What if you build it, and they keep coming and coming and coming?

Abstract

Purpose

To provide an overview of building use in Lied Library at UNLV from the Library's opening in 2001 through early 2004 and to provide and update on the implications of the ramifications of that use for staff and users.

Design/methodology/approach

Use and visitation statistics are highlighted and factors associated with the use, such as overall design, policy changes, new services and resources as well as campus context are presented.

Findings

The experiences at UNLV's Lied Library indicate that the concept of “library as place” still matters; that an awe‐inspiring and esthetically pleasing design can produce a very functional building and that still matters; that continually evolving user‐focused services still matter; and that, for the library to continue to matter in the lives of its users, it must continue to adapt to its campus context, to collaborate successfully with campus partners and to respond effectively to the constantly changing context of information delivery and knowledge promotion.

Practical implications

It is important that librarians working in new libraries take time to review the successes and possible unintended consequences or shortcomings that result from their building projects, to identify the toll that success may take, and to appreciate the value and necessity of continued evolution even in a new building.

Originality/value

The observations presented may prove useful to librarians preparing for and assessing post‐move‐in experiences in their new libraries. Practical tips on preparing for and handling national and international visitors are also provided and suggestions for future action are given.

Citation

Starkweather, W. and Marks, K. (2005), "What if you build it, and they keep coming and coming and coming?", Library Hi Tech, Vol. 23 No. 1, pp. 22-33. https://doi.org/10.1108/07378830510586676