Orion Township Public Library Renovation - Phase 1

I just received some photos from our client and friend Karen Knox, Director of the Orion Township (MI) Public Library. Kimberly Bolan and Associates has been partnering with Karen and her team over the past few years on both strategic planning and facilities planning.

Karen's compiled images showing the results of Phases 1 and 2 of their 3-phase space redesign project (on a budget). Phase 1 included a remodel of their lobby and implementation of a new service model (smaller service point, self-serve check-out and holds, and more).  Phase 2 involved a complete redesign of their children's area with collections, spaces, and interactive elements for ages 0 - 12.

Phase 3 begins this month with the revamping of the rest of the library. Stay tuned for more!

New Library Technologies

In case you missed it, you need to check out the October 25 article in Wall Street Journal titled New Library Technologies Dispense With Librarians. The article discusses new options for "express" libraries such as automated materials vending, locker systems, etc.

The article has an unfortunate title. I've been following the development of these products for quite some time and haven't viewed these solutions as options for "dispensing with" people. The overall idea has revolved around enhancing and extending library service and giving library customers options. And sure, sometimes it's about coming up with an economical and customer-oriented solution for those libraries who face cuts, closings, and losing staff. Why wouldn't this be a great idea? Automated service or no service?

Ultimately, my vision for technologies such as automated materials vending (e.g., Evanced's BranchAnywhere) is a full service station that checks out materials as well as connects people with other library services. For example, it would enable customers to view program offerings and happenings at various library locations and sign up online right then and there. It would also include real time interaction with a person (i.e., a librarian / library staff) via video, etc. The possibilities are endless, not to mention cost effective, convenient, and customer-service oriented.

For additional commentary, take a look at the Annoyed Librarian.

Library Grapples with Need to Change...

Like many libraries today, the Indianapolis-Marion County (IN) Public Library (IMCPL) is grappling with changing and evolving into a 21st century library while having to cut back at the same time. Take a look at this Indy Star article to find out how IMCPL is handling things.

A few interesting ideas that came from the article include:

IMCPL -- When administrators took note of the large homeless population using the Central Library, they partnered with the Coalition for Homelessness Intervention and Prevention to set aside a quiet room for the group to conduct outreach. The group also visits the Central Library a few times a week to look for people they know are homeless and might need services.

Darien Public Library (CT) -- Many who were employed in the New York City financial market lost their jobs, so the library started an early-morning program called "Monday at Seven." Every week, when these professionals would normally be heading off to work, the library opens early and lets them gather there for coffee, bagels and networking.

Hall County (GA) -- The agricultural-based community voiced the need for a new farmers market, so one library branch donated a location and extra hands for setup. On days the market is open, that branch has seen door counts double, and administrators said library card sign-ups have increased.