Ditch the Distractions!

For all my 80's babies out there, detective shows were very popular in that big-hair decade.  One of my favorites was Magnum P.I.  For those of you who haven't had the viewing pleasure, it was a detective show set in Hawaii centered around Thomas Magnum and his friends Higgins, T.C. and Rick.  Higgins and Magnum were a constant thorn in each other's sides because Magnum lived on Higgin's (a.k.a. Robin Masters - if you know, you know) estate as a security advisor and was always getting into trouble while simultaneously driving Higgins mad. 

Often to get even with Magnum for one of his many irritations, Higgins would call his two large and loud Doberman Pinschers on him.  And as he would work desperately to pick whatever lock he was picking on that particular episode, he would chant to himself, "Work the lock.  Don't look at the dogs.  Work the lock, don't look at the dogs."  It still makes me giggle.

But what does this have to do with designing your next Library project?  Well technically nothing, but while I was putting together the notes for this post, that part of Magnum popped into my head.  Because what I want to cover this week is staying focused on your project and keeping your eye on the proverbial ball so that you don't get distracted by all the other voices coming at you while putting your space together.

If you're working with a private designer or you are working with me in my Off the Shelf Library Design Academy, you should consider these tips and reminders for keeping your focus on your project.  Because while there will be many people of different trades involved in getting your project completed, and yes they all matter, the two that will be invested in your building as a whole from start to finish are YOU and your designer. 

So here are a few tips to get you started:

• Develop a good working relationship with your designer and Library design team.  Remember, this team should be comprised of you and no more than two or three other people on your staff that know the ins and outs of how your new Library needs to run.
• Remember that the Library staff should always represent the Library users.  
• Constant communication is key.  Never be afraid to speak up and ask why you're doing something specific in your project.  It pays to stay in the game and know what's going on.
• Be sure your designer knows how your Library works on a day-to-day basis and from task to task.  No one can help you see your vision come to life if they don't know what you know.
• Ask for visuals if you're working with a designer.  It will help you see the bigger picture, but it will also help you to confirm that they see what you're explaining.  You want to be on the same page always.
• That being said, make sure you do your part by coming to the table with your vision fully realized and spelled out in detail.  The more you can share and the more accurate you are, the more likely you are to have a finished product you're truly satisfied with.

One frequent issue is the difference in the time it takes to put your final design in place and when you actually begin your project.  It is not uncommon at all to begin a project only for it to find it's grand opening day more than a year or two out.  Because of that, uses and plans you had for your Library in the beginning may not all be relevant two years later.

This is why you must do whatever it takes to try and see where the trends are going and how the needs of your Library may be evolving.  Ask yourself questions like, how are modern Libraries used?  What requirements are necessary now and what will be necessary for future use?  How does your Library function and what are some of the more modern Libraries doing?

Keep in mind that while it's important to make those plans, it's equally important to be able to adapt to necessary changes that come up as the design process is flowing.  I like to affectionately refer to this as "fly-by-the-seat-of-your-pants design".  It happens in all arenas of design; but especially Libraries. And that's because with modern technology, your initial needs may change before your design is complete.

The last topic I want to cover this week is Project Funding.  Such a necessary evil and the more you know, the more confident you'll feel.  So begin researching funding options in your area.  But in the meantime, here are some helpful starting points I've learned:

There are 2 Types:

1. Government
2. Non-government 

Government Funding:

As a public Library, being established as a government entity, is completely or at least partially funded by the government.  Processes vary from state to state of course, but for the most part, a good chunk of your funding will most likely come from your local government. Be aware that there are differences in operational needs funding and construction funding.  And new construction versus renovations can differ as well.

Non-Government Funding generally includes community funds, private corporations and professional associations.

Funding for European Libraries is handled differently still.  They are generally funded in two ways from what I've read:

1. "Individually through the structure of each country"
2. "collectively with the support of the European commission of joint endeavors"

Typically preliminary plans are made and a sort of international competition ensues and is used for fund raising.  Please note that my design base is in the US.  So if any one of our Library design friends from across the pond know more about this than I do (and I feel confident you do), PLEASE head on over to my DIY Library Design Facebook Group and enlighten us all on this further.  I am truly curious to know more!

In the US, a project typically begins with a needs assessment and cost projections.  This tells the design team how much money to apply for (grants, donors, loans, etc.) and what all the design will consist of.

Wrapping up funding, keep in mind that US school Libraries are often funded by federal grants like the Elementary and Secondary Education Act.  And Digital Libraries are warranting funding now in their own right.  So if you're working on a Digital Library, you may want to dive further into that because funding options are critical for this type of Library due to the high demand for multi-location internet-based material access.

In the meantime, know that "the continued development of the Library typology will most likely lead to new and unique resources for the funding of future Libraries."  And this is great news for future Library design projects.

Circling back to my original topic of staying focused, know your project and don't get overwhelmed by the multitude of distractions.  Because there is no shortage of those and you and your team will have to be vigilant in keeping your focus where it can do the most good.  Stay organized, know your facts, and remain true to your vision.  You can do this!  I can show you how.   

 Learn more and stay in touch by joining my DIY Library Design group on Facebook.  Ask me any questions you may have, comment on my recent email topic and learn all about my upcoming design courses.  But mostly, use the group to stay in touch and help me get to know you and your Library better!  I'm happy to help in any way that I can.  

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