Resurrecting the Elihu Burritt Library: The Challenges and Opportunities of Rehabbing Library Space
-
Upload
debbie-herman -
Category
Education
-
view
407 -
download
0
description
Transcript of Resurrecting the Elihu Burritt Library: The Challenges and Opportunities of Rehabbing Library Space
Resurrecting Elihu Burritt Library
The Challenges and Opportunities of Rehabbing Library Space
Carl Antonucci & Debbie Herman
The Old…
70s
Monta
ge
Photograph by Edward J. Schullery, early 1970s
Mission circa 2004 “The mission of the
Elihu Burritt Library is to provide quality
information services and collections in
support of the University's educational
goals and, in so doing, meet the information
needs of a premier Northeastern regional
university.”
Old Strategic Goals 1. To provide and promote excellent and innovative library services, and
improve methods in assisting library users in accessing appropriate informational resources.
2. To provide digital services and collections and the infrastructure to support on and off campus users and to become a major resource for digital resources that support the curriculum.
3. To develop and maintain library collections according to well defined plans and policies.
4. To expand and expedite convenient access to these collections through efficient processing and organization of materials.
5. To continue to evaluate organization structure and operations to manage human resources effectively.
6. To utilize space resources effectively while ensuring proper maintenance, service and use of existing equipment, furnishings and facilities as well as ensure safety and security for library occupants and materials.
In other words… We buy stuff and we hope you will use it!
Epic Challenges! •Anti-student policies
•Unwelcoming!
•Outdated and worn out furnishings
•Shortage of amenities students actually need
•Poor and unfriendly signage
But
What
Are
They R
eall
y T
hin
kin
g?
Warren William in The Mind Reader, 1933
The New!
Mission 2011 “The Elihu Burritt Library at
Central Connecticut State University satisfies the 21st century learning and research needs of its
community of learners by facilitating knowledge creation
and inspiring intellectual curiosity and lifelong learning.”
Vision Statement 2011
In 2015, the Elihu Burritt Library will, for the
campus community, be: •An information laboratory for knowledge discovery, creation, sharing, and curation. •Thoroughly integrated into the fabric of the University through innovative collaborations with teaching faculty, information technology, academic support services, and the community. •A public commons equipped with flexible learning spaces for group interaction, educational programming, and individual pursuits. •A catalyst for developing the habits of mind that enable critical thinking and the ethical use of information to support student academic excellence and lifelong learning.
Community Input Student Focus Group – Spring 2011
oComputers oOutlets for laptops and space to work with your own laptop oCubicles for private, quiet studying
Not enough…
Recommendations:
Study area that is open 24 hours.
Change policy for reserving study rooms
Walls and decor should have brighter colors
Room where you can talk without being hushed
More quiet study/Peaceful atmosphere
Bathrooms on all floors
White boards/Computers in group study areas
Community Input Faculty Focus Group – Spring 2011
Recommendations:
Fewer drab colors and more inviting atmosphere.
Performance space for lectures, etc./Classroom space
Bathrooms on every floor
Access to complimentary services (i.e. research & writing combined with technical help)
More one-on-one assistance for students doing research
Small child care drop off facility for students and parents who are in need of study time
Make reference and research services less intimidating
Engaging Students
My Dream Library Contest
Spring 2011
http://library.ccsu.edu/contest
Our New Space!
Understanding Community Needs
Survey Respondents (n = 275)
Undergrads
Grad Students
Faculty/Staff
Guests
Understanding Community Needs
Class Assignment 177 (42%)
Research 179 (64%)
Study 65 (23%)
Meet People 19 (7%)
Use the Internet 37 (13%)
Check out, Renew or Return Books 56 (20%)
Other Answers Given: Jazzman’s and Printing
Community Survey – Fall 2011
What brought you to the library or website today?
Community Input
Community Survey – Fall 2011
What services would you like the library to offer?
• 34% want recreational (fun) reading and/or DVD collection
• 40% want textbooks on reserve
• 30% want to check out iPads, e-readers, and video cameras
• 32% want the availability of other student services such as IT, Writing & Career Center in the library
• 37% want to have presentation practice space
• Other responses: childcare, more events & lectures
Tips for Getting Through a Renovation
• Sometimes you get what you get, so don’t be upset!
• You will have to sell change to some staff members
• Have a good relationship with the administration and staff from campus facilities
• Pick your battles
• Attend as many weekly meetings with the builders and architects as your schedule allows
• Don’t be a pest
• At times you have to live with some noise and fumes and the disruption of your daily routine
Challenges •You have to realize that many staff members are very adverse to change •It is hard to come into a renovation process that has already been started •Working in a public institution limits ability to choose furniture, carpeting and fixtures because of the bid process •No matter how the project turns out you are always going to have staff who are not satisfied •It is hard to transform space and the way a library operates at the same time
The 2nd Floor: A Blank Canvas
How we imagined they’d use the space…
How They Actually Use the Space!
The Payoff
Presentation slides: http://www.slideshare.net/hermand