The conference, as usual, was excellent. I noticed, though, there was a lot of “We removed our microfilm…” or collection pruning as a way to expand usable spaces. I don't think this is as shocking an idea as it was when it caught the Nicholson Baker's attention in Double Fold, and it might really be time to consider these options, especially as students' needs change.
I liked the way the folks at the University of Chicago broke furnishing changes into mini-installations, and the way librarians at Columbia tackled big changes by creating a number of separate, smaller projects. And did I miss the suggestion that librarians seek student input before we go for the grant!?!?!? This looks like it would be a promising way to garner support. Thanks, Middlebury College!
Finally, Janet Cottrell's presentation led me to this small but inspiring page:
http://cosmos.champlain.edu/library/pages/about_library/HOW2.html.
Friday, October 3, 2008
Something from Nothing: Bringing New Life to the Library Without New Construction
Janet Cottrell, Champlain College
The Information Commons at Champlain College was designed about a decade ago by her predecessors, who were very enthusiastic about online resources. There were some elements that needed changing, however.
On the first level, they noted that the curvature and location of the service desk funneled people toward the stairs, and was essential a walk-through area. Also, a significant amount of space was taken up by mechanical and stairs, or by office and behind-the-scenes spaces. Classrooms that were intended for Information Literacy courses but were taken over by enrollment services.
While they had a beautiful space, it was not flexible.
How could they turn the first level into a place that people wouldn't just walk through? Book displays tied into campus events and collection features. Also wanted to have exhibits and host events.
Make use of unwieldy flat space at the circulation desk, by having smaller displays around celebrity/author deaths and/or news events.
With no good wall space, they borrowed accordion display panels for a small photography display, and put them in the space near the entrance. Although it blocks the flow, they find people stop, and look.
The flat tops of the current periodicals shelves became display area for new books.
Events are held in that same area, with refreshments!
Use flickr to promote their space and events.
"Let's try it. If it doesn't work, we won't do it again."
How to start:
The Information Commons at Champlain College was designed about a decade ago by her predecessors, who were very enthusiastic about online resources. There were some elements that needed changing, however.
On the first level, they noted that the curvature and location of the service desk funneled people toward the stairs, and was essential a walk-through area. Also, a significant amount of space was taken up by mechanical and stairs, or by office and behind-the-scenes spaces. Classrooms that were intended for Information Literacy courses but were taken over by enrollment services.
While they had a beautiful space, it was not flexible.
How could they turn the first level into a place that people wouldn't just walk through? Book displays tied into campus events and collection features. Also wanted to have exhibits and host events.
Make use of unwieldy flat space at the circulation desk, by having smaller displays around celebrity/author deaths and/or news events.
With no good wall space, they borrowed accordion display panels for a small photography display, and put them in the space near the entrance. Although it blocks the flow, they find people stop, and look.
The flat tops of the current periodicals shelves became display area for new books.
Events are held in that same area, with refreshments!
Use flickr to promote their space and events.
"Let's try it. If it doesn't work, we won't do it again."
How to start:
- Walk in with fresh eyes
- Identify your prime space and rethink how it could be used
- Identify your prime needs
- Set aside your misgivings and look again
- Try something as a "pilot"
- Look for indicators of how things are working
Polishing the Dimond: Changing Spaces for Enhanced Services to the UNH Community
Louise Buckley & Eleta Exline, UNH
Project 1: Their nascent Digital Scanning Lab was in an office on loan, and needed more space for overhead and large format scanners. The design included furniture from other places in the library, but neglected the fact that people have legs and arms! The Planetary overhead scanner was too heavy for the table, and needed to be operated in a darkened room. They re-configured the room, using flat screen monitors (two monitor setups where needed), added darkening curtains around the Planetary scanner, and were able to accommodate some of the tasks they were unable to do before.
Project 2, Government Information Department: in 2007, the Government Info Reference Desk was closed down to make room for the Dimond Academic Commons, which includes Library and IT Support services in the same place. This led to a redesign of the Government Information work area.
One colleague made maps and plans of what they wanted, with activity "clouds," which would depict the kinds of work that would be done in these areas.
Lessons learned? Focus on the human element, communicate. Know who's responsible for what. Set reasonable expectations and deadlines, but keep in mind that colleagues will be affected by changes. "Flexibility and patience are valuable."
The structural and personnel changes as a result of creating the Dimond Academic Commons did have an affect on those working there. Those who worked in the Government Information area felt a sense of loss, and it wasn't a seamless transition. With construction and new faces, it was a significant change. Also needed to create a new public service model, since they no longer had a service desk. Performed outreach, publicized a regular schedule, and improved signage to direct patrons to where they can get assistance. (One important element included a door with large windows! Faced with a blank door, patrons were not eager to ask for assistance. The door was eventually changed.)
