Planning, Renovating, Expanding, and Constructing Library Facilities in Hospitals, Academic Medical Centers, and Health Organizations

Citation

Lindsay, M. (2007), "Planning, Renovating, Expanding, and Constructing Library Facilities in Hospitals, Academic Medical Centers, and Health Organizations", Library Review, Vol. 56 No. 9, pp. 828-829. https://doi.org/10.1108/00242530710831284

Thirteen case studies by librarians address issues such as: designing, renovating, and refurbishing existing library space; merging library collections, services, and staff; and constructing very costly library buildings. One person said: “The goals of library space planning were to identify what currently worked well, what needed to be done differently, what no longer needed to be done, what new work was to be performed, which spaces were needed to accomplish all of the library functions, and how these spaces were to be integrated”.

The library as a place was well recognized. It was argued that libraries will continue to provide group study spaces for individuals to engage in quiet pursuits, and spaces to provide training in the use of information resources. Users will demand spaces that are comfortable for thinking and working, conducive to long periods of screen use, with support systems and help in place and printers or high‐definition screens. Browsing will be an essential function of libraries. It was argued that spaces that work well over time are built around very fundamental human needs such as comfort, natural light, and good social ambiance. A rigidity of building space around particular technologies is to be avoided.

The most valuable aspect of these case studies is their honest account of lessons learned while moving or renovating libraries. Although the institution may think it is saving costs by using an office moving company, in the long run it is neither time nor cost‐effective if the staff has to do damage control at the other end. Office movers who are not prepared to move a library collection by chronological, alphabetical, or classification order require supervision. The need to request additional help is also recognized. One librarian concluded that a multitude of problems paled in comparison to dust control which was the single most costly and demoralizing problem of the entire renovation. There is a recognition that even a well‐planned move will not go perfectly, so that after the move, determine what is not working correctly, arrange to get it fixed and then have a welcome party.

A theme common to the case studies was the need for good communication. Involving staff and readers in the renovation process allowed troubleshooting to occur during the project rather than at its conclusion. Success resulted when library staff worked with a supportive administration, a generous budget, and architects who listened to them and understood their needs. In terms of library services, it was imperative that the library users did not feel abandoned. Having a Web site and having people aware of it are two different things.

Publicizing the Web site was a critical component for success. As well as posters and flyers distributed and posted throughout the hospitals, the library's website was promoted in the hospital newsletters, in an 18 month period. The team‐based approach included departmental staff, and students in the decision‐making process throughout the project, and gave them a sense of ownership and pride for the “new” library. Involving staff and users proved to be invaluable in completing a project that truly met the needs of the library's users. The most important ingredients for success were defined as: “Flexibility, vision and never losing sight of the end goal because although you may not be creating a whole new universe, this challenge comes pretty close”.

Because the case studies are based on practical experience, this handbook should be available for every librarian planning a move or renovation. There are also useful appendices on planning steps, guidelines for packing time lines, floor plans, photographs, and bibliographies.