Posts Tagged LIBRARY DESIGN
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.
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.