Week 3 Readings

     The Quiet Plug Crisis

Kelley, Michael

Kelley examines the problem of an increased demand for electricity and outlets in all kinds of libraries.  I could definitely understand this issue and recognize it everywhere.  It’s not just libraries that need more outlets.  In any room I enter, I immediately look for an outlet.  It’s not even conscious anymore. 

The library I worked at for a year had six branches.  All of them have been renovated to accommodate more outlets.  The downtown branch solved this by adding hidden outlets in floor panels.   This might be what Kelley’s article refers to as “raised floors”.  I’m not certain.  Patrons had a lot of trouble finding these, however.  I guess they were too well hidden.

A second, suburban branch remodeled their entire building to be eco friendly and energy efficient.  They have a great deal of solar energy, which might help solve the problem of energy.

I think the easiest way to solve this issue of electricity will be to adapt power sources, like our suburban branch did.  But for libraries with less funding, I’m not sure how they will address this.

  

Shifting Spaces
Kuzyk, Raya

Kuzyk’s article reviews panels that deal with the topic of space in libraries.  The first panel is about rural libraries, and how best to introduce “green ideas” and technology.  I was interested in the way that promotion of sustainability has to be adjusted to fit the community.  As a manager, you really have to put personal politics aside and promote according to area values.  Playing down the "green" aspect and highlighting the financial savings is a great way to push the same concept.

Another topic was changing technology,  refering to raised floors, community computer centers, and planning for the future.  Design elements like one or two stories, glass walls, sustainability, and atmosphere are all important when redesigning a facility.  Each library should be designed for the community it is placed in, but must also look towards the future.  I was again struck by the individual tailoring needed for each building to its location and patron base.  It made me want to see how the branches of my own library differ by location.

My reference professor last semester (Dr Day) also discussed how simple issues in the spaces can make a big difference.  Fixing a rug that people often trip on, and making sure signs are big enough that patrons can see them.

  

Section placement was also important.  What’s near the entryway and what is the teen section by  Is there noise control for the children’s area?  I connected this with the tour I took of the MCPL for Youth services last week.  The children’s librarian told us about the issues surrounding the children’s area and what they decided to put in the entryway.  The audiovisual materials were placed there to avoid blindspots, keep the librarians near the reference desk, and  economize space.  This decision has not been as popular for the patrons, who feel children should see books before videos and cds.  Such small decisions can have a huge impact!

     Managing and Planning Information Center Physical Facilities

     Evans G.E

The focus of this article is how to deal with spatial issues and upkeep.  Seemingly mall problems like ‘who will dust” can turn into safety hazards.  It also addresses how to create disaster plans and manage the construction of a new building.

At my former library, I remember having a restroom issue arise and having no idea who to call.  It wasn’t that there was no one to manage the problem, only that I was never trained to handle it.  Training for everyday issues as well as emergency plans is important.  I also recall that a tornado drill was performed and almost no one knew what to do.  I found the disaster instructions exceptionally convoluted, and rarely practiced.   For this reason I agree that staff should take time out for practice and preparation when possible.

Our suburban branch was being remodeled during the year I substituted, and in the interim we were moved to a mall-space.  Not only did this bring up enormous issues with shelving and storage, but patrons came to view the library in a  different way, and treated the staff more as salespeople.  When we finally moved back, about half the patrons wished we could stay at the mall.  I found it interesting that space could influence the same collection so 

drastically. 

A Whole Systems Approach

     Aldrich, R.

     This final article looked at Integrated Building design, in which the entire team collaborates from the beginning.  It seemed like an excellent idea, although could potentially lead to a much longer period of deliberation in the design process. Also, because it so  new (to the U.S.) there seem to be a lot of conflicts in how the hiring process must proceed.  The article also says it is difficult to find teams capable or experienced in this kind of group-work.  Quiet honestly, this article made me hope I never have the task of managing a new building project or remodeling.  It seems hopelessly complex.