Presentation given at the NERCOMP program "Spaces That Inspire: Gathering the Data and Acting on What our Students Tell Us About the Library as Place" May 10, 2012.

1. Resurrecting Elihu Burritt Library
The Challenges and Opportunities
of Rehabbing Library Space
Carl Antonucci & Debbie Herman

2. The Old…

3. Mission circa 2004
“The mission of the
Montage
Elihu Burritt Library is
to provide quality
information services
and collections in
support of the
University's educational
goals and, in so doing,
meet the information
needs of a premier
70s
Northeastern regional
university.”
Photograph by Edward J. Schullery, early 1970s

4. Old Strategic Goals
1. To provide and promote excellent and innovative library services, and
improve methods in assisting library users in accessing appropriate
informational resources.
2. To provide digital services and collections and the infrastructure to
support on and off campus users and to become a major resource for
digital resources that support the curriculum.
3. To develop and maintain library collections according to well defined
plans and policies.
4. To expand and expedite convenient access to these collections through
efficient processing and organization of materials.
5. To continue to evaluate organization structure and operations to manage
human resources effectively.
6. To utilize space resources effectively while ensuring proper
maintenance, service and use of existing equipment, furnishings and
facilities as well as ensure safety and security for library occupants and
materials.
In other words… We buy stuff and we hope you will use it!

6. Epic Challenges!
•Anti-student policies
•Unwelcoming!
•Outdated and worn out
furnishings
•Shortage of amenities students
actually need
•Poor and unfriendly signage

7. But What Are They Really Thinking?
Warren William in The Mind
Reader, 1933

8. The New!
Mission 2011
“The Elihu Burritt Library at
Central Connecticut State
University satisfies the 21st century
learning and research needs of its
community of learners by
facilitating knowledge creation
and inspiring intellectual curiosity
and lifelong learning.”

9. Vision Statement 2011
In 2015, the Elihu Burritt Library will, for the
campus community, be:
•An information laboratory for knowledge discovery, creation,
sharing, and curation.
•Thoroughly integrated into the fabric of the University through
innovative collaborations with teaching faculty, information
technology, academic support services, and the community.
•A public commons equipped with flexible learning spaces for
group interaction, educational programming, and individual
pursuits.
•A catalyst for developing the habits of mind that enable critical
thinking and the ethical use of information to support student
academic excellence and lifelong learning.

10. Community Input
Student Focus Group – Spring 2011
Not enough…
oComputers
oOutlets for laptops and space to work with your own laptop
oCubicles for private, quiet studying
Recommendations:
Study area that is open 24 hours.
Change policy for reserving study rooms
Walls and decor should have brighter colors
Room where you can talk without being hushed
More quiet study/Peaceful atmosphere
Bathrooms on all floors
White boards/Computers in group study areas

11. Community Input
Faculty Focus Group – Spring 2011
Recommendations:
Fewer drab colors and more inviting atmosphere.
Performance space for lectures, etc./Classroom space
Bathrooms on every floor
Access to complimentary services (i.e. research & writing combined with
technical help)
More one-on-one assistance for students doing research
Small child care drop off facility for students and parents who are in
need of study time
Make reference and research services less intimidating

12. Engaging Students
My Dream Library Contest
Spring 2011
http://library.ccsu.edu/contest

13. Our New Space!

14. Understanding Community Needs
Survey Respondents (n = 275)
Undergrads
Grad Students
Faculty/Staff
Guests

15. Understanding Community Needs
Community Survey – Fall 2011
What brought you to the library or website today?
Class Assignment 177 (42%)
Research 179 (64%)
Study 65 (23%)
Meet People 19 (7%)
Use the Internet 37 (13%)
Check out, Renew or Return Books 56 (20%)
Other Answers Given: Jazzman’s and Printing

16. Community Input
Community Survey – Fall 2011
What services would you like the library to offer?
• 34% want recreational (fun) reading and/or DVD collection
• 40% want textbooks on reserve
• 30% want to check out iPads, e-readers, and video cameras
• 32% want the availability of other student services such as IT, Writing &
Career Center in the library
• 37% want to have presentation practice space
• Other responses: childcare, more events & lectures

17. Tips for Getting Through a Renovation
• Sometimes you get what you