8 Steps to Defining New Spaces in Your Library

Have you ever looked at your existing Library and wondered if you could carve out a space for another use somewhere in your building?  The needs of your Libraries are changing all the time.  New programs and growing communities pose a constant need for change in your Libraries.  And budgets don't always lend themselves to meet those ever-growing needs.

So how can you carve out those little spaces without blowing your budget?  What steps are necessary to define new spaces in your Library?  Here are 8 steps I've put together based on my experience that will hopefully help you get started.

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STEP 1 - DECIDE WHAT IT IS YOU NEED

The first and most obvious step is to know what you need.  I imagine you already have this one worked out.  Because why ask for more trouble than you need.  And let's face it, trying to carve out new space in an already tight bit of square footage is no one's dream problem.  On that note, you've probably been more than aware for some time now of a specific area you're lacking in but you're just not sure how to get started.  

Maybe you need a simple cozy reading nook in the adults section.  Or what about a technology area with computers and room for other tech in a more open and well-seen area of your Library?  A lot of you ask me about carving out special areas for your teens which is a fantastic idea because it will not only increase your patron activity but most likely lead to long-term adult patrons in the near future as your teens grow up and realize what all your Library has to offer them, well into adulthood.

Any way you look at it, go ahead and identify what space you're interested in accumulating and start working on those lists (I cover this in more detail HERE in one of my previous blog posts).

STEP 2 - DECIDE HOW MUCH SPACE YOU NEED

This step is all about square footage.  Once you've compiled and fine tuned your lists, you should have a pretty good idea about how much space you need.  You'll most likely need to keep this at a minimum since you're probably working with minimal square footage as it is.  In most cases, if you're gaining space in one area, you're losing space in another . . . for the most part.  We'll cover more on that further down the page.

So know what your minimum is but also have a median number as well as a maximum number just in case you do some purging and realize you're better off than you previously thought.  You can always create three different space plans for that area and then trim or add what you need.  Keep in mind, it's usually easier to trim away than to add.

STEP 3 - PICK THE RIGHT SPOT

Now you have the daunting task of deciding where this new space should go.  Keep in mind the new area's relation to it's surrounding spaces.  For example, that adult reading nook should probably be near the adults, right?  And the computer tech area would most likely be best suited near a more open area with easy access to a resource desk in case someone using the computers is in need of extra tech assistance.  And a natural choice for teens may be just off the youth area, away from the smaller children, but sort of near the tweens to act as a natural ascension as children get older.  It wouldn't hurt to keep that area easy to see and as few little privacy nooks as is possible.

STEP 4 - ELIMINATE THINGS YOU DON'T NEED

This goes back to what I referenced in Step #2.  As I said before, you want to make sure you're optimizing the space you need but don't discount the idea of weeding out materials you've been meaning to purge for months, possibly even years now.  This can help you to discover any available space you didn't even know you had.  Even if you manage to cut down your area by an entire stack, that would free up a nice amount of space!

STEP 5 - CONSIDER PROGRAMS AND NECESSARY FURNISHINGS

When deciding what space you want to use and which areas are most beneficial for your new task, think about the programs you would like to be able to offer if that applies.  Also consider the types of furniture you may want to use, the quantities you need, their respective sizes and of course where you might obtain said furniture.

Is this something you already have or can you afford to buy new?  Will the new furniture require electrical access and if so, keep in mind that this will dictate which is the best location in your Library best suited for your new task.  Furniture takes up a lot of space, so know what you need before you decide for sure about making that change.

STEP 6 - CONSIDER LINES OF SIGHT

We've sort of covered this one above, but make sure the new area you're creating works sufficiently with the visibility factor in your Library.  If that area needs constant monitoring for whatever reason, make sure you're not tucking that new space away into a corner that's difficult to see.  This one is pretty simple, so I won't bore you with excessive verbiage.  Mostly this is just a quick reminder.

STEP 7 - THINK ABOUT BUDGET

Naturally some of these changes may cost a bit of money.  For the most part you shouldn't have to scrounge up any extra funds unless you're purchasing furniture or technology, but know what you need before you decide to make your space transition.  This will help you decide if your new space is even an option.

STEP 8 - TAKE ACTION!

The final step is to just get it done!  Once you've made all the decisions and weighed and measured the feasibility of this change, don't waste time.  Get it done!  If you've put this much thought into it so far, it will most likely be a very welcome addition to your Library and your patrons will be eager to see it get it's start.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Your Library is always evolving.  Most of us naturally evaluate our spaces anyway and are constantly thinking of ways to rearrange and improve them.  The key is to know how to take the necessary steps to making those changes.  But most importantly, the best thing you can do is to take action.  Think about it, but don't over think it.  You are perfectly capable!