When a new patron approaches a library for the first time, what they see will often shape their entire impression of the establishment. It doesn’t matter how good the service is, or how well-developed the collection might be, if the building’s interior and exterior are unpleasant, unwelcoming, confusing, or even just downright ugly, that potential patron might just walk away. At the very least, they will have a negative first impression and be reluctant to use that library and its resources.
How to do it right:
The Laramie County Library System (LCLS) in Cheyenne, Wyoming, the Library Journal Library of the Year in 2008, is a great example of how to utilize environmental organizational theory. One patron stated, “Our old library was what you might expect of a mid-size Western town; cramped, a little dingy...serviceable.” (Berry). I doubt it is the goal of many organizations to be described as “serviceable.” So, when it came time to rebuild, Laramie County decided to upgrade. Led by architect AndersonMasonDale, the LCLS built a new central facility that was visually appealing on the inside and out, and was also environmentally friendly. They wanted to use the urban feeling of Cheyenne, but still reflect the wide-open landscape of the state. To do this, they used modern technology and design, but made sure the inside of the building was open, bright, and un-cramped.
The building itself is very welcoming. It is quite large but not plain, and it has many windows. The designers made sure to provide landscaping around the building, which also makes it feel more welcoming. Once inside, patrons are greeted with bright, but not overpowering colors, many of which reflect the general outdoorsy tone of Wyoming. The information desks are clearly marked with large “ASK HERE” signs. This is an important feature. While everyone who works in the library should know what an information or reference desk is, many people who are new to libraries might not be so sure. A big sign that simply states “ASK HERE” welcomes questioners more openly than the stuffy-sounding “reference desk.” There are also multiple reading areas with various sized tables and different kinds of chairs.
Finally, the “stacks” of the library appear to be made largely of brightly colored wood. This is much more pleasant that the archaic metal shelves that many libraries still use. Sure, the metal shelves serve their purpose, but they just don’t look as nice. This may seem a bit trivial, but in increasingly “on-line” world, librarians must do absolutely everything they can to physically get people into their buildings. Besides, wouldn’t you rather work in a bright, open library than a closed in, dark, warehouse-style structure?
How to do it right:
The Laramie County Library System (LCLS) in Cheyenne, Wyoming, the Library Journal Library of the Year in 2008, is a great example of how to utilize environmental organizational theory. One patron stated, “Our old library was what you might expect of a mid-size Western town; cramped, a little dingy...serviceable.” (Berry). I doubt it is the goal of many organizations to be described as “serviceable.” So, when it came time to rebuild, Laramie County decided to upgrade. Led by architect AndersonMasonDale, the LCLS built a new central facility that was visually appealing on the inside and out, and was also environmentally friendly. They wanted to use the urban feeling of Cheyenne, but still reflect the wide-open landscape of the state. To do this, they used modern technology and design, but made sure the inside of the building was open, bright, and un-cramped.
The building itself is very welcoming. It is quite large but not plain, and it has many windows. The designers made sure to provide landscaping around the building, which also makes it feel more welcoming. Once inside, patrons are greeted with bright, but not overpowering colors, many of which reflect the general outdoorsy tone of Wyoming. The information desks are clearly marked with large “ASK HERE” signs. This is an important feature. While everyone who works in the library should know what an information or reference desk is, many people who are new to libraries might not be so sure. A big sign that simply states “ASK HERE” welcomes questioners more openly than the stuffy-sounding “reference desk.” There are also multiple reading areas with various sized tables and different kinds of chairs.
Finally, the “stacks” of the library appear to be made largely of brightly colored wood. This is much more pleasant that the archaic metal shelves that many libraries still use. Sure, the metal shelves serve their purpose, but they just don’t look as nice. This may seem a bit trivial, but in increasingly “on-line” world, librarians must do absolutely everything they can to physically get people into their buildings. Besides, wouldn’t you rather work in a bright, open library than a closed in, dark, warehouse-style structure? References:
Berry III, John N. (2008), “Library of the Year 2008: Laramie County Library System, WY—The Impact Library,” Library Journal, available at: http://www.libraryjournal.com/article/CA6566453.html?q=library+of+the+year+2008 (accessed November 12, 2008).
1 comment:
Those "Ask Here" signs are fantastic! I wrote about library structure as well, and I kept thinking about things we learned in 802 about the placement and size of desks, whether it's easy for a reference employee to unintentionally "hide" behind her/his computer monitor, etc.
Personally, I'm always sensitive to my environment, and I wonder why I am so much more confident in a place that looks like a store, as opposed to somewhere where I have to approach someone behind a real desk. Obviously many people share this tendency with me, but I couldn't say what causes it. Perhaps because teachers have desks when we're children? Making that trek up to the front of the classroom was always rather grim. Hmmm...
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