The 21st Century Library: It Looks A Lot Like Gumby

That's right - brightly colored and really flexible.

So says Kim Bolan, a.k.a. theindielibrarian, and her pals from the Kent District Library and the Cleveland Heights/University Heights Public Library. I caught their Thursday AM presentation that was so popular that they had to lock the doors!

The Top Ten List of library features requested by customers:

1. A community partner. A welcoming environment for all, including non-traditional users.
2. Comfortable spaces. Think of your living room... well, maybe a friend's really bright and colorful living room.
3. Meeting rooms. Flexible spaces for groups (weddings, parties, concerts, even funerals!) draw non-borrowers to the library - an opportunity to create more wildly enthusiastic customers!. Also plenty of space for quiet study.
4. Supported self-service. Including self-check, print mgmt., and small proactive ref desks. Help needs to be near by.
5. Food service. From vending machines to shi-shi cafes: "if you feed them, they will come".
6. Multi-functional children's spaces. Sectioned areas focusing on the needs of sub-groups in the birth to age 12 group. Totally configurable.
7. Retail oriented merchandizing. Face-outs, power walls, etc.
8. Technology. Should be used to maximize human interaction. Good technology is nearly invisible (that's a big challenge).
9. Good way-finding. Signs that are large, clear, and not jargon-y. Ex: service desk not circulation desk.
10. Sustainable environments. The greening of libraries.

The presentation got me jazzed up because the Main Library remodeling project is very much on my mind, but it also got me thinking: considering each point, where is CML on the continuum from fuddy-duddy to ultra-modern? Decide for yourself.

There was much more to the program, but it focused on micro-issues such as "have lamps? Put them near electric outlets" or using checklists when planning spaces.

The PPTs from the program, which were loaded with great photos, will be posted on theindielibrarian; Kim's says it'll take a coule of weeks because she's getting married on Saturday. Lame.