As previously posted, the Sterling C. Evans library has renovated to create more user centered spaces. Thank you to those of you that have commented. I agree there is great potential in the living room-like setting. I bet those are popular. The extra outlets are a direct answer to user needs as there are never enough of those in any library I have visited recently.
I personally like the idea of the collaborative spaces near the librarian desks. I could see this for long research days needing a lot of library help or even as a handy place to keep busy while you wait for a librarian's attention. What do you like most about this renovation?
Cristin
I think my favorite part about the renovation would be the use of natural light. I think that is not only a great way to make the building more environmentally conscience, but can help them save money with electricity costs.
ReplyDeleteI love that libraries are more and more often going green. Many are even going full scale and trying to get their LEED's certification. It is great to see the library community spearhead the green movement which others will hopefully take as an example for their own businesses.
ReplyDeleteI think the pagers for room reservations are the most striking addition. That's the kind of service that may do more for advertisement than actual function. When you go to restaurants and they give you a pager, it makes the visit feel like an event. Also, kids can have fun with it. One would imagine, however, that there are additional logistical concerns whenever you pass things out to people.
ReplyDeleteI like the idea of a more living room environment. It allows patrons to be more relaxed in their study's and collaborations. The natural lights not only bring a more relax feel as well, but also help save on energy for the library itself. If one can cut cost by making something more beautiful, then there is no question of a win-win situation.
ReplyDeleteI do like the location of the librarian's desk. We keep trying to figure out the right place for a reference desk (our users seem to actually want the old-school reference desk). They have a design that looks in keeping with the rest of their design and philosophy--if the library has a living room feel to it, it looks like the librarian is always near the end tables, which must certainly help pull reluctant users to the desk.
ReplyDeleteI particularly enjoyed reading about a Texas university user's spaces. I might never actually see in person a library in California or Taiwan, butodds are, I might actually use a Texas-based academic library.
ReplyDeleteGreat comments, and great posts, Cristin! I'm glad you chose this library - A&M does some splendid user centered innovations!
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