Archive for category Space Planning
Evaluation Methods for Library Space
Posted by acohen in Library Planning Research, Social Library Issues, Space Planning, library technology, work in progress on February 12th, 2010
There are complex, complicated and simple library building projects. Our clients typically ask us:
- How much space do we need?
- How much does it cost?
- How long will it take?
- How many stakeholders should we interview?
- How satisfied are the stakeholders?
-
Complex Areas of Research:
-
E-resources and E-tools, Curriculum Development, Collection Development.
-
Chaotic Areas of Research:
-
Technologies that Transform Learning and Education Environments.
-
Simple Areas of Research:
-
ACA’s Best Practices in Library Building Planning.
-
Complicated Areas of Library Research:
-
Analysis of Building Designs, Space Plan, Flow and Use of Resources.
ACA’s approach incorporates a quantitative analysis of library services and operations. This is done with a series of survey instruments that capture customer data (visits, temperature, humidity control, # of seats, # of computers, # of staff, type & # of collections). The outcome is a building program of library services including user seating, collection, staff and operations.
This blog is focused on the Narrative Evaluation of Library Space, Services and Operations.
Special Library Collections and the Future Library
Posted by acohen in Library Planning Research, Space Planning, work in progress on October 18th, 2009
The Chronicle of Higher Education Wired Blog posted a futurist idea of the “library as place.” It is a building block that we believe is part of any building project.
What is the relevance of Special Collections? And how does it relate to the library of the future? We believe that Special Collections are part of a laboratory of ideas. Something libraries can offer to enhance their experience. Jennifer Howard states, “Don’t lock your special collections away in neglected corners of the library — use them to teach students about the possibilities and principles of research. Such collections should be put to use as laboratories where students work hands-on with primary documents, incorporate them into original research projects, and even publish the results in institutional repositories.”
The discussion was held as part of the Coalition for Networked Information’s fall forum.
Library as Place – Disney is moving toward a better retail place.
Posted by acohen in Library Planning Research, Social Library Issues, Space Planning, library technology on October 14th, 2009
Disney’s Retail Plan is a Theme Park in its Stores, is another example of retailers recognizing the need to create a place. They hired Steve Job’s retailing team at Apple to help them develop interactive learning spaces.
The ‘Library as Place’ is an important aspect of the new service/space paradigm. For example, “the world does not need another place to sell Disney merchandise – this only works if it’s an experience,” said Jim Fielding, president of Disney Stores Worldwide.” In relation to Library Space Planning, people want space to interact with the library material and they need additional types of working environments to do it in.
The ‘Library as Place’ is an important factor in the way we interact with information. For example, by using RFID librarians can equip packages to respond when the customer passes the interactive display. In the future Disney Stores, “Computer chips embedded in packaging will activate hidden features. Walk by a “magic mirror” while holding a Princess tiara, for instance, and Cinderella might appear and say something to you.” – Barnes, Brooks, “Disney’s Retail Plan Is a Theme Park in Its Stores,” NYTimes, Oct. 13, 2009.
Managing Library Collections in the wake of Digitization
Posted by acohen in Space Planning, work in progress on September 30th, 2009
Most libraries are going through a space transition. They are moving from Print only collections to digital copies. The issue is particularly difficult for librarians who are faced with lack of space for staff, collections and seating. The ITHAKA report is a good place to examine the latest thinking on the subject.
From our perspective, it’s quite possible that the transition from print to digital will speed up even faster in the next couple of years. The cost of building new space is going up and the need for social / educational learning spaces is increasing exponentially.
We know the students need information and technology literacy as much as, if not more than, standard reading literacy. That’s not to say that books aren’t an important part of their overall learning process, but they’re a tool like any other. The transformation of library space is continuing…check in to find out more.
KAUST LIBRARY OPENS
Posted by acohen in Library Planning Research, Space Planning on September 29th, 2009
Last week, the KAUST (King Abdullah University of Science and Technology) academic library opened for the first time in Saudi Arabia. The academic library illustrates that the “library as place” is as important as ever to the incubation of student success.
During an inaugural tour of the campus, new students told me that the value of having a central 24 hour research space on campus is important to get work done. They told me that the physical components such as flexible space, collaborative workrooms, high tech work areas, copy center, cafe and periodical area for meetings are components that the students need for scholarly research and intensive study.
