From DBL: Perhaps the most basic premise for delivering a great library user experience is knowing what members of the user community want from the library, and being able to articulate their service expectations from the library. Then, using that knowledge, the librarian’s responsibility is to design an experience that delivers on those expectations and exceed them when possible. If successful we should be able to create a loyal base of community members who will support the library and desire to use it repeatedly – and recommend that their friends do so as well.
Much depends on our ability to identify and develop services that meet user expectations. But how well do we know what those expectations are? According to a recent research article, not well enough. This article’s findings should be a cause of concern for librarians hoping to design a better experience for their users. The bottom line: the priorities for the library staff and for the library users are poorly aligned. This is based on a study of Association of Research Libraries (ARL) that participated in the 2006 LibQUAL+ library quality survey. The authors, Damon Jaggars, Shanna Smith Jaggars and Jocelyn Duffy, in their article titled “Comparing Service Priorities Between Staff and Users in ARL Member Libraries” found that a disconnect existed between library staff and their users.[See portal: Libraries and the Academy, Vol. 9 No. 4, 2009, pgs. 441-452]. For library staff, the highest priority was “affect of service”, but for all user groups (undergrad, grad and faculty) the highest priority was “information control”….read entire post HERE.
Filed under: Administrative Issues | Leave a Comment
Tags: Library Planning, needs assessment
Step 1 – Schools with LCME “Applicant School” Status.
Step 2 – Schools with LCME “Candidate School” Status
Step 3 – Schools with LCME “Preliminary Accreditation” Status
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Filed under: Multi-Institutional Partnerships | Leave a Comment
Tags: Accreditation, new med schools
The university’s board of trustees voted today to end a medical education agreement with the University of Miami, and instead, move forward with its own independent four-year medical degree.
The board also discussed entering a new, long-term agreement with the Scripps Research Institute, which would allow students to earn a doctorate degree in chemical and biological sciences from The Scripps Research Institute in addition to a medical degree from FAU during a six-year period.
“This is a natural evolution for FAU and our medical education program,” said Nancy Blosser, chairwoman of FAU’s board of trustees. “We’ve grown up, we’ve established a program here and we know it works.”
In 2004, FAU opened its doors to a class of two-year medical students on its Boca Raton campus. Following their two years at FAU, the students would move to the Miller School of Medicine at the University of Miami, where they would complete their last two years of medical school and receive their degrees.
Three years later, FAU began offering students the option of staying on its campus for all four years of medical school, but the students’ degrees would still come from the University of Miami.
In 2006, the two schools entered an agreement with Boca Raton Community Hospital, which had plans to build a 500-bed, academic medical center on FAU’s Boca Raton campus. But the hospital ended up backing out of the agreement because of financial woes.
FAU’s decision to end its agreement with the University of Miami means that medical students will save money and FAU will collect tuition. Tuition for the University of Miami costs about $30,000 per year, whereas FAU costs $21,752.
The medical program from the start has been financed with state money, which will continue to be the case. No additional money will be needed during FAU’s transition to an independent medical school, said FAU’s interim President John Pritchett, and the university already has in place the necessary medical staff.
FAU hopes to welcome its first class of medical school students in the fall of 2011, pending approval from the Florida Board of Governors and the state legislature.
The 127 students enrolled in the joint medical program on FAU’s campus will continue their education without interruption and earn their medical degrees from the University of Miami…See entire article HERE.
Filed under: Issues and Challenges, Multi-Institutional Partnerships | Leave a Comment
Tags: new med schools
By Thomas Sens, AIA, LEED AP — Building Design & Construction, 12/1/2009 12:00:00 AM
Many academic planners assumed that the coming of the Internet would lead to the decline of the library as we know it. To the contrary, many academic libraries have experienced significantly increased patron use in recent years.
One reason for this phenomenon is that today’s college students have heightened expectations and demands for academic libraries based on new approaches to learning. While the Internet can provide 24/7 access to information, it can also isolate learners. In contrast, the new academic library model provides a forum for students to collaborate, enjoy fellowship, engage in healthy debate, create and challenge ideas, and experience learning and discovery in a multitude of meaningful ways. The following 12 trends define how the library has evolved to maintain its essential position within the academic landscape.
