California Library Association Conference Accommodating the Needs of Multi-age Users in 21st Century...

California Library Association Conference

Accommodating the Needs of Multi-age Users

in 21st Century Public Library

Presentation by:

Susan Hildreth, California State LibraryAnne-Marie Gold, Sacramento Public Library

Christopher Noll, Noll & Tam Architects

CALIFORNIA LIBRARY ASSOCIATION “Something for Everyone” 2004 Annual Conference


21st Century SocietyHuge impact on expectations of users and non-users

Demographics of Multi-Age Users

Ages

• Children and YouthHigh percentage of users with little space allocation

• Gen X and Gen YDo they even know we exist?

• SeniorsOften champions of tradition

• Baby BoomersAre we prepared?


EthnicityHow can we appeal to many different cultures?

Socio-economical BackgroundHow can we meet the needs of those who are willing to pay and those who can’t possibly pay?

Changing Staff DemographicsMany retiring and staying on, challenge of nurturing new librarians


Changing Library Program

Form Follows Function

Changing to reflect other community use patterns

Look at other models in community• Sport centers• Community festivals

Congregate use patterns• Touch points• Visual, audible access points



Age specific collections/services - shared space• Special needs collection• Hmong collection

Virtual and actual use• Computer labs• LAN game nights



Customer driven program use choices• Intuitive• Cohesive

Changeable functionality


The Changing Design of the Library


Why Do We Distinguish Special Groups When We Design?

Deliver the Best Services Possible and Fulfill the Changing Needs of Library Users

Address Special Needs of Certain Groups

Avoid Negative Impacts of One Group upon Other Groups


Children

Teens

Seniors

Which Groups Should We Make Special Accommodations For?


ChildrenAcoustics

Scale

Design

Theming

Public Art

Children’s Art

Storage

Parents

Special Collections

Security


CHILDREN

Acoustics


CHILDREN

Scale


CHILDREN

Design


CHILDREN

Theming


CHILDREN

Public Art


CHILDREN

Display of Children’s Art


CHILDREN

Storage


CHILDREN

Parenting

Collections


CHILDREN

Special Collections and Activity Materials


CHILDREN

Security


Teens

Very Active and Social Group

Noise / Acoustics

Computers

Food

Group Events

Special Collections

Security


TEENSCreate Identity

and Sense of

Separate Place

for Teens


TEENS

Social Activities


TEENS

Noise


TEENS

Computers


TEENS

Food


TEENS

Group Events


TEENS

Special Collections


TEENS

Security


Seniors

Traditional Approach

Design

Acoustics

Lighting

Collections


SENIORS

Traditional Approach


SENIORS

Traditional Design


SENIORS

Acoustics


SENIORS

Lighting


SENIORS

Collections andSpecial Needs


Spaces Where People of Different Age Groups Can

Come Together

“Living Rooms”

Parents and Children

Flexible Use Spaces

Community Activity Spaces


Bringing People Together

“Living Rooms”



Parents / Children



Community Events


Things To Remember

Know what your community wants

Create spaces that are separate, but not

segregated

Create living solutions

California Library Association Conference Accommodating the Needs of Multi-age Users in 21st Century...

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