Resurrecting Elihu Burritt Library

The Challenges and Opportunities of Rehabbing Library Space

Carl Antonucci & Debbie Herman

The Old…

70s

Monta

ge

Photograph by Edward J. Schullery, early 1970s

Mission circa 2004 “The mission of the

Elihu Burritt Library is to provide quality

information services and collections in

support of the University's educational

goals and, in so doing, meet the information

needs of a premier Northeastern regional

university.”

Old Strategic Goals 1. To provide and promote excellent and innovative library services, and

improve methods in assisting library users in accessing appropriate informational resources.

2. To provide digital services and collections and the infrastructure to support on and off campus users and to become a major resource for digital resources that support the curriculum.

3. To develop and maintain library collections according to well defined plans and policies.

4. To expand and expedite convenient access to these collections through efficient processing and organization of materials.

5. To continue to evaluate organization structure and operations to manage human resources effectively.

6. To utilize space resources effectively while ensuring proper maintenance, service and use of existing equipment, furnishings and facilities as well as ensure safety and security for library occupants and materials.

In other words… We buy stuff and we hope you will use it!

Epic Challenges! •Anti-student policies

•Unwelcoming!

•Outdated and worn out furnishings

•Shortage of amenities students actually need

•Poor and unfriendly signage

But

What

Are

They R

eall

y T

hin

kin

g?

Warren William in The Mind Reader, 1933

The New!

Mission 2011 “The Elihu Burritt Library at

Central Connecticut State University satisfies the 21st century learning and research needs of its

community of learners by facilitating knowledge creation

and inspiring intellectual curiosity and lifelong learning.”

Vision Statement 2011

In 2015, the Elihu Burritt Library will, for the

campus community, be: •An information laboratory for knowledge discovery, creation, sharing, and curation. •Thoroughly integrated into the fabric of the University through innovative collaborations with teaching faculty, information technology, academic support services, and the community. •A public commons equipped with flexible learning spaces for group interaction, educational programming, and individual pursuits. •A catalyst for developing the habits of mind that enable critical thinking and the ethical use of information to support student academic excellence and lifelong learning.

Community Input Student Focus Group – Spring 2011

oComputers oOutlets for laptops and space to work with your own laptop oCubicles for private, quiet studying

Not enough…

Recommendations:

Study area that is open 24 hours.

Change policy for reserving study rooms

Walls and decor should have brighter colors

Room where you can talk without being hushed

More quiet study/Peaceful atmosphere

Bathrooms on all floors

White boards/Computers in group study areas

Community Input Faculty Focus Group – Spring 2011

Recommendations:

Fewer drab colors and more inviting atmosphere.

Performance space for lectures, etc./Classroom space

Bathrooms on every floor

Access to complimentary services (i.e. research & writing combined with technical help)

More one-on-one assistance for students doing research

Small child care drop off facility for students and parents who are in need of study time

Make reference and research services less intimidating

Engaging Students

My Dream Library Contest

Spring 2011

http://library.ccsu.edu/contest

Our New Space!

Understanding Community Needs

Survey Respondents (n = 275)

Undergrads

Grad Students

Faculty/Staff

Guests

Understanding Community Needs

Class Assignment 177 (42%)

Research 179 (64%)

Study 65 (23%)

Meet People 19 (7%)

Use the Internet 37 (13%)

Check out, Renew or Return Books 56 (20%)

Other Answers Given: Jazzman’s and Printing

Community Survey – Fall 2011

What brought you to the library or website today?

Community Input

Community Survey – Fall 2011

What services would you like the library to offer?

• 34% want recreational (fun) reading and/or DVD collection

• 40% want textbooks on reserve

• 30% want to check out iPads, e-readers, and video cameras

• 32% want the availability of other student services such as IT, Writing & Career Center in the library

• 37% want to have presentation practice space

• Other responses: childcare, more events & lectures

Tips for Getting Through a Renovation

• Sometimes you get what you get, so don’t be upset!

• You will have to sell change to some staff members

• Have a good relationship with the administration and staff from campus facilities

• Pick your battles

• Attend as many weekly meetings with the builders and architects as your schedule allows

• Don’t be a pest

• At times you have to live with some noise and fumes and the disruption of your daily routine

Challenges •You have to realize that many staff members are very adverse to change •It is hard to come into a renovation process that has already been started •Working in a public institution limits ability to choose furniture, carpeting and fixtures because of the bid process •No matter how the project turns out you are always going to have staff who are not satisfied •It is hard to transform space and the way a library operates at the same time

The 2nd Floor: A Blank Canvas

How we imagined they’d use the space…

How They Actually Use the Space!

The Payoff

Presentation slides: http://www.slideshare.net/hermand