1 Envision the library as place.
As Geoffrey Freeman noted in The Library as Place: Rethinking Roles, Rethinking Space, academic libraries are no longer simply a location to collect and organize print resources. They have become an integral part of a university’s learning culture and academics.
Today’s libraries serve four key functions, in addition to their traditional role of housing printed materials.
First, they are a locus for collaboration. As pedagogy shifts and learning becomes more team oriented and less individualistic, there is a new demand for collaboration space for students. Having a place to come together is critical to student success and the full utilization of the library as a learning space. Spaces where students can openly discuss and debate without having to keep their voices down are the new norm.
Second, while providing collaborative space is critical, there is also a need for individual, contemplative space—not the long library tables of the past, but rather a variety of spaces to suit the individual needs and learning styles of today’s students. Private, traditional study carrels suit some students, while comfortable lounge furniture is ideal for others. A blend of formal and informal spaces can create environments where all students can have their needs met. Of course, sound control is critical to the coexistence of lively, sometimes loud, areas with these more quiet spaces.
The third function of libraries is to provide a home for services, such as writing, communication, and tutoring centers, advanced lab spaces, and other specialty spaces.
And last, libraries must continue to provide both traditional research and technical services while also providing the latest in computer technology and associated technology support services.
2 Invite students and other stakeholders to the table.
Students should be invited to participate early in the planning process. Their input can help the library planning committee understand students’ needs for today and tomorrow, while opening the way for potentially innovative ideas to surface.
Town hall-style meetings, student focus groups, and student representation on advisory councils are three proven ways to bring them into the planning process. For example, when Georgia Tech decided to renovate its library, so-called “student affinity focus groups” helped solidify a list of desired characteristics that informed every space, ranging from the café to the theater space. As a result, the new Georgia Tech library integrated current student needs with a vision for the future.
However, students aren’t the only library users who should be consulted. Be sure to bring the following user groups into the discussion:
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Library staff are an obvious group to include. They are familiar not only with the library’s everyday workings but also with new trends and technologies that the library might benefit from. And don’t overlook the “other” members of the library staff. A student worker who staffs the front desk might have valuable insights into how the whole staff could be more efficient in their work.
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Faculty involvement is necessary, to help the planning group understand how professors utilize space for classes, as well as how they encourage students to use library resources for projects and study.
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Student activities groups can benefit from the library as an excellent place for their headquarters or meeting areas. Bring such groups into the planning process early and allow them to express their needs and desires.
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IT personnel are crucial to involve, because technology is becoming more integrated into the everyday workings of the academic library. Involving IT personnel from the start will also afford the planning committee the opportunity to learn about exciting new information technologies that might benefit the project.
3 Make collaboration a must.
Working and learning in isolation is no longer an option. Collaboration has changed nearly every facet of pedagogy, and therefore every aspect of university design, including library design. Where in the past teaching was focused on the transfer of knowledge from professor to student, today’s students learn by accessing knowledge and exploring new ideas among their peers. Professors assist in the process and encourage students to seek out answers for themselves, but clearly the paradigm has shifted: the “sage on the stage” has become the “guide on the side.”
This collaborative approach to learning and teaching parallels the rapid expansion of information, the depth and breadth of which requires collaboration between individuals with different areas and perhaps levels of expertise. The most efficient library and learning spaces embrace and facilitate this shift. Designing for collaboration allows more productive academic work to take place.
4 See that technology drives the bus.
Library spaces should be infused with appropriate technology. Every space in a university library should be informed by technology. From providing more power outlets for laptop users to installing complex 3D simulators, library spaces must be planned with appropriate technological amenities in mind. These may include:
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Wireless Internet and printing access
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Readily accessible public computers with basic software and Internet connections
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Distance learning classrooms that provide videoconferencing capabilities and electronic flip charts to share information both graphically and electronically
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Practice presentation rooms equipped with projection systems and conference tables
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Advanced computing centers with the latest video, graphics, and science software
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Lockers with built-in outlets for charging personal devices such as cell phones and laptops
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3D visualization spaces such as Fakespace or CAVE, which provide realistically simulated situations that allow students to interact in virtual environments
5 Plan for change.
Tomorrow should inform what you do today. Libraries being built today must also look to the future. The best way to do that is to maximize flexibility in spaces and infrastructure. Building core infrastructure, such as vertical circulation, natural lighting, and HVAC, to support future renovation ensures a smoother transition as new needs surface.
