More and more libraries are innovating to keep some of their customers....and sometimes innovation is through renovation. One such example is Binghamton University Science Library. This library was going out of date in its technology and computing infrastructure, as well as spaces used by students. This changed when the Director of Libraries was able to get the money earmarked for this computer space renovation by bringing more computers into the library and building the Information Commons. Though this was not part of Library Strategic Planning, it was well known that students needed more public computers in the library.
For example, newer skylights were put and student work areas have been updated.
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I do like the skylight, natural light is always best, but the chairs do not look very comfortable. I find it amazing that a strategic plan had not been created for the library even though the defeciencies were well known. You can create plans even when money is not apparent.
ReplyDeleteThe natural lighting is great- full of positive energy. What a let down for the Booth library when the 1st renovations were terrible. I suppose that happens more than we'd like to think, but maybe less so today. That would be interesting to research: how many terrible library renovations there have been! Laura
ReplyDeleteThe skylight and the work areas look great. When I hear about renovations to brighten places with natural lighting I'm always reminded of the scene in the Tom Hank's movie Joe vs. the Volcano. The scene where his office is in the basement and he has only one fluorescent light that keeps flicking. The room has dull dreary cinder block walls. If a place is made comfortable and conducive then people tend to be happier and more productive.
ReplyDeleteComment on the environment. Keep the temperature cold and the furniture firm. Cold and hard makes one alert; warm and soft is nap time.
ReplyDelete---Robin Robinson
It is no longer possible simply to bring in more computers in older libraries whose computing infrastructure does not support new technology. Renovations for both computers and light sources have resulted in the information commons that seem so prevalent now.
ReplyDeleteWhat Linda says is very insightful. No doubt that our libraries have this issue to thank (or blame, some might say) for justifying the full-scale renovations that are being undertaken in so many academic and STEM libraries.
ReplyDeleteIn this case, it sounds like a more user-friendly space overall.
How wonderful that they were actually willing to admit and do something about mistakes made in the design. The pictures are interesting and show the stark difference between the libraries I grew up with-dark and quiet-to the new open well lit spaces encouraging interaction.
ReplyDeleteRenovation in 1968! Sounds like my hometown. I bet I would like to see the Booth Library's atrium. I like the idea of adding "computing equipment" which I assume is new furniture.
ReplyDeleteIt is frustrating to use chairs, tables, counters, rooms, electrical plugs, and so forth that were designed for the 1960s when nobody knew what a computer was.
Charlie Dean