Tips for your library space

With many library refurbishments and new building in the not too distant future, public library staff travelled from far to join Kevin Hennah’s VISION2020 Workshopopen_in_new in Brisbane in February. Kevin shared a visual feast of images of new libraries and library makeovers from around the world, as well as ideas for implementing change in any library space.

Lots of front facing collection items will soon have them walking out the door.

Read on for three key tips State Library staff took away from the session:

1. Look outside the library for case studies and ideas – shopping centres, shops, cafes, supermarkets, streetscapes etc... They can all provide stimulus for library displays and design. Be bold, be innovative – there’s no need to stick with the library traditions of yesteryear.


2. Don’t neglect your core business – if your collection lies at the heart of your library, then you need to give it as much love and attention as the rest of your library commitments.


3. Do one thing well – instead of starting a large number of projects which you cannot commit to in full, start one project and complete it to the best of your capacities before moving on. For example, one wow library display can deliver more impact than a number of smaller displays across your space.