Remember, too, that equipment specified early in the process may need to be replaced with newer, better models as the project nears completion. Consider using just-in-time equipment delivery to help overcome this problem, especially for key pieces of technology such as computers, projectors, and AV systems.
Short-term flexibility is also important. Movable furniture and temporary wall partitions serve not only the long-term function of space but also short-term needs for flexible work environments. When students are allowed to reconfigure their work environment, they will find ways to create the most conducive environment for collaboration and optimal learning.
6 Use the library to attract and retain top students.
The library is an important selling point for the university. Today, prospective students are often customers, placing high demands on the universities they are considering attending. The library can be a strong selling point for prospective students, especially the very top high school seniors that many colleges and universities are competing for.
The library can also reinforce the university’s brand and thereby help attract and retain students. There are opportunities throughout a library to convey the university’s goals and mission through graphics and environmental branding. The library should become a physical manifestation of the university’s philosophies.
7 Optimize spaces between spaces.
Consider circulation zones as functional, integral places. Some of the most successful and well-used spaces in a library can grow from so-called “spaces between spaces.” For example, a corridor can become a gallery for student or faculty art exhibits. Widening a corridor outside study rooms and providing seating can create a student gathering space. Unused wall space near an entrance can become a bulletin board for student messages. Converting unused areas into spaces that encourage interaction can bring the environment to life and provide additional opportunities for learning and collaboration.
8 Consolidate emerging specialty spaces.
Academic libraries are becoming hubs for specialty spaces. Services that used to be scattered across the campus can become readily available to students when relocated to the library. Some examples of such specialty spaces:
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Tutoring centers
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Writing centers
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Group study rooms
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Presentation rooms
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Seminar rooms and classrooms
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Distance learning rooms with access to video conferencing software
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Cafés and light dining venues
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Student and faculty lounges
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Radio stations or podcast facilities
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Art galleries
9 Take advantage of the commons.
The commons has become the heart and soul of the academic library. It may be referred to as an “information commons,” a “learning commons,” an “intellectual commons,” an “electronic commons,” or an “e-commons.” Whatever its name, the commons model has become a blend of computer technology services and classical library reference and research resources. It serves as a hub for students to gather, exchange ideas, collaborate, and utilize multiple technologies.
Today’s commons break many of the old rules of library behavior. In the commons area, nobody hushes students who want to talk, food and drink is allowed, collaborative behavior is encouraged, and cafés and vending machines are de rigueur. Many information commons operate 24/7.
10 Rethink library programming.
Understanding the way a library functions is critical to success. In the past programming for libraries usually involved a formula to estimate necessary square footage as stacks grew. Today, such calculations are not as critical. Determining the best way to allocate and organize library space is a puzzle that requires many considerations:
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The first floor is prime real estate. Reserve this space for more public functions such as the commons, group study areas, collaboration zones, and library help and circulation areas.
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Uses for academic programs often work better on upper floors of the building, away from public zones and prime areas.
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Use the basement for archives and stacks in most cases. Archives and stacks may be able to utilize compact shelving systems that are better suited to slab-on-grade conditions due to their concentrated weights.
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Consider what kind of security is needed for 24/7 spaces versus area that are only open during “regular” library hours. This may inform how to zone the library with respect to security.
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Keeping floor plans open and spacious with a logical workflow is critical to successful function of the library.
11 Design for environmental sustainability.
Going green can have a positive impact on your budget. With proper environmental design, the overall life cycle cost of the building can be decreased through use of efficient systems and products.
More to the point, green buildings—notably green libraries—can be a drawing card for students. Library patrons like to see their universities take an interest in issues that are important to them. Whenever possible, use green techniques to visually impact the library; display characteristics of sustainable architecture that make students aware of the efforts their university is making in support of creating a healthy, sustainable learning environment.
