We had an active discussion at our Library Lounge event on February 14. Here are some notes I took from that discussion and I've integrated some additional notes from a similar event for academic librarians in the state of Tennessee. Quotes are taken from the chat box in our zoom room, but names have been redacted for confidentiality.
Erik Nordberg
Co-chair, Library Leaders and Managers IG
Co-located units in the Library
February 14, 2024
General notes
Participants reported wildly different gate counts, some busy, some not so busy.
Co-located services do have an impact gate count.
"Our gate numbers are great, our print circulation is low."
"Our building is busy, but the "collection" is seeing reduced usage."
Other units co-located in the building:
- writing center
- IT services
- archives (with separate reporting line)
- academic assistance center
- center for teaching and learning
- testing
- tutoring
- honors college
- first year college
- esports space
- offices for departments
(during construction)
- public libraries often share space with other city offices, rec centers, community health office
"We also have tutors, but they are managed by Academic Affairs. They take up a lot of space in what were former individual study spaces that could be checked out. However, it increases traffic."
"Our library has also recently sort of absorbed Testing. It's very new, but we're trying to streamline it"
"We also have a writing center on the first floor, and it is also managed by Academic Affairs. They take up a lot of space. Their director works with one of librarians to create programming for student success. It's been a good partnership. "
"We have a few branches that share building space with Parks and Rec facilities"
"Our building shares with other departments in City Hall"
"We have one branch within a building with a rec center, library, and medical offices - all focus on community health"
"We have had a "Digital Commons" since the 80's, with computers and printing. Still lots of printing and less computer use they push them aside to get to the power outlets."
Rebranding Buildings with Different Names to Reflect Multiple Uses
- Library is still used for many participants' building
- Learning Resource Center
- Multipurpose Center
- Student Success Center
- Learning commons
- Information commons
- Knowledge commons
- Instructional Materials Center
- Academic one stop
Some campus faculty bristle at the removal of the word "Library"
Library seen as trusted space by students and alumni
Library seen as neutral space, not linked to a specific department
Food Service in The Building
Many had a coffee shop in their building.
A few reported Einstein bagel or Dunkin.
Others had something adjacent.
Most had relaxed food policies
No real issues (though one report of pests)
Saw increased gate count with food
"There is a cafe right outside the main entrance of the LRC."
"We have food across the hall."
"We have an Einstein's in our building, but it's separately operated and located. It's located in a former computer lab space."
"we provide tea and coffee (and sometimes food) to the students, and we don't have issues with it"
"This year we also opened a satellite campus food pantry in our library."
"Our campus food services manages our Einstein. Our building person does work with them to some degree. Our building person has a key to them in case there's an issue. They are closed in the summer and during breaks. They are one of the most popular food services on campus and often have long lines."
"Students continue to ask for it here too. We are open late and many of the food service closes by 8 ish.- no food near us."
"our food policy is pretty relaxed, too"
"At my last gig, faculty loved to have informal office hours in the café as well."
"Insects too"
"We have only had mice in our staff lounge, lol."
"Pests were why vending machines were removed from our library."
Building Access and Security
Problems with open plan spaces when some units close earlier than the rest of the building.
Scheduling use of spaces (libcal mentioned)
Use of space by non-library units after hours or on weekends.
"scheduling systems have made our "shared" spaces in our Library & Learning Commons difficult for students and patrons. Our library uses LibCal for space scheduling and the rest of campus uses a separate system, so one floor of our building has a different system than the other 6."
Communication and relationships
Email distribution list
quarterly meetings with representatives
Social activities, potlucks, parties
"We have a summer and winter potluck-party for the whole building. We also have a building email distribution list and occasional all-hands meetings for the building."
"We do spooky spuds during Halloween which has become a tradition. I bake 100 potatoes and ask others to bring sides. Always leftovers... It has become an expected event."
"We did a mac and cheese day once again very popular."
"Our two library buildings have a skybridge that connects them over our beautiful Prairie Line Trail, and folks from different units who joined after our first renovation 11 years ago bring potluck items to make tacos. Salsa, tortillas, beans, cheese, meats, guacamole, and there's a sign up sheet so everything gets covered. We make sure to do it in the summer so weather doesn't rain us out!"
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Erik Nordberg
Dean of the Paul Meek Library
University of Tennessee at Martin
He/Him/His
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