12 Clues Your Library Needs Help
Dec 08, 2021
If you're not sure whether or not your Library needs some serious changes, skim through my list I've put together to see just where your Library stands.
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Top 12 Clues Your Library Needs Help
#12 Carpet is worn and irreparably stained. If you can't get that carpet cleaned ANYMORE and there are wear holes throughout, it may be time for a little help.
#11 Chips, dings and scuffs in the millwork. Take a look at your circ desks, info desks and all other standing millwork like your work room cabinets and even restrooms. If they are chipped and scuffed, they need some work.
#10 Restrooms feel dark and dingy. Your restrooms should be well-lit and clean. If they feel anything but, then something is off.
#9 Lighting is discolored in multiple areas. Speaking of dark and dingy, your lighting should be consistent throughout your Library. If you can visibly see color differences in your fixtures, you need to either do a light bulb overhaul or start looking at new fixtures.
#8 Wallcoverings are peeling. If you have wallcoverings or other wall details and they aren't holding up anymore, they need to be replaced.
#7 Furniture is mismatched. Your furniture should feel complete and a part of the overall design. If you've had to add a piece here and there, over time it can become a visual nightmare and give more of a disorganized appearance.
#6 Workspaces are inefficient. These spaces are critical. If you're always on an endless search for the right amount of space or use of space for your tasks, something has gone wrong.
#5 It feels like you're busting at the seams with clutter. Another strong indicator that your space isn't working anymore is if all your nooks and crannies are full of papers, books, materials, keys, programming materials, and the list goes on. Organization is key. If you've lost that, you need help.
#4 Furniture does not operate like it used to. Table legs are wobbly, power boxes in seats aren't connecting, tablet arms have all been removed because too many people have used them as a seat for the very last time. Let's face it, your furniture has seen better days.
#3 The overall appearance feels dated. This one is pretty easy to spot. You can generally just walk in and know that your space feels tired and in need of a change.
#2 Your Library has lost it's identity. Your Design Concept should be the one given that you always come back to when updating anything in your Library. If you've made so many changes over the years that you can no longer identify your Design Concept, or you never had one in the first place, it's time for some serious changes.
#1 Patrons aren't as excited as they used to be. Let's be honest, if the patrons aren't happy, no one's happy! If they're just going through the motions, and especially if your numbers have gone down, now is when you need to change things up, get engaged in the design process and learn what the next steps are for getting your Library back on track.
If you've read this list and most if not all applies to you, it's time to explore your design options. Join me for one of my upcoming live design webinars and I can show you exactly how to get started and how to do it on a budget. Click one of the links in this blog post to sign up today!
