PLA Blog

Before I begin my post on The Complex Edifice I’d like to briefly introduce myself.  My name is Beth and I am the Public Affairs Officer at the Detroit Public Library.  I work with administration on system-wide projects and community outreach.
William Sannwald presented a great pre-conference on building library buildings.  He provided excellent information about determining if a building project is needed, the process of building a library, managing the project and working with architects and designers.  While too much information was presented to post here there were a few ideas that sparked my interest.

One constant theme was integrating current technology and preparing for the technology of the future.  Many libraries struggle with adding technology to libraries built 20, 50, and even 70 years ago, including many of the libraries in my system in Detroit.  Libraries can be built to hide wires under floors and in walls but are they being built to prepare for the wireless world?  Will plugs be needed in the future or will power become wireless too.  Joe Agati, of Agati Furniture brought up this idea in terms of furniture.  While plugs imbedded in tables and desks are helpful for today’s users will they become unnecessary in 20 years?

Collaborative spaces are a newer focus in library design.  For many users flexible spaces add great value to the library.  Flexible spaces with moveable furniture and large computer tables meant for groups are moving the library away from the traditional model of quiet, solitary study and embracing new work styles.  This strikes me as particularly important for academic libraries and libraries with large teen populations.

Finally, the idea of library as place ran throughout the workshop.  Building inviting, friendly spaces is a key to a successful building project.  William made the point that the library knows a building project was successful if the building is well used and loved by the community a year later.

Tags: ALAMidwinter2007, PLA Blog

This entry was posted on Friday, January 19th, 2007 at 8:43 pm and is filed under PLA Blog. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.