public Library (KPL) has done an exemplary job of making readers advisory available to patrons with different personality types with the “May We Suggest” section of their website (Kitchener Public Library, 2017). Patrons are able to request reading suggestions by filling out a form online and submitting through email, thereby minimizing the face-to-face social interaction that introverts may find over-stimulating. KPL has provided different avenues for patrons to access the same service of readers advisory, therefore expanding the reach of people who would use this service in their community.
A similar concept can be adopted when we think of programming and the way traditional libraries interact with the public. These programs usually happen at a set place and time and many require patrons to sign up in advance in order to attend (Wichman, 2012). Introverted patrons may not feel comfortable participating in an active program that requires small talk and participation in large social groups. Passive programming differs from active programming in that it is offered over an extended period of time allowing the community to participate as they please (Wichman, 2012). These programs require no or little staff supervision and just like active programming there are many ways to run creative and inexpensive passive programs. So along with being non-threatening for introverted people, they are also a great tool for libraries with small staff and/or without a big programming budget. Rather than being a replacement for traditional programs, passive programs are best when used alongside other library activities and events (Wichman, 2012). When libraries open up the ways that we think about programming, it can become a more inclusive space to interact with patrons of all personality types.
With a little extra attention to the way public libraries organize their space, and offer traditional programs and services, libraries can ensure they are supporting both introverted and extroverted personality types. Integrating quiet spaces, offering various modes of communication and teaching, and preparing passive program opportunities will provide all individuals in the community with a library that they find comfortable and reflective of what an energetic library space means to them.
References
Cain, S. (2012). Quiet: The power of introverts in a world that can’t stop talking. London: Viking.
Cain, S. (2012). Susan Cain: The power of introverts [Video file]. Retrieved from https://www.ted.com/talks/susan_cain_the_power_of_introverts
Dossey, L. (2016). Introverts: A defense. EXPLORE: The Journal of Science and Healing. Volume 12, Issue 3, May–June 2016, 151-160. Retrieved from https://doi.org/10.1016/j.explore.2016.02.007
Halifax Public Library. (2017). Library room booking policy. Retrieved from http://www.halifaxpubliclibraries.ca/about/documents/policies/library-meeting-room.html
Kitchener Public Library. (2017). Recommendations: May we suggest. Retrieved from http://www.kpl.org/may-we-suggest
Southern Ontario Library Service. (2014). Competencies index: Public service. Retrieved from https://www.sols.org/index.php/develop-your-library-staff/competencies2/competencies-index/public-service
Steelcase. (2017). Susan Cain quiet spaces. Retrieved from https://www.steelcase.com/quiet-spaces/
TED. (2017). The most popular talks of all time. Retrieved from https://www.ted.com/playlists/171/the_most_popular_talks_of_all
Wichman, E. T. (2012). Librarian’s guide to passive programming: Easy and affordable activities for all ages. California : Libraries Unlimited.