We have to be mindful that the library is the only flexible research space designed as such on campus. Students use it to create their own working environments regardless of the information format.
We need to tell the critics that the library is changing into a new form and that the ‘library as place’ has taken its place. KAUST is a great example of the 21st century’s latest library design.
The future of libraries with or without books – CNN
Posted by acohen in Library Planning Research, Social Library Issues, Space Planning, library technology on September 15th, 2009
The future of libraries gets the attention of the large networks once in a while. What is interesting about “The future of libraries with or without books” – CNN article is that futuristic concepts of library services are possible.
RFID is an interesting topic. The article explores the Danish concept of extending book information via RFID technology. The set up provides children with an interactive story via an RFID tag-enabled book. A child picks up the phone and a book and hears about the contents.
We recently explored ways that RFID books can be checked onto a “just returned” shelf instead of a counter. This simple process puts the books in a location that quickly returns it to the customer.
Library as Place
Libraries are community places. The CNN article points out that funding is tight in America and that over 16,000 public libraries are facing cuts in funding. We have to be wary of Politicians who don’t use the library. Many perceive that information is online so, why should you have a library?
Librarians can work to make their community forward-thinking. They have to show that demand for the “library as place” is vital to many who use the library to read and access the internet. For example, in Mohave County we developed a program for Bullhead City, AZ. The library was a safe haven for youngsters and a life-long learning center for the seniors. Additional reader seats reduced the crime (got the kids off the street) and adults had space for job seeking and resume writing.
Our message for CNN is don’t give up on our libraries they are part of a healthy America and informed world.
This could be the year of e-textbooks – how does this affect library design?
Posted by acohen in Library Planning Research, Social Library Issues, Space Planning, library technology, work in progress on September 14th, 2009
A recent article in the Chronicle of Higher Education about the progress of E-Textbooks states that CourseSmart now offers up to 7,150 titles. According to the article that’s over half of the most popular textbook titles.
Library buildings need to incorporate new types of learning spaces into their design for it to meet a 20 year planning goal. The reality that we are living in a blended learning environment that continues to require more spaces for electronic learning. Indeed, the article states that “the increased awareness and availability of e-textbooks could make this a watershed year for the format-which has held only 2% to 3% of the market until now, according to the National Association of College Stores.”
Our mission is to make sure library buildings are equipped with enough spaces to support “e-learning.” The identification of new library technology is important for space planning, circulation, zoning, access, social and educational progress.
Team Building for Librarians
Posted by acohen in Library Planning Research, Space Planning on July 7th, 2009
The American Library Association Meeting in Chicago is about building connections and partnerships with librarians and information professionals. It is important for our nations library leaders to support the increases in usage and need.
It is very important for the profession to meet and share knowledge. This year we are attending a number of events that will support the future of libraries. For example, this year there is program on Learner Center Design and on Library Buildings 2.0. For more information about the conference, LLAMA and LITA are good places to start. Their programs support the need for change.
In light of team building, the Chronical of Higher Education – Episode 51: Building Teams and Trust – describes a key to building a team is trust and concensus.
Team building means that you don’t always have consensus you have to build it. Indeed, a number of activities to support the discovery and structure for change is a vital part of our work. For example, the visual scan is a unique opportunity to build trust while your community is making an evalution of your library.
Green Library Design
Posted by acohen in Library Planning Research, Space Planning, work in progress on June 3rd, 2009
One major improvement in the way we think about library building design is GREEN TECHNOLOGY. It is very important to have a building that utilize energy efficiently. We have developed a number of green library buildings including KAUST, Fuller Theological Seminary, WestHampton Free Public Library and Public Library Branches @ LVCCLD; Centennial Hills and Compass Point.
Fortunately, Library Journal has been creating venues for architects and library planners to share their GREEN research. For example, the Arlington Public Library recently came out with a request for qualifications for the development of its library and district. The library planning team took advantage of the economy and have library architectural firms present their credentials. The result is a good link for librarians who wish their next building project will have a GREEN LIBRARY DESIGN.
Picture for Visual Scan
Posted by acohen in Library Planning Research, Space Planning on May 5th, 2009