When considering a change: Take "Before" pictures -- for future reference or for future presentations!
Project 1: Their nascent Digital Scanning Lab was in an office on loan, and needed more space for overhead and large format scanners. The design included furniture from other places in the library, but neglected the fact that people have legs and arms! The Planetary overhead scanner was too heavy for the table, and needed to be operated in a darkened room. They re-configured the room, using flat screen monitors (two monitor setups where needed), added darkening curtains around the Planetary scanner, and were able to accommodate some of the tasks they were unable to do before.
Project 2, Government Information Department: in 2007, the Government Info Reference Desk was closed down to make room for the Dimond Academic Commons, which includes Library and IT Support services in the same place. This led to a redesign of the Government Information work area.
One colleague made maps and plans of what they wanted, with activity "clouds," which would depict the kinds of work that would be done in these areas.
Lessons learned? Focus on the human element, communicate. Know who's responsible for what. Set reasonable expectations and deadlines, but keep in mind that colleagues will be affected by changes. "Flexibility and patience are valuable."
The structural and personnel changes as a result of creating the Dimond Academic Commons did have an affect on those working there. Those who worked in the Government Information area felt a sense of loss, and it wasn't a seamless transition. With construction and new faces, it was a significant change. Also needed to create a new public service model, since they no longer had a service desk. Performed outreach, publicized a regular schedule, and improved signage to direct patrons to where they can get assistance. (One important element included a door with large windows! Faced with a blank door, patrons were not eager to ask for assistance. The door was eventually changed.)
When considering a change: Take "Before" pictures -- for future reference or for future presentations!
Putting the “Quiet” in Quiet Study Space
Richard Kaplan, Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences
Warned that this is a tale of “The Incredible Shrinking Library.” In their original building, they had had a nice space with several small rooms with study space scattered about. Had wonderful “nooks and crannies,” despite having a 1970s color scheme. At one point, the administration wanted to take over the fourth floor, the location of their retrospective collection. Then, several years ago, the administration planned to build a new building and give the library the second floor of the new building. The problem was that study space would be extremely limited, and the Reference Desk was ultimately hidden behind a column that seemed small in the architectural plans. Some adjustments needed to be made after the space was built.
Given the small space, the architects “crammed in” as many study carrels as possible into the space, and put carrels along a lengthy walkway. Librarians’ offices are nearby and noise levels were not good. No nooks and crannies, not enough study space for the students. This was also a campus without a good place for students to hang out – no student center.
Attempted to try to quiet the library through signage, emails, articles in the student newspaper, library staff patrols… None worked.
Analyzed the situation: Move the Ref Desk, Build a Quiet Study Room. But how? Removed any print ref material or journals that were available online. Analyzed the book collection, and reduced it by 70%! Moved the noisy activities to one side of the library: reference, copiers, printers. Quiet area near the remaining stacks, and closed the area off with glass walls and doors. Also left a leisure reading collection. Included carrels as well as soft furniture in the area. Made an “Ultra Quiet Room,” from one of the group study rooms. “Amazingly, it works!” Provide the quiet area for those who want it, while keeping the activity of the rest of the space.
Warned that this is a tale of “The Incredible Shrinking Library.” In their original building, they had had a nice space with several small rooms with study space scattered about. Had wonderful “nooks and crannies,” despite having a 1970s color scheme. At one point, the administration wanted to take over the fourth floor, the location of their retrospective collection. Then, several years ago, the administration planned to build a new building and give the library the second floor of the new building. The problem was that study space would be extremely limited, and the Reference Desk was ultimately hidden behind a column that seemed small in the architectural plans. Some adjustments needed to be made after the space was built.
Given the small space, the architects “crammed in” as many study carrels as possible into the space, and put carrels along a lengthy walkway. Librarians’ offices are nearby and noise levels were not good. No nooks and crannies, not enough study space for the students. This was also a campus without a good place for students to hang out – no student center.
Attempted to try to quiet the library through signage, emails, articles in the student newspaper, library staff patrols… None worked.
Analyzed the situation: Move the Ref Desk, Build a Quiet Study Room. But how? Removed any print ref material or journals that were available online. Analyzed the book collection, and reduced it by 70%! Moved the noisy activities to one side of the library: reference, copiers, printers. Quiet area near the remaining stacks, and closed the area off with glass walls and doors. Also left a leisure reading collection. Included carrels as well as soft furniture in the area. Made an “Ultra Quiet Room,” from one of the group study rooms. “Amazingly, it works!” Provide the quiet area for those who want it, while keeping the activity of the rest of the space.
