Any library that works well integrates function, usability, and attractiveness to varying degrees. These are important elements to consider in planning any change of library service. But in order to do so, to make a library / learning space that really works, whether in the public space, academic, special, the office or at home, it is necessary to understand how humans feel about the space.
Like our library building program, the specifications or plans for the library must always be kept up to date. Specifications are also service plans, marketing / communication plans and in the architectural world construction documents. It can be said that building, furniture and equipment are only as good as the specification.
In the recent article entitled “In the Land of Self-Defeat” we learned about the outcomes when not programming properly. What happens when a new public library building project results in a long term scar on the community library patrons and staff. We learned that people don’t value the library if they think their needs are not met – either by the process of building the new library or by the government project team that didn’t use experts who know how to listen and interpret to their needs. All learning communities are unique and they should be encouraged to grow from a seed to a tree.
People believe that tax dollars spent are wasteful when the vision and mission of the library project are not defined. They know when someone is being foolish, pushing an agenda rather than developing a building program for the community library. This is a list of service areas, which details all of the library functions and aspirations of the library staff. These functions detail the number of reader seats, desks, equipment, hubs and workstations. It outlines a long term strategy to serve the community, delivering benefits that are simple and straightforward. If service strategies are not created, people are just going to think “it is going to cost me money.”
Once a decision has been made to “do something” about a library – refurbishing, renovation or new building construction – the City manager, administrator, president or provost should set up guidelines that will help to make the project smooth running and successful. Contact Aaron Cohen Associates, LTD for More Info on how develop your next library.
