“It's ideally suited for that purpose, so we won't be using it that way”

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine possible reasons behind apparent absurdities in the library.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper looks at a renovation project at Daniel Library, Charleston, South Carolina and the problems encountered because of its previous history.

Findings

The paper finds that some changes are unavoidable as cost‐saving measures; some might be due to the sort of person who enters library work.

Research limitations/implications

The paper highlights personality types in library work and the history of library security systems.

Practical implications

The paper reveals that not all planning decisions are as stupid as they look.

Originality/value

The paper encourages readers to think about why they make the decisions they do.

Citation

Steele, K. (2010), "“It's ideally suited for that purpose, so we won't be using it that way”", The Bottom Line, Vol. 23 No. 2, pp. 57-59. https://doi.org/10.1108/08880451011073527