Digital Social Science Center: An Information Commons for Graduate Social Science Students
Jane Winland, Columbia University (Presented by Mary Giunta)
Same library as the “Information Commons: Updating and Reconfiguring a 1971 Library, One Room at a Time” outlined, but a different project, in their West Reading Room, and their Reference Room. Participated in Town Hall meetings with social sciences students about the library, urged students to speak up about the conditions of the library, and they petitioned for change. The result is the Digital Social Science Center (DSSC). Had to swap stack space for study space. Moved collections that were not being used to expand support for new technology and improve the physical plant. Broke the plan into 9 separate projects, so they could work on one at a time as they got funding.
What should go? Did a Collection Use Study and found that only a small number of reference titles were repeatedly used, and that people would rather have support for scanners than microfilm. (Microfilm use was significantly down.) Held focus groups and observational studies. Found that students wanted outlets, lighting, comfortable chairs, and group study spaces. Did in-person and virtual visits to other libraries to gather information.
In the West Reading Room, re-used furniture that was already in the library, added lighting, cleaned existing lighting and installed new lenses. Ran outlets along the tables, added desk lamps. In the Reference Room, they installed glass partitions with electricity run down through poles to the tables in the partitions. Include LCD monitors at some of the tables, and check out the adaptors used to hook Macs to the monitors.
Gate counts have gone up, students are vocal in their approval. The school was also pleased, and provided more funding.
Comments: Get student support, get user input, and partner with schools or departments. Use an architect if you can. Assess: confirm assumptions, gather data to back up decisions.
Same library as the “Information Commons: Updating and Reconfiguring a 1971 Library, One Room at a Time” outlined, but a different project, in their West Reading Room, and their Reference Room. Participated in Town Hall meetings with social sciences students about the library, urged students to speak up about the conditions of the library, and they petitioned for change. The result is the Digital Social Science Center (DSSC). Had to swap stack space for study space. Moved collections that were not being used to expand support for new technology and improve the physical plant. Broke the plan into 9 separate projects, so they could work on one at a time as they got funding.
What should go? Did a Collection Use Study and found that only a small number of reference titles were repeatedly used, and that people would rather have support for scanners than microfilm. (Microfilm use was significantly down.) Held focus groups and observational studies. Found that students wanted outlets, lighting, comfortable chairs, and group study spaces. Did in-person and virtual visits to other libraries to gather information.
In the West Reading Room, re-used furniture that was already in the library, added lighting, cleaned existing lighting and installed new lenses. Ran outlets along the tables, added desk lamps. In the Reference Room, they installed glass partitions with electricity run down through poles to the tables in the partitions. Include LCD monitors at some of the tables, and check out the adaptors used to hook Macs to the monitors.
Gate counts have gone up, students are vocal in their approval. The school was also pleased, and provided more funding.
Comments: Get student support, get user input, and partner with schools or departments. Use an architect if you can. Assess: confirm assumptions, gather data to back up decisions.
Study Spaces: Where Would You Study? Feedback Via Post-It Notes
Carrie Macfarlane & Brendan Owens, Middlebury College
A simple, fun, re-usable method for gathering student input. A poster that asked for feedback via post-it notes.
The Science Library is about 2 floors, around 1,000 sq. ft. inside another, larger building. Reduced the printed reference collection (moved indexes, etc.) and wanted to open the space. What would the students want? One librarian thought they wanted desks, one thought carrels, another thought small armchairs… Solution? Ask the students!
Poster: “If we could remove a few shelves and add furniture, what would you want? Leave a note!” (Note at bottom: p.s. We don’t have funding yet…)
Other forms to solicit feedback were OK (forms, suggestion boxes, etc.), but this was relatively quick to create and use, open to the public, and social. Over 3 weeks, they got over 100 responses. Mostly a tie, but tables had a slight lead. Asked for desk lamps, whiteboards on desks, more outlets, soft furniture (including beanbags and couches). One student saw the disclaimer, and asked how she could help! Received a letter from a student that elaborated on why this was important. Comments included the fact that one student at a four-person table renders the rest of the table unusable, and that students want flexibility and options for spaces.
Made a Thank You poster for students, and then worked on following up.
Noted that a shortcoming of a poster inside the library only reaches those who come into the library. Overall, it was quick and effective, and then received a surprise announcement that they would get some funding to make some changes.
