Designing for Service: Canton Public Library’s Patron Service Improvement Project
Presentation Type
Presentation (20 minutes)
Presentation Theme
Assess and evaluate spaces, services, technologies and programs
Start Date
11-8-2015 3:45 PM
End Date
11-8-2015 4:45 PM
Description
Maintaining a sound and relevant facility while providing continued access to a full range of library collections and services can be a challenge on a day-to-day basis, but major projects that disrupt primary library functions may be downright unsettling for your community and staff. So what do we do when we need to make a major change?
In 2013, the Canton Public Library began to plan for improvement of patron service through user-centered library design. Based on information collected from library staff and patrons, a Patron Service Improvement Project was established. In 2014 the first Phase was completed, with Phase II and Phase III slated to be finished over the next two years. The results of these renovations are a completely reimagined main service area, improved ADA compliance, unified design, increased study space and streamlined workflows for staff. The Patron Service Improvement Project reflects the Library’s core values, stressing minimal impact on library operations and allowing continued access to collections and programming.
In this talk two key members of the Canton Public Library administrative team will describe the planning and implementation of this multi-phase redesign, including budgeting, communication of project plans and progress with the public and library staff, and designing for better patron experiences. They will talk about what worked and what did not, important considerations when planning a major renovation, and methods for community-centered information gathering and best practices research.
Designing for Service: Canton Public Library’s Patron Service Improvement Project
Maintaining a sound and relevant facility while providing continued access to a full range of library collections and services can be a challenge on a day-to-day basis, but major projects that disrupt primary library functions may be downright unsettling for your community and staff. So what do we do when we need to make a major change?
In 2013, the Canton Public Library began to plan for improvement of patron service through user-centered library design. Based on information collected from library staff and patrons, a Patron Service Improvement Project was established. In 2014 the first Phase was completed, with Phase II and Phase III slated to be finished over the next two years. The results of these renovations are a completely reimagined main service area, improved ADA compliance, unified design, increased study space and streamlined workflows for staff. The Patron Service Improvement Project reflects the Library’s core values, stressing minimal impact on library operations and allowing continued access to collections and programming.
In this talk two key members of the Canton Public Library administrative team will describe the planning and implementation of this multi-phase redesign, including budgeting, communication of project plans and progress with the public and library staff, and designing for better patron experiences. They will talk about what worked and what did not, important considerations when planning a major renovation, and methods for community-centered information gathering and best practices research.