Areas where sustainability can have immediately apparent impacts on library design include recycled, renewable, and sustainable materials, renewable energy (PVs, wind turbines), rainwater harvesting cisterns, efficient plumbing fixtures, daylighting systems, and natural ventilation.
12 Get creative with funding.
Virtually all U.S. higher education institutions are struggling with funding, so planning for a new academic library requires stretching dollars as effectively as possible. For that reason, it’s important to lay out exactly what the physical demands of the future library will be so that the available dollars are used toward creating a functional, forward-looking space.
On most campuses, libraries are unique in that they are usually interdepartmental and therefore cannot obtain funding via study-related grants. Bringing new tenants into the library and creating specialty spaces for them can be an effective way to tap new and more varied funding sources. For example, including science centers or presentation spaces for the business school could bring in funding from these sometimes wealthier departments. For a library that BHDP Architecture designed, the café was funded by the university’s housing, dining, and guest services department.
Seeking donor-funded spaces like laboratories or writing/tutoring centers can also augment funding and allow for innovative technologies that the typical library budget might not provide for.
The message is clear: If you want your library project to become a reality, you’ve got to be creative in finding the funds to build it.
These trends were identified through numerous discussions with library deans, directors, staff and most importantly, library patrons. Discuss them early on in the library planning process, while debating the future vision, mission, and purpose to ensure a library design that accommodates the learner of today and tomorrow.
| Author Information |
| Thomas Sens, AIA, LEED AP, is a principal with BHDP Architecture, Cincinnati. He was assisted in the writing of this article by Alexis Weitner.
See post here: http://www.bdcnetwork.com/article/440251-12_Major_Trends_in_Library_Design-full.php |
Filed under: New Libraries, Physical Plant, user experience | Leave a Comment
Tags: library design
By StevenB on library_design
When I speak to library colleagues about design and design thinking I try to put the concepts into context by first asking them what things come to mind when thinking about design as it is most often applied in our profession. Not unexpectedly, the responses are always limited to the building, both internal and external design considerations. Think about our literature. Our two major practitioner publications, American Libraries and Library Journal both offer design issues or supplements. Both of them cover the same thing, new buildings, building renovations and odds and ends for buildings. As far as librarianship is concerned design, and user experience along with it, is building-centric. Here at Designing Better Libraries we’ve tried to communicate a consistent message that design can mean much more than just our interiors and exteriors. Library design should also be perceived as a process we use to improve the quality of the experience for our user community.
That said, it’s important not to underestimate the value of a well-designed library environment. It’s a crucial element of an overall library experience. As an example I wanted to share a post written by Library Scenester about a visit to the library at Miami University at Ohio. Library Scenester is clearly impressed with the design of the library, pointing out highlights such as clear and functional signage (a problem in many libraries), comfortable and attractive furniture, and features such as the use of color and well placed artwork. These are great observations, and this post reflects what I enjoy so much about my visits to both academic and public libraries – discovering great ideas for improving my own library and sharing it with my colleagues. I also like to ask many questions of the staff about their reasons for choosing certain design elements….Read entire post here: http://dbl.lishost.org/blog/2009/11/18/more-to-the-library-experience-than-what-we-see/
Filed under: user experience | Leave a Comment
Tags: library design, Library Planning
Posted at DBL
One thing you can say about the design community is that do produce a good number of instructional videos. I don’t mean instructional in the sense that they were created to teach new skills. Many of the videos are conference presentations or interviews with the experts. I’ve learned a good deal about design topics and user experience ideas just from having watched the videos that are freely available. I wanted to share two I think are worth watching.
I’ve actually taken in a few videos featuring Jesse James Garrett, and there’s usually something useful to be learned from his presentations (although some are a bit too techy for me) and his writings. In this video he speaks about the “current state of user experience”, and by that he offers his interpretation of what it means when we speak about user experience and where he sees things headed. It’s a good investment of time for those both new to and familiar with user experience….
Visit here to see the video: http://dbl.lishost.org/blog/2009/11/05/ux-and-sketching-two-videos-worth-your-time/
Filed under: Issues and Challenges | Leave a Comment
Tags: library design, user experience
Below is a compilation of responses: Thanks, Colleagues!!!
