The first challenge for any Library Master Plan is changing the perception that it’s purely a space planning project. Yes, libraries are furniture and equipment intensive facilities. The interior design elements include flexible and hardwired furniture, equipment, people and material traffic patterns, workflow, lighting, acoustics and even color. The Library Master Plan studies each functional element and outlines solutions to improve the user learning environment.
According to Humphrey Osmond, the design of a space impacts human interaction. Spaces can affect the ways we percieve the environment – is it a collaborative space or a space for individual focused work? Should it be square or round? – sociofugal or sociopetal space?
We have found that a Library Master Plan can remedy any issues associated with the shape of the space and the user behavior needs. We provide a Master Planning process the uncovers the 5 modes of learning into programmable elements.
Most Library Master Plans include a service plan, condition survey and library program. It includes space planning workshops and discussions about learning resources and user behavior. We think of the library master plan as a much broader effort, opening up staff to new ideas. We ask questions that help us understand the user needs and the wider audience.
Historically, Library Master Planning provided educators, college presidents and city managers with divergent thinking about the future. The reports outlined the library’s vision statement and future service plan. It focused on the types of spaces for the local and wider community.
Master Planning will develop alternative visions or scenarios, but its not just about space. This is a method that can be used to develop a digital asset management system. You can use our process for divergent thinking, enabling information services and marketing staff to form new social media solutions and digital collaboration services. During our Master Planning Workshops, designed around collaboration, we share multiple scenarios or options to determine the future.
During the Master Planning study we analyze the library’s digital platform as well as their physical ones – i.e. how does the web site function? what is the brand? what is the social media plan? does the work space affect staff productivity? how does the library support digital operations and automation?
Libraries equipped with a digital asset management system or knowledge platform also need a Master Plan. Our methodology can be used to set up a digital office where sociofugal and sociopetal automation are integrated into the business. Whatever the label, developing the vision and goals will help your library succeed. The Library Master will determine the conditions of the library, build visions for its future and program a doable plan to follow for the next 0-18 mohts, 1-3 years, 5 – 10 years.
Start to integrate new information and ideas from different sources and apply these techniques with a Library Master Plan.
