Full Description
Libraries/information centres are continuously evolving to keep up with rapid changes in information gathering, processing, and distribution. Corporate and non-profit special libraries face special challenges in revitalizing their physical space and providing efficient access to digital content. This book provides solo-librarians or special library managers with practical advice as to revitalize their libraries both in the physical space and the digital space. The book uses case studies, surveys and literature review to provide practical, innovative and evidence-based information to help special librarians develop information centres that will remain relevant to their organizations.
Contents
List of figures
Acknowledgements
About the authors
Preface
Chapter 1: Prepare
Assess your strengths
Assess your surroundings
Understand the needs of your users
Notes
Chapter 2: Build a great project team
Collaborating with other departments to meet patron needs
How project knowledge transfers within project teams
Knowledge management benchmarks for the team
The importance of tacit knowledge within the team
Successful consultation
Dealing with different personalities within the team
Team learning
The architect on the team
Chapter 3: Plan your project
Important project management techniques
Risk identification and management
Project manager competencies
Budgeting basics
Clearly define project scope, goals and objectives
Identify existing expertise
Cost savings
Chapter 4: Develop a layout
Furnishings
Circulation and reference desk and staff work space
User work space: computer desks, study areas and spaces for collaboration
Shelving
Chapter 5: Interior design basics
The relationship between elements within the space
The importance of colour
Lighting
Flooring
Finishing touches
Chapter 6: Revitalising your digital environment
Planning your digital renovation
Renovating your web or intranet presence - simple techniques for keeping your users coming back to your website
To change or not to change - revitalising the library management system
Evaluating your current LMS or selecting a new one
Open source vs. proprietary LMSs
Other tools and techniques for revitalising your digital space
Chapter 7: Project completion and final thoughts
Index
