7. Treating Staff Workrooms as an Afterthought
Workrooms are often cramped, windowless, and missing any break space. The public sees none of this, so it is easy to cut out of the library design. Library staff feel when the library is not programmed properly. They feel it every day when library neglects the staff.
We need a library workforce that isn't struggling to keep up. The cost shows up in service quality long after construction is paid off.
8. Designing for the Rendering
Glass designs look good in presentations. In practice they can make the library feel cold. Specialty Library IT solutions with integrated furniture is also a concern. These design challenges need to be considered for a successful holistic plan.
9. Wayfinding is Key
When patrons find themselves in a maze or they can't find anything, staff become the directory. Basically, the question "where's the bathroom" all day gets a little challenging. Every question takes time away from real research services. So, good wayfinding needs to be built into the library layout. Indeed, the sightlines and logic of how learning spaces connect is key.
Note, you can't rescue a confusing library plan in the future. Patrons should be able to understand how the library works by walking through it).
10. Building Bigger Without Funding the Library
Building a diverse library service with the same staff is a common and serious challenge. Nobody budgets for the future; operating costs after opening can be steep. More square footage may mean more to supervise, clean, maintain, and program. Without matching library operating funds, the new library stretches the organization thinner than the old one did.
| 