A simple, fun, re-usable method for gathering student input. A poster that asked for feedback via post-it notes.
The Science Library is about 2 floors, around 1,000 sq. ft. inside another, larger building. Reduced the printed reference collection (moved indexes, etc.) and wanted to open the space. What would the students want? One librarian thought they wanted desks, one thought carrels, another thought small armchairs… Solution? Ask the students!
Poster: “If we could remove a few shelves and add furniture, what would you want? Leave a note!” (Note at bottom: p.s. We don’t have funding yet…)
Other forms to solicit feedback were OK (forms, suggestion boxes, etc.), but this was relatively quick to create and use, open to the public, and social. Over 3 weeks, they got over 100 responses. Mostly a tie, but tables had a slight lead. Asked for desk lamps, whiteboards on desks, more outlets, soft furniture (including beanbags and couches). One student saw the disclaimer, and asked how she could help! Received a letter from a student that elaborated on why this was important. Comments included the fact that one student at a four-person table renders the rest of the table unusable, and that students want flexibility and options for spaces.
Made a Thank You poster for students, and then worked on following up.
Noted that a shortcoming of a poster inside the library only reaches those who come into the library. Overall, it was quick and effective, and then received a surprise announcement that they would get some funding to make some changes.
Step by Step: Small Space Improvements in the John Crerar Library
Barbara Kern & Andrea Twiss-Brooks, University of Chicago, Crerar Library
Biomedical and physical sciences library, with space needs and space issues. Did not have a teaching space, and instead were using a boardroom, a conference room, and “the fishbowl” in a computer lab with 15 computers. The Kathleen A. Zar Room was the result of a memorial donation. Created a planning team of library representatives as well as their network services and technology department, the donor, architects, and facilities. Re-purposed their microform room, which already had numerous electrical outlets and good lighting. Furniture: wanted it comfortable and movable for maximum flexibility. LibQUAL+ results showed that users hated the furniture in the library because it wasn’t comfortable. Wanted a 16’ projection screen so they would be able to project two images at the same time, and also a folding partition to divide or expand the space as necessary. Added some laptop computers, but encouraged students to bring their own. To cut costs, they changed some of their designs: decided on a flat rather than a curved partition in the room, did not suspend projectors from the ceiling, and eliminated their original plans for a media cabinet. Furniture included foldable tables on wheels for easier room changing, and comfortable chairs on wheels. Flippable white boards on the walls. Included a “Media Tree” – essentially a screen on wheels with a laptop shelf.
Changing one room led to thoughts about changing other spaces in the library. Idea is to create mini-installations for areas, if necessary, move it. Emphasis on experimentation with spaces. “The Family Room” area included a living-room style cluster, with a coffee table, couch, and chairs. “Computer Work Area” is in the works, re-using equipment from a nearby computing cluster. “Group Collaborative Area” including folding tables with center holes for power cords, chairs on wheels. Next steps: evaluate the Zar room, add the media cabinet to the Zar room, and work on more mini-installations.
Biomedical and physical sciences library, with space needs and space issues. Did not have a teaching space, and instead were using a boardroom, a conference room, and “the fishbowl” in a computer lab with 15 computers. The Kathleen A. Zar Room was the result of a memorial donation. Created a planning team of library representatives as well as their network services and technology department, the donor, architects, and facilities. Re-purposed their microform room, which already had numerous electrical outlets and good lighting. Furniture: wanted it comfortable and movable for maximum flexibility. LibQUAL+ results showed that users hated the furniture in the library because it wasn’t comfortable. Wanted a 16’ projection screen so they would be able to project two images at the same time, and also a folding partition to divide or expand the space as necessary. Added some laptop computers, but encouraged students to bring their own. To cut costs, they changed some of their designs: decided on a flat rather than a curved partition in the room, did not suspend projectors from the ceiling, and eliminated their original plans for a media cabinet. Furniture included foldable tables on wheels for easier room changing, and comfortable chairs on wheels. Flippable white boards on the walls. Included a “Media Tree” – essentially a screen on wheels with a laptop shelf.
Changing one room led to thoughts about changing other spaces in the library. Idea is to create mini-installations for areas, if necessary, move it. Emphasis on experimentation with spaces. “The Family Room” area included a living-room style cluster, with a coffee table, couch, and chairs. “Computer Work Area” is in the works, re-using equipment from a nearby computing cluster. “Group Collaborative Area” including folding tables with center holes for power cords, chairs on wheels. Next steps: evaluate the Zar room, add the media cabinet to the Zar room, and work on more mini-installations.
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