Hi Jacque,
At FIU we’ve got 3,300 linear feet – but it was inherited and we don’t need it. About half is filled with ‘gifts’ we were forced to take. With fewer stacks, I wouldn’t have had to take them. So there’s a caution in oversizing, eh?
In reality, we figured that one double-sided range of 144 linear feet (48 shelves) would last us about 6 years or more before de-acquisitioning for older materials. That’s buying 150 print books a year (all required curriculum texts, and the recommended curriculum texts that are not in e-format) for the Med 01 and Med 02 classes. Everything else, of course, is in E-format.
Figuring that we are not a retrospective research library and would cull older textbooks after 5-8 years, two double-sided ranges would last 15-20 years. By then, everything in biomedicine will be in E-format. Only a few key required textbooks might be needed in print for back-up for when someone pulls the cord out of the wall. I don’t know if that all makes sense. But I’ll be monitoring the results from a Lazy-Boy with the built-in refrigerator and three position stick-shift reclining seat.
Dave
David W. Boilard
Director, Medical Library
Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine – GL 324
Florida International University
11200 SW 8th St.
Miami, FL 33199
(305) 348-0643 phone
(305) 348-0631 fax
dboilard@fiu.edu
Hi Jacque,
I had the same question, but went with my same #, since we planned to go electronic, and it’s worked just fine.
And in case you need it, MLA Guide to Managing Health Care Libraries has a great chapter on space planning. Got it? If not, I’d be glad to loan. I could mail it, bring it to AAHSL, if you’re going, or fax you the chapter.
The right information is good medicine.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Jane Bridges, ML, AHIP
Associate Director – Savannah Campus
Health Sciences Library
Mercer University School of Medicine
Memorial University Medical Center
P.O. Box 23089 / 4700 Waters Ave.
Savannah, GA 31404
(912) 350-8124, fax (912) 350-8685
BridgJa1@memorialhealth.com
Hi Jacque,
In our interim blg. at Hofstra we managed to include in the plan 210 linear feet of stacks. However, it was required that they be located in a consolidated area by the front desk that can be locked when the library is not staffed so that the rest of the library can be open 24/7. We will see how well that will work. There was no space allocated for print journals. The interim bldg. is expected to be occupied for about 4 years.
Debbie
Debra Rand
Asst. Dean and Director, Health Science Libraries
Hofstra University School of Medicine in partnership with North Shore-Long Island Jewish Health System
Library Director, Long Island Jewish Medical Center
New Hyde Park, NY 11040
718-470-7070
drand@nshs.edu
Dear Jacque,
We have just completed our planning for the new building. We calculated that we will need 300 linear feet of stacks. With the idea that as titles become available electronically we will be removing the titles from the shelves and that the print collection will shrink as time goes on. But to make some folks here happy, we planned for 4 ranges at waist height of shelving for our planned 700 print titles. We also planned for 20 print journals to be housed in a special print journals shelving. Again this was planned to make certain stakeholders happy. We also planned for lockable shelving for our prized textbooks that are on reserve. Thus making the space a 24/7 space should the need arise. We are in the final stages of working with the electrical engineers to drill the floor boxes for power and data based on our final furniture plans. We plan on moving into our new space in June 2010.
See you all in Boston soon.
Nadine
Nadine Dexter, M.L.S., AHIP
Director – Harriet F. Ginsburg Health Sciences Library
Director Medical Informatics
University of Central Florida
College of Medicine
12201 Research Parkway
Orlando, FL 32816-0116
407-823-4599
407-823-1856 FAX
ndexter@mail.ucf.edu
Filed under: Physical Plant | Leave a Comment
Tags: Collection Development, Shelving
Dear Colleagues,
I am very pleased to announce that the Medical Library at The Commonwealth Medical College (TCMC), in Scranton, Pennsylvania, is officially open for business. TCMC’s inaugural class of 65 medical students began class at 8:00am this morning. Another 30 students will begin class next week for the master’s in biomedical sciences program. TCMC marks the first opening of a medical degree-granting school in the state since 1962. It is the first M.D. school not associated with a larger university to open nationwide in at least 35 years.
