Determining the Problem

When I curated my survey questions, I was initially quite happy with what I had asked. My intention was to use questions that would support my learning in this course as well as give me a sense of what changes the staff and students would like to see in our library learning commons. I’m not realizing I may have focused on the latter. Now as I revisit my results, I realize my questions could have been more design-focused rather than asking about potential library programs, projects and technologies. My problem and reframe tasks are based on the results of 11 teachers and 17 students (from grades 9-12)

I have decided to focus on one design problem that came up in the survey (library back office) and one design problem that staff and admin have spoken to me personally about (tall bookshelves). I believe reframing both these problems with a student-centered focus really helps see the bigger picture.

Problem 1: The Library Learning Commons back office is too large, and the space could be better used.

The library back office is home to our DVDs, VHS, class novel sets, and book processing/repairing station. Much of the space is used as storage for overhead projectors and other out-of-date technology. While I’ve started culling some of the material and organizing the space, it still has lots of potential to be used more efficiently.

Reframe: The Library Learning Commons back office takes away space from a potential makerspace or green screen.

Redesigning the back office for a makerspace offers greater learning opportunities for students. Staff and students both support the idea of having a makerspace in our library. Here is the data that supports this:

Fig 1: 28 survey responses to "How do you feel about a Makerspace in our LLC?"

Problem 2: Bookshelves are too tall & too close together.

The original bookshelves were three shelves high. Somewhere along the way, a fourth shelf was bolted on top. The stacks feel overcrowded and it is difficult for patrons to pass one and other while in the same aisle (not Co-Vid 19 friendly).

Reframe: Bookshelves inhibit natural skylight and prevent students from accessing all materials.

The bookshelves prevent multiple students from browsing in the same aisle due to how narrow the aisles are. This is particularly challenging when you have students from the same class, who are all looking for books in the 900 section. By using lower shelves on wheels, more space can easily be created when required and all students can easily access the information. As it stands, students in wheelchairs can only access half the collection in our library learning commons.

Design Brief The Challenge: To improve the library stacks (fiction and non-fiction)

Materials: Low bookshelves on wheels

Teams: Library Learning Commons Leadership Team, Administration

Roles: Administration will investigate the budget for purchasing new shelves

Resource Department will provide feedback regarding accessibility

LLC leadership team will determine the shelves required and research office supplies brochures/manuals to compare prices.

Works Cited

Rendina, Diana. “How to Identify and Reframe Design Problems in Your Library Space.” Knowledge Quest, 22 Apr. 2016, knowledgequest.aasl.org/identify-reframe-design-problems-library-space/.