The professional stick and library design

This was sent in as a comment by friend and colleague Rolf Erikson (erikson (at) tiac.net), but I think it deserves its own entry (with Rolf's permission). Rolf is one of the nation's top school library media center design experts and co-author of, Designing a School Library Media Center for the Future (ALA).

Doug,

Since you asked for library planning advice, here is my "facilities version" of  the professional stick:

• Whack! would be unable to whine, “no one ever asked me for my advice,” but would be proactive, not reactive, and become involved early in the process.
• Whack! would have a good idea of what he/she wants and needs in a new facility before the design process begins.
• Whack! would realize that designing a facility is complex and requires more than posting a “how do you do it” query to a listserv.
• Whack! would spend much time outside the contract day reading about facility design, visiting other libraries (and bookstores and other places where kids hang out), and talking with other librarians who have facility design experience.
•  Whack! would NOT refuse to become involved with designing a facility because he/she will be retired before the facility is completed.
• Whack! would actually welcome the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of students and teachers rather than grousing about all the extra work involved in designing a facility.
• Whack! would be able to work and communicate skillfully with all stakeholders—students, teachers, administrators, parents, school board members, custodians—and the architectural team.
• Whack! would not fail to involve kids in the planning process.
• Whack! would be adventurous, question any and all assumptions and traditions, and strive for a facility that is relevant for today’s generation of students.
• Whack! would recognize that the facility must be based on the library’s mission, goals, and program requirements.
• Whack! would understand that a school library is first and foremost a place  of learning, not a warehouse or monument.
• Whack! would understand that a school library must be designed with as much flexibility as possible.
• Whack! would reject the outdated concept of the library as a hushed, quiet space, where all students study individually and silently, sitting up straight on uncomfortable, wooden chairs.
• Whack! would assume nothing.

Hey, this professional stick thing seems to be working! 

Comments

[Jane Hyde]

Just want to say thanks for this -- especially the first "Whack." We're going to be doing this in a while, and I need the whack. Great list, and fine blog.