Last Sunday, our medical students began a full week of orientation, which included 2 full days, and 1 night, of outdoor activities at Camp LaDore, just 1 hour east of Scranton in beautiful northeastern Pennsylvania. At camp, students, faculty and staff participated in team building and new skills training, taught by faculty & staff. Skills activities included fly-fishing, kayaking, canoeing, yoga, salsa dance, bocce ball and quilt making. My hope is to have a TCMC Charter Class quilt to adorn the Medical Library in the near future!
As construction progresses on our new 120 million Medical Sciences Building, which is scheduled to open in 2011, students are attending classes just a few blocks away, at Lackawanna College. Lackawanna College is also the temporary home of the Medical Library, our Gross Anatomy Lab, the Clinical Skills & Simulation Center, Student Affairs and other departments with an academic focus. The Medical Library reports to the Associate Dean of Academic Affairs and comprises 2 professional librarians, including myself, and three support staff. A third librarian will be recruited in 2010 and a fourth librarian will be recruited in 2011. The Office of Academic Informatics works closely with the Medical Library to provide students, faculty & staff with instruction and training in the areas of information management and retrieval, literature searching and evidence based medicine.
The TCMC Medical Library is 95% electronic and all of our students are provided with laptops, portable printers and wireless cards. The Medical Library provides access to over 13,000 e-journals, 1,400 e-books and 50 biomedical databases. Our print collections consist of 125 reserve titles, 200 core biomedical titles, as well as reference and leisure reading collections.
The TCMC Medical Library website may be accessed at: http://tinyurl.com/ncsbcu. This will take you to the TCMC’s Community tab. From this page, click on the link to TCMC Medical Library, under: TCMC Library Services.
The Medical Library is a member of DOCLINE, so feel free to add us to an appropriate cell.
Finally, I want to extend special thanks to Barbara Shearer, who worked as a Library Consultant for TCMC during the early days of TCMC’s development and who continues to provide me with her invaluable assistance and expertise. I also appreciate the support that I receive from my AAHSL colleagues, whose wisdom and generosity has been a tremendous help in getting the Medical Library to where we are today.
Thank you, all!
Joanne
Joanne M. Muellenbach, MLS, AHIP
Director, Medical Library
The Commonwealth Medical College
501 Vine Street, Ground Floor
Scranton, Pennsylvania 18509
T: 570.504.9627
F: 570.504.9618
Filed under: New Libraries | Leave a Comment
Tags: Medical Schools and Libraries
Results of Deb Rand’s Survey
Filed under: Administrative Issues, New Libraries | Leave a Comment
Tags: Staffing
Update from Dave Boilard at FIU
Hello Colleagues,
The Medical Library at the “Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine,” Florida International University is now open for business. The College of Medicine’ s (COM) inaugural class numbers 43 excited students. Orientation began on August 3rd. Classes start next Monday.
The Medical Library (not yet named) is currently located inside the university library building, and is expected to remain there through 2012. The library’s reporting line is directly to the Executive Associate Dean for Academic Affairs in the COM, with a dotted line to the FIU Dean of Libraries. In the next 4-8 years, the medical library will evolve into a health science library to support the emerging Medical Center on campus. For this year, we have four professional librarians and four support staff (plus students).
The collections are 99.9% digital and are licensed for all of FIU. Students have online access to over 4,000 journals and 800 books in the medical and health sciences through FIU and the Florida Center for Library Automation. The only print materials are the required textbooks, and gifts of older materials. It will be an interesting experiment.
The new COM website should go ‘live’ on Wednesday, and we are pleased to have a spot on the home page (bottom). On subsequent pages, the library has persistent placement in the Quick Links. I’m afraid I do not have a link to offer right now.
The Medical Library has joined DOCLINE, so feel free to add us to an appropriate cell.
Special thanks go to Barbara Shearer and her medical librarians at Florida State University, Nadine Dexter, the FIU university and law librarians, and to other colleagues too numerous to mention in Florida and around the country for their assistance. Now we’ll see what happens.
Dave
David W. Boilard
Director, Medical Library
Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine – GL 324
Florida International University
11200 SW 8th St.
Miami, FL 33199
(305) 348-0643 phone
(305) 348-0631 fax
dboilard@fiu.edu
Filed under: New Libraries | Leave a Comment
Tags: future thinking
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