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 August 18, 2014
Hosted by: Nicolet Federated Library System
Length: 1 hour
Today's library facility manager (usually the Director) is faced with a wide cross-section responsibilities, challenges, and priorities. How do you plan for a new 21st century library facility? How do you reconfigure an existing facility to meet 21st century needs? What kinds of spaces do we need to plan for our communities, and what kinds of priorities do we set on maintaining and improving our spaces? From lighting to water systems, power to noise control, networking to flooring--there is plenty to think about. This session will provide an overview of the issues facing old and new library facilities and techniques and tools for tackling both.
Presented by: Sarah Houghton
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 May 11, 2016
Hosted by: Infopeople
Length: 1 hour
Do you want learn the essentials of making your library environment future-friendly? There's no question of whether technology impacts your library—the question is, how does it impact your library now, and how will it change in the future? What can you do at your library to keep up? Join Carson Block in this fun and thought-provoking webinar to explore how technology is impacting library users and library spaces, and develop strategies that you can use to stay ahead of the curve.
In this webinar we'll look at approaches to retrofitting existing library spaces to accommodate established and emerging technologies. We'll also introduce the basics of "Design Thinking" and Project Management to help you form a vision for your library and implement your ideas. Finally, we'll use plain language to consider trends and tools from a common-sense standpoint to help equip you for the future.
Presented by: Carson Block
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
Format: Webinar, original date May 22, 2014
Hosted by: WebJunction
Length: 1 hour
As libraries expand their focus from collections to creation, physical spaces are being transformed in ways that enhance community engagement in the digital age. Rethink how your library's space might be configured to better enable your patrons to interact with technology and with each other. While future-facing libraries are pushing boundaries, the public still perceives libraries as being primarily about books. Learn how some key alterations to existing library space can refresh public perceptions. Well look at a variety of projects, ranging from larger room renovations to smaller libraries who redefined space on a modest scale, yet still had a strong impact on the community.
Presented by: Betha Gutsche, Beth Farley, and Eileen Shaw
