Case and Materials
From Shelves to Showers? The Evolving Mission of a Public City Library
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![Jorrit de Jong staff headshot]()
![Mark Moore]()
- Authors Gaylen W. Moore, Jorrit de Jong, Mark Moore
Last Updated
Topic
Strategic Leadership and Management
Location
Global
Overview
What happens when a public library is asked to do more than lend books? This case follows a fictional librarian’s reflections as she makes an unconventional proposal to add public showers to a library redesign, raising questions about the evolving role of public spaces and services. The case invites readers to grapple with the challenges public managers face when addressing problems outside of their organizations’ missions and where their responsibilities begin and end.
Introduction
The redesign of a city library presents an opportunity to reimagine library infrastructure to meet community needs. The head librarian makes a surprising proposal: since patrons who lack access to adequate housing and bathroom facilities are already using the library restrooms to wash up, why not add a few publicly accessible showers to the design?
One of the only free, indoor “third spaces” available to the public, city libraries have faced decades of “mission creep.” As they have expanded their services, spillover effects from systemic problems (e.g., inadequate mental health services, insufficient housing, the opioid crisis) have made librarians’ jobs more complex and challenging. Libraries rarely receive budget increases and have attempted to meet these challenges with a mix of staff training, programming, spatial planning, and policy.
This case explores conflicting views about a library’s “core business,” the ways people utilize public spaces and services, and the capacity of libraries or other public service providers to engage in public problem-solving outside of their usual sphere. Case session participants will examine the challenges public managers face when addressing problems outside of their organizations’ missions.
Learning Objectives
This case is designed to help students and city leaders think strategically about how to use public resources to address complex social issues. Participants will learn to:
- Identify and evaluate opportunities for improving public services for city residents.
- Identify and approach strategic challenges in public sector management and leadership, including complex lines of accountability, contested purposes, and working across organizational boundaries.
