Format: Webinar, original date June 12, 2018
Hosted by: WebJunction
Length: 1 hour
Transformation happens when a library reimagines and reconfigures its physical space so that community engagement shifts from passive to active. The fifteen libraries that participated in the Small Libraries Create Smart Spaces project are dynamic proof of that. They learned and applied principles of active learning, placemaking and design thinking to create “smart spaces” where the community learns and creates together and strengthens social bonds. In this webinar, we’ll describe an innovative process that any size of library can follow to uncover community needs and translate those needs into flexible lively learning space. Hear about the real experiences of two project participants who transformed drab, underused spaces into hubs of activity and energy. It can happen at your library.
Presented by: Betha Gutsche, Brianna Hoffman, Jennifer Trail and Melanie Morgan
Format: Webinar, original date January 15, 2014
Hosted by: WebJunction
Length: 1 hour
As libraries continue to evolve as community spaces and information hubs, there is an opportunity to explore how patrons use library space and to create spaces that are flexible and adaptable to changing needs. Presenter Dri Ralph has helped lead the King County Library System (WA) through an extensive bond project which has included the renovation and/or building of 30 libraries. She will share highlights of their design choices, ideas for flexible use of space, and tips for engaging the community in the planning and design process.
The webinar will also explore options for libraries with limited budgets. You'll learn about opportunities to help any library make innovative choices for engaging with patrons.
Presented by: Kendra Morgan and Dri Ralph
Format: Webinar, original date April 27, 2021
Hosted by: WebJunction
Length: 1 hour
Transforming physical spaces and library programs into active learning hubs is a powerful opportunity to strengthen the library’s connection to the community. Through WebJunction’s Small Libraries Create Smart Spaces project, a range of free resources and tools—built from the project’s four years of real-life successes—are now available for libraries of all sizes to transform their spaces. In this webinar, we’ll share examples of design thinking and collaboration with the community, and the positive outcomes achieved, even through the disruption of the COVID-19 pandemic. Gail Bruce, director of Laurel Public Library (DE), will describe the arc of discovering community needs and realizing multiple projects to meet those needs at her library. You’ll also be introduced to the Toolkit to Create Smart Spaces community collaborations for active learning.
Presented by: Gail Bruce and Betha Gutsche
