My first post and my first entry into the "Library Day in the Life" of project.
Unusually, this Monday was pretty slow-paced. Only one meeting on my calendar and no desk/chat time. While my morning was filled with the typical email shuffle and response, I also spent some time working on some webpages for the library and updating some database content. My afternoon, however, proved much more exciting and, dare I say, left me feeling like we are on the road to something pretty great... but more on that later.
I learned during Midwinter that my library is not the only one in the midst of redesigning spaces and rethinking service models all while working with limited resources for funding and staffing. I haven't been living under a rock, so I know that there are many businesses and services, library's included, that have been suffering (A LOT) the past few years. But I guess I was surprised at how many libraries are tackling the seemingly daunting tasks of rearranging their services and revamping their buildings in order to survive this current economic climate. It seems they need to prove to others, now more than ever that they are still relevant, important and worthy and that the services and people in them are commodities.
It was standing-room-only (even after 2 deliveries of extra seating) at the ACRL Heads of Public Services Discussion Group's meeting on Changing Public Service Models. It was a great "discussion" in that people just opened up and shared their attempts at thwarting desk closures and slashed budgets with things like:
- more one on one, individualized and specialized service to their students and faculty;
- more emphasis on programing events in library spaces;
- responding to student demands/requests and providing them with on-demand services, book retrievals, and textbooks.
There's been a lot of talk on user experience lately and I think this is definitely one way to approach it.
Now back to that "something pretty great..." We are attempting similar tactics as those voiced in the Discussion Group. We are just beginning a 3-year plan of an Information/Learning/Knowledge Commons redesign. We've teamed with other units on campus who will be providing services in that space and with a group of interior design students who will help us with the final design. Site visits to Georgia and North Carolina are in the works, as are student and faculty focus groups. I've also decided to do some student observation to survey the way that students are using our various spaces now (yes, I will be that creepy lady in the corner). Ultimately, I think we have the opportunity to create something really usable and fresh that truly highlights the services and resources that we already have. I think everyone's heard those late-night finance infomercials touting that "Utilizing the assets you have is the key to increasing your overall worth" and I think those words are more true now than ever before...
