Before Construction
Photos courtesy of the University of Calgary, Health Sciences Library
During Construction
Photos courtesy of the University of Calgary, Health Sciences Library
After Construction
Photos courtesy of the University of Calgary, Health Sciences Library
Overall, I felt that this was a very successful renovation that focused on user needs. The end results were in line with patron feedback obtained through the surveys. The library now has more space devoted to group and individual study. More electrical outlets for laptops and other personal electronic devices are available throughout the library, particularly in patron study areas. And the library now has more comfortable and inviting sitting areas. While not all patron requests were realized (the library does not have a café) the library made a conscientious effort to incorporate those most frequently voiced by patrons. In any library renovation project, it is important to identify those patron concerns that are most important and that can actually be reasonably ameliorated. I felt that the Health Sciences Library at the University of Calgary did an excellent job identifying user needs and translating these needs to productive changes in their renovations.
References
Powelson, S. (2009, Spring). Renovation, what renovation? Health Sciences Library News 2(2),1. Retrieved from http://library.ucalgary.ca/branches/hsl/hslnewsletters
University of Calgary. (2010). HSL Newsletters. Retrieved from http://library.ucalgary.ca/branches/hsl/hslnewsletters
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ReplyDeleteThat is very nice Mike, the library I chose also did a similar renovation. I picked the main library in El Paso, Texas it is very similar. Thank you for sharing that with us.
ReplyDeleteWhile I might take umbrage with some of the aesthetic choices made by the library (Day-glo lime green? Really? I know there's not a lot of green to look at in Calgary, but it's not the unbroken, desolate tundra that is Edmonton or anything.), it's certainly a lot warmer and less staid than the pre-renovation library.
ReplyDeleteIndeed, the differences in this library are a little more subtle than the others; color, shorter shelves, some paneling, a fresh coat of paint, etc. We tend to forget how radically a space can be transformed by something so simple, and how a difference in philosophy can open up the possibility for simple (and inexpensive; MAKE SURE YOU PUT INEXPENSIVE ON THE PROPOSAL!) changes that can make a space radically more friendly, relaxing, and intuitive for your patrons.
Oh I've been to Calgary and it is a lovely city!I would say that the building appears constructed for the Alberta Winter. The walls are that astrobrite color to promote feelings of sunny contentment.
ReplyDeleteI think that it appears that the trend in these libraries is in fact to make them more user friendly, and that means with collaborative spaces. I know very little about science, but it does appear that most of the work seems to be done in teams. I wonder if this is a recent thing in scholarship: When I was an undergraduate they never did team stuff. It was all you-yourself-alone. Even the labs, they would make you have a partner, but it was only because they didn't have enough materials to spread around. I can't help but feel that all this collaboration doesn't necessarily benefit the individual. Although the less able find following the mentorship of a partner pleasant, I can'tsee how it helps those who are strong get better.
I think their system of keeping the patrons informed about library changes sounds great. The renovations also clearly reflect the needs of the patrons and modern trends in library design. I also agree with Matthew, a fresh coat of paint can change the feeling of a room quickly and for relatively little money. The right colors can make a room more inviting and increase library usage.
ReplyDeleteI like the pictures showing what the library was like during construction because during this time the library is probably not very inviting. I also like the color the walls were painted. The library seemed a little dull from the before pictures and more modern from the after pictures.
ReplyDeleteWell done, Michael. Interesting green color at the end but again at least it's not white! Communication during renovations is vital. Glad you highlighted that feature. I am surprised they didn't put in a cafeteria or coffee shop. Most libraries attempt to add one.
ReplyDeleteOn a fluffy note, I actually like the green and wished they would have put in some other colors for accents. I actually liked how the library included the patrons in all acpects of the remodel from survey about what they wanted to pictures and updates during the construction to how the patrons like the new layout.
ReplyDeleteI see that the e-newsletters seem to have stopped after 2010. I was wondering whether there was going to be another survey after the renovation was finished, with the purpose of seeing whether library users appreciated the ongoing updates in the newsletters, but perhaps the disappearance of the newsletters addresses that possibility.
ReplyDeleteJust by looking at the pictures, it's apparent that the library added various user workspaces and improved the aesthetics.
ReplyDeleteBefore the renovations, the library looked more like a warehouse, very utilitarian. After the renovations, it's more inviting and appealing.
Nice use of the user survey.
I think Michael hit the nail on the head: before felt very utilitarian vs the new, inviting space. Creating a space where people feel comfortable will invite more usage. Another thing I really liked about this review was that they issued newsletters with updates regarding the progress of the redesign. It's so important to let patrons know what's happening, instead of just saying, "hey, we're renovating," and "hey, we're done!" Especially since the library has a Facebook page, users can feel more connected with the library if the library posts updates on their page as things were completed.
ReplyDeleteIt is great that this library went to all efforts to keep the patrons involved in their renovations. This allows the patrons to feel apart of the library and that they have a stake in the outcome and make them willing to return after the renovations are complete. It is very important to always think of who you are serving in a library and this library did that very well.
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