{"id":8960,"date":"2026-04-08T10:52:00","date_gmt":"2026-04-08T14:52:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.acohen.com\/blog\/?p=8960"},"modified":"2026-04-08T10:53:46","modified_gmt":"2026-04-08T14:53:46","slug":"design-the-library-for-how-people-actually-behave-not-how-you-think-they-behave","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.acohen.com\/blog\/design-the-library-for-how-people-actually-behave-not-how-you-think-they-behave\/","title":{"rendered":"Design the library for how people actually behave, not how you think they behave."},"content":{"rendered":"

Embrace a User-Centered Approach<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Design the library space for how people actually behave, not how you think they should behave. This means incorporating principles of accessibility and universal design into your library space plan.\u00a0 Ensure that quiet study areas, collaborative zones, technology hubs, and flexible spaces can accommodate diverse learning styles with improved seating and lighting. Every user wants a comfortable space.\u00a0 If they are a graduate researcher, an undergraduate cramming for finals, or a faculty member preparing a lecture they need a space that serves their needs. This is the most important issue with libraries.\u00a0 They need more diverse comfortable seating spaces.<\/p>\n

Six Steps for Change<\/h2>\n

The modernization of libraries will require new efforts, difficult decisions, and genuine collaboration among people with different perspectives and interests. Indeed, the work is worth it. Libraries that are thoughtfully planned, leverage user-centered in design, and build flexible spaces are anchors for literacy.\u00a0 They are places where students develop as thinkers, researchers discover new knowledge, and communities gather around shared intellectual purpose.<\/p>\n

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  1. Begin with listening.<\/li>\n
  2. Build your case on data.<\/li>\n
  3. Engage stakeholders authentically.<\/li>\n
  4. Design for how people actually work and learn.<\/li>\n
  5. Plan for change.<\/li>\n
  6. Modernize the library for the learners and researchers it serves.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    Design the library space for how people actually behave, not how you think they should behave.<\/strong><\/p>\n

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    Prioritize Flexibility and Adaptability<\/strong><\/h2>\n

    The future is uncertain so you need to think of your library as dynamic. Your library must be designed to evolve and change. This means incorporating movable ideas: furniture, modular walls, and open floor plans.\u00a0 These are plans that define how a space can be reconfigured without major renovation.<\/p>\n

    One area to start with is the infrastructure.\u00a0 This is the electrical, network, HVAC systems.\u00a0 Old buildings from the 1960’s to 80’s were not planned with future technological change in mind. Today, library spaces are designed for one purpose.\u00a0 Tomorrow, we need to design spaces that can become another without structural upheaval.<\/p>\n

    Flexible Concepts<\/h2>\n

    The flexible library design is one possible answer. It includes designs that enhance human experience, acknowledging that the location of need is no longer fixed.\u00a0 It can be a computer, wi-fi, a video call or a good book.<\/p>\n