PREREQUISITES:
MLIS and Dual MAS/MLIS: completion of MLIS core
MAS: completion of MAS core and permission of the iSchool Graduate Advisor
GOAL:
- Examine the role of libraries as spaces for patron and community interaction and engagement;
- Identify ways in which we can evaluate and assess the needs of communities and how they use library spaces;
- Explore elements of library design that contribute to patron and community engagement;
- Investigate the processes involved in planning new library buildings and renovation projects that are consistent with community needs and emerging trends of how people interact with information.
OBJECTIVES:
Upon completion of this course students will be able to:
- Identify, analyze and assess the information needs of diverse individuals, communities and organizations with respect to the planning and design of information spaces [1.1]*
- Discuss key historical and current ideas in library design and architecture that contribute to how people think about and use information spaces for different purposes [1.2]*
- Understand the role of the librarian/library in library planning and design projects, including how to work with other professionals such as architects and building teams [1.3, 3.1, 3.2]*
- Design/redesign a space within an information organization, including considerations of layout, lighting, shelving, furniture, technology infrastructure, etc. [1.1, 1.3, 4.1, 4.2]*
- Provide a budget and budget justification for the design/redesign of an information space [3.2]*
- Identify and apply methods for understanding how people use library spaces [4.1, 4.2]*
- Assess the ways in which context/organization type influences/constrains information practices and behaviours within information spaces [1.4]*
- Evaluate design trends and their application in libraries, including green buildings, technology, inspiration or maker spaces, etc. [1.1, 1.3]*
* Course objectives are stated in terms of student learning outcomes and reference the iSchool Statement on Graduate Competencies.
CONTENT:
- The library as place
- Library engagement and the user experience
- Methods for understanding how people use physical space
- Library planning processes
- Pragmatic components of library planning and design, including working with architects and building teams, library aesthetics, selecting lighting, shelving and furniture for high use spaces and multi-use collections
- Safety, security and disaster planning
- Environmental considerations for library buildings
- Technology and maker spaces
- Tours and discussions with information professionals who have experienced library construction and renovation projects
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