Tuesday, July 15, 2008

User-Centered Library Spaces

This is a topic that I have been interested in for a while. The library I work in (Lied Library at UNLV) opened in 2001, and we have come to see a need for more flexible spaces. In Spring 2007 I compiled a list of library web sites and Flickr images that might be helpful as we consider our needs for new furnishings, new walls, etc. Our Director of Public Services (now Director of User Services) used many of my links & images in a presentation to all library staff in July 2007. I will post the links later, and ask if I can post her PPT slides as well.

For my University of North Texas course SLIS 5630, I will be profiling the recent and ongoing changes at the Robert E Kennedy Library at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo.

5 comments:

rednecklibrarian007 said...

Michelle, congratulations on having your ideas incorporated into the planning process. I would definitely like to see the work. You could also post in the SLIS discussion area if that's easier. I look forward more details.

Patrick said...

I looked at the Kennedy Library website and they have a link to a great article that discusses the renovation. They will evidently have a 24 hour study area, something that seems like a great idea. I recently heard a student at UNLV complaining that "real" universities have a 24 hour library area. It seems like Vegas would be the perfect place for that...everything else is available 24 hours. However, that may be the reason why we don't - too much competition! Evidently, UNLV tried it once, but did not have enough usage to warrant the cost.


Here's the article from the site:
http://media.www.mustangdaily.net/media/storage/paper860/news/2008/07/17/News/Library.Becomes.More.StudyFriendly-3391914.shtml

Michelle Hawkins-Thiel said...

Hi Patrick,
Thanks for the comment. Unfortunately your link didn't come through. But from what I can tell, they already have a 24 hour study room that's very popular, and they are planning to expand it. See their Flickr images at http://flickr.com/photos/kennedylibrary/2699870738/in/set-72157606355984257/

Dillon said...

Excellant and extensive post full of good info. Thanks for the effort.

Elizabeth White said...

Great post, great info, and great visuals. Thank you for providing so much information on the Robert E Kennedy Library; I really enjoyed reading about (and seeing)the process and outcome of participatory co-design in establishing a truly user-centered library.

Another library on my list to visit...