What's the secret to successful library space?

Power cords!

I've spent a lot of time watching patrons this week. They are preparing for exams so it's a really good test of our space. The thing that has amazed me is the proliferation of laptops—I can comfortably say that 80% of the students, not using our computers, had laptops of their own. And not only that, but they all had headphones on too.

I've seen groups of friends sitting together, working on whatever, off in their own worlds. Nothing new there, that's expected. What is cool is that complete strangers are comfortable with each other too. I've seen people sharing couches, tables, and close proximity with others they do not know— this is success.

The traditional model of open group space filled with tables fails because one or two people dominate a table and others feel excluded. This is a horrible waste of space. We have an area like that now and it is so sterile, uninspiring, and underused. That's why our new space with a living room vibe is so much more inviting.

My point—this shared-space would be impossible without power cords dangling from the ceiling. I know, they look tacky. When I heard we were going to drop wires I panned it. It is an interesting concept, but come on. I was very wrong: students love them and want more.

Sure, it's a mess to have cords draped across the floor and I can already hear someone out there asking about people tripping and liability, but this space would not work if we did not provide ample power for laptops. Wall sockets you say? Not enough, plus what about the people in the middle of the room. Floor outlets or power poles – lame! (very pre-millennial). We wanted to emphasize complete adaptability and flexibility and not be confined by the architecture.

I am still trying to decode this space. Right now, with finals, it's not about collaboration, although there is that too, but the vibe here is independence —actually collective independence . People want to be left alone, they want to focus, they want to be online, be productive, be comfortable, but... they seem to feed off others doing the same thing. It's a crowd of individuals.

So if you are thinking about redesigning space—think power cords!

 

Comments

[Amber]

I work in a library with a hodgepodge of some of the worst elements of 70s design, horrible acoustics, and a warren of study carrels. And you can forget about ample power cords. And yet the students do come, especially at night, often 100 at a time (with a population of less than 700, that is significant.) Space is important, and we desperately need a new building; however, I think a welcoming library environment is also the result less tangible elements like reasonable food/drink policies (allowed), friendly assistance, and lord-knows-what-else.

[Japanese words]

It may be just me, but I always prefered having my own small cubicle. It's not good for groups, but it really allowed me to focus on what I needed to get done.

[payday]

A concluding table summarizes the probable impact of technology on future space needs for the various major library functions; it shows no clear evidence that technology will help ameliorate such increased needs.

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The new designs should be as flexible as possible. Don't bolt down the tables. Let the students move things around to suit their needs. One student noted his preference for sitting on the floor in stack areas and plugging in his laptop.