The National Library of Latvia is pleased to announce the final output of the Interreg Baltic Sea Region Programme project Urban Knowledge Hubs – Transformative Societal Spaces for Hybrid Libraries in the Baltic Sea Region – The 4C Toolbox: Engaging Users to Transform Public Spaces and Services – A Guide to Participatory Innovation. Developed by a project team comprising the State and University Library Hamburg, the National Library of Latvia, the Royal Danish Library, and Oslo Metropolitan University, the toolbox is now available for download and reuse on both the Zenodo platform and the project website.
The 4C Toolbox offers a structured approach to developing Urban Knowledge Hubs (UKHs) – dynamic, multifunctional spaces that foster collaboration, learning, and innovation. While the UKH concept has its roots in the library sector, it is designed to be transferable to a wide range of public service providers. UKHs aim to serve as adaptable community centres where citizens can connect, engage, and access both physical and digital resources, supporting a variety of public services beyond traditional libraries. The toolbox includes a theoretical foundation, step-by-step piloting examples, as well as printable templates and worksheets.
The ‘4C’ stands for the Foresee principle, grounded in four pillars of user engagement: co-creation, co-design, co-production, and co-evaluation. This principle highlights the importance of proactively planning for the future needs of public services in collaboration with those who will ultimately use them. By adopting the Foresee approach, the 4C Toolbox helps ensure public spaces remain flexible, responsive, and capable of evolving alongside societal changes, technological advances, and shifting user expectations.
Drawing on navigation and maritime imagery – such as lighthouses, compasses, and binoculars – the 4C Toolbox supports public service providers in navigating the complexities of user-centred design. Just as a lighthouse guides ships through the fog, the toolbox offers direction for creating spaces that truly respond to user needs, helping ensure they stay relevant and resilient in the face of change.
All partners wish you a wonderful journey as you explore participatory innovation in the field of libraries and beyond!
Additional information:
Viktorija Piščikova
Advisor on International Cooperation
National Library of Latvia
viktorija.piscikova@lnb.lv