[Publib] New Building question

[Donna Jo Atwood]

And so often practical things, like where to store maintenance supplies (or
even basic library supplies) or where staff can hang coats and store purses
are ignored, since they aren't seen by the public. 
Donna Jo Atwood
Reference Librarian 
Olathe (KS) Public Library
-----Original Message-----
From: publib-bounces at webjunction.org [mailto:publib-bounces at webjunction.org]
On Behalf Of James Casey
Sent: Wednesday, October 24, 2007 9:05 AM
To: Meghan Miller Brawley; publib
Subject: RE: [Publib] New Building question

I couldn't agree more with Meghan and Sue.  However, it is usually
passivity on the part of library administrators that leads to this kind
of spectacular "statement" facilities that look interesting, but are not
practical as libraries.  It is imperative that Library administrators
meet with staff and work collaboratively to determine what is needed in
a library facility months BEFORE architects arrive on the scene.  The
most difficult question to answer --- and the most important --- is
"what do we want"?  If this basic question and understanding is not
arrived at before the architect comes, the "form" aspect of the "form
follows function" rule will never be strongly represented and you might
well end up with architects dictating the course of the project.  ---
You can't blame architects for coming up with weird schemes that are
impracticable for library use if the librarians who should know better
are simply nodding their heads at every statement and/or not showing up
(or are not allowed to show up) when the decisions are being made.  I've
known quite a few librarians over the years who wait for the architect
to come before they begin discussing the project with staff.  This is a
big mistake.  

I was in a building not too long ago that probably did have solid input
from librarians, but may have neglected to consult maintenance staff.
After much of the structure was built, it was noticed that high
ceilings, huge windows and lighting fixtures set so high that they would
be virtually impossible for regular maintenance staff to clean and
service.  One of the sub contractors on the job remarked that his
company could change fluorescent lamps for a fee (a big fee).  

James B. Casey -- My own views
Director of Oak Lawn Public Library
ALA Council Member

 



-----Original Message-----
From: publib-bounces at webjunction.org
[mailto:publib-bounces at webjunction.org] On Behalf Of Meghan Miller
Brawley
Sent: Tuesday, October 23, 2007 8:23 PM
To: publib
Subject: Re: [Publib] New Building question

On 10/22/07, Sue Kamm <suekamm at mindspring.com> wrote:
>
> Has anyone else out there become weary of arrchitects who want to
create
> things of beauty that are hell on earth to work in?
>

We just went through the design process at my tiny (3000 sq ft)
library in central Texas. My boss did a great job of sticking to her
guns and fighting the architects when they went crosswise to common
sense and the needs/wants of our community. The architects weren't
happy, but our community sure seems to be thrilled with the renderings
they've seen so far. I think it's important for library management,
cities and library boards to remember who's *paying* the big bucks and
who's *taking* the big bucks, and put their collective foot down when
architects start getting crazy.

-Meghan Brawley

-- 
**********************************
Meghan Miller Brawley
Graduate Student
University of Tennessee
School of Information Sciences
http://web.utk.edu/~mmille46

"She flitted in and out of the Public Library with the air of
conscientiously returning or bravely carrying off in her pocket the
key of knowledge itself."
-Henry James, The Wings of the Dove
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