How to Design Your Dream Library - Part 2

Last week I started a design series on designing your dream Library.  We covered defining your style that focused on knowing whether your design style is contemporary, traditional or transitional.  We also covered how your Library functions and knowing your budgetary limitations.

This week I want to take it a step further and cover three new points.  These are more about how your space functions within your community and how to maximize those parameters to make your Library tremendously adaptable and functional.  So let's start with location.

KNOW YOUR LOCATION

It is so important to really absorb what your surroundings are like.  This can positively effect your Library design in so many ways.  And if you have the opportunity to and will take advantage of the buildings and surrounding landscaping, you can create a very unified and communal feeling for your space.  If that's possible, I highly recommend you tap into it.  So:

1.)  Examine your surroundings and know what types of buildings are around you.  If they're a part of grand scheme or you can tell there's been some thoughtful programming invested in that part of your community, see if you can use elements of those designs in your own new design.  This doesn't mean you have to replicate other designs, but by adding some of those other characteristics and then putting your own spin on it, you will find you've created a harmony and individuality all in one.

2.)  Know what kind of community you live in.  This is especially important so you can nurture that community well.  But we'll cover that further in the next section.

In the meantime, if you haven't done so already, I'm putting together a free Library design course in the coming months and would like for you to give me your input on which of the two you would prefer to learn more about.  I would be so grateful if you would take 2 minutes of your time to complete the poll in the link below:

Library Design Course Poll - Take it here!

KNOW YOUR PATRONS

My second point is to know your patrons.  Ask yourselves these questions when designing your Library:

1.)  Who are they?  What makes them tick?  Why are they visiting the local Library?

2.)  What are their needs?  Are you able to provide the spaces they require to achieve their goals?  Reading, research, study spaces?  

3.)  What are their likes and dislikes?  And if you're not sure, then ask them.  Put out a survey or just chat with them when a conversation begins between you and a patron.

Answering these questions and more like them can assist you in creating a highly-productive interior space for everyone.

KNOW YOUR  STAFF

Your staff are typically the glue that holds it all together.  When we interview Library clients for new projects, we go in depth with the director and staff to discover what they feel makes their space flow well and also what seems to be holding them back.  Some questions we visit are:

1.)  What are they missing that could help them do their jobs better?  What additions would make their jobs more efficient and effective?  This can be furniture, designated work spaces, equipment, etc.  If they haven't already heralded their needs from the rooftops, trust me, they've discussed them internally and have opinions on this.  You can always ask and get responses but let them know up front that there may or may not be room in the budget for some of the items so that they aren't expecting any changes you may not be able to make.

2.)  What things do they currently have that are not useful to them; maybe these things even prevent them from doing their job efficiently.  Again, if you'll ask around, I'm sure they'll enlighten you, assuming you're not already aware.

You work hard to keep your Library running smoothly.  If you could start from scratch, I'm sure there are a myriad of changes you would make.  And knowing you can only do so much is a realistic way to approach Library design.  But doing all the exercises and putting the necessary time in will help in a big way.