This chapter describes work done at University of Rochester where librarians designed a library and then they got students to do the same exercise. Essentially our assumptions about what students want is often wrong and getting their input need not be too onerous.

Check out the article here: http://docushare.lib.rochester.edu/docushare/dsweb/Get/Document-27280/chapter_four.pdf

Some key things to think about for reconfiguring the library space…

1. Conducive to learning
2. Student/staff focused but still looks after the needs of library staff
3. Open
4. Comfortable

A brief explanation of these concepts is available here: http://connect.educause.edu/Library/EDUCAUSE+Quarterly/Commons20LibrarySpacesDes/45534?time=1203573101

Joan Lippincott recommends considering these things in planning library spaces:

• Develop a vision related to learning
• Conduct a needs assessment
• Develop goals
• Design an assessment plan
• Determine appropriate partners
• Define and gain resources
• Determine the location
• Define what you want users to be able to do
• Define services to offer
• Determine staff needs
• Develop the floor plan
• Plan the technology (network, hardware, software)
• Choose furniture