Abstract: In recent years, with the rise of library space re-engineering and the improvement of space
of flows theory, city public libraries have gradually developed into the space of flows where knowledge
information and humanistic values are integrated. Based on the basic theory of space of flows, this paper
establishes a research framework on the space of flows of library, measures the intensity, path and efficiency
of element flow in public library flow space, and adopts factor analysis, social network analysis, GIS spatial
analysis and other methods to make an empirical research on the public libraries in Shanghai, in the hope of
providing certain suggestions and inspirations for the overall layout planning of urban public libraries.

Key words: Space of flows, City public library, Planning strategy