How to get the most from your Library Design Audit
May 23, 2023
Last week I released a new product - the Library Design Audit. This tool is designed to help Library professionals who are in need of a Library update but aren't quite sure how to get started. As a quick overview, this is a 3-part system consisting of a 1 hour zoom call with me to discuss your Library and what you would like to see take place with it in the near future. Once we've talked about your vision, goals and ideas, we close the call and I put together a full Library Design Audit Report that spells out a detailed path to achieving your goals. This is followed by another zoom call to review the report and discuss exactly how you can move forward.
This week I want to talk about how you can get the most out of this entire exercise and take full advantage of our time together so you can see the path forward and begin taking the necessary steps. The following is a comprehensive list of what I believe can help you to do just that:
CLEAR YOUR SCHEDULE
When we have our first zoom call, I want to make sure you have no other distractions. So you'll want to clear enough time to be able to stay focused and cover all the material you wish to discuss.
TAKE GOOD NOTES
Before we even meet, I want you to sit down and get all your thoughts and ideas on paper. Compile that list of everything you wish could be changed, what you like, what kind of budget you're dealing with. Write it all down. But mostly, make sure it's well organized so we can get the most out of our time together. The more thorough information I can get from you, the more clear your path for moving forward.
KNOW YOUR PURPOSE
For most of you, your patrons, community and staff are your driving force for a better Library. It's important to keep them in mind when having discussions about how you want your Library to grow. It's a little like the "keep your eye on the ball" metaphor. If you have a single purpose in mind as we talk and as you formulate your notes, you'll get a more fluid design plan.
CHOOSE THE RIGHT TIME SLOT
Make sure you sign up for a time slot that is most convenient for you. Choose a time that won't have you scrambling for focus. If you think best and communicate best in the mornings, make sure you pick a morning time. If you're head is more clear after a good lunch, sign up for an afternoon slot. Picking a time that works best for you will help you feel focused and confident.
BRING A FRIEND
This one is the one I think most people will overlook. But I want you to get the most out of your session and more importantly, I want to understand your Library very clearly. The best way for that to happen is to hear from your team. So I highly encourage you to bring someone (one or two at most) with you to our meetings so we can all brainstorm together. Bringing someone you trust from your team that is very aware of how things operate in your Library will help to paint a super clear picture of where you need to be.
FINAL THOUGHTS
What I need most from you to be able to help you take the next steps with your Library is a full understanding of your needs, desires and expectations. Information is key, so the more you can provide, the better. But keep good notes before and during the meeting so we can stay organized and focused. I can help you move forward. But it will take both of us to help you reach your goals.
