Abstract

The model of libraries as agora or third place is both criticised and reaffirmed. This work is inspired by an article published in Le Monde Diplomatique where this model is censored. It is exposed that the origin of the criticism has a lot to do with the inadequate displacement of the traditional user in search of a reaffirmation of the library for its survival. The noise increase that difficult study or concentrated reading has special incidence in this displacement, but those activities that produce noise are also considered intrinsic activities to libraries. Opposite to this, it is said that the library has always been a third place, but that the new conceptions that enhance this reality must consider the multiplicity of uses to be faithful to the concept.