Libraries need to change with the times. Being able to design a new or renovate a library does not happen often. More likely we have to adapt our physical building to our changing role in our community. The way a library effectively functioned pre Internet is completely different to todays collaborative environment. I just finished watching the College of DuPage’s latest teleconference — the subject of this session was trends in library buildings. I have always been fascinated physical arrangement of libraries and how it impacts on its functions. The teleconference gave lots of food for thought and will be archived and available soon.
Reference Desks is one area that definitely could use some improvement. Yesterday, at the Public Services and Reference Managers Exchange, Deb Salmond of the York County Library (Rock Hill, SC) described their new reference workstations that are scattered in the nonfiction, reference areas. The workstations have large signs with the words “JUST ASK ME”. Each station (there are three) has a small desk with computer printer, chair (for librarian) and chair for person asking the question. Wow, so simple and so effective. The best part of the plan is that everyone knows what “JUST ASK ME” means!! Deb is finding that there they have more business than ever before and staffing has had minimal changes.
Later, I was looking at one of my favorite blogs Logic+Emotion. David Armano blogged about another blog (how many blogs can you have in one sentence) on changing furniture to meet today’s needs. Take a look. It does not have to cost a lot of money to make your environment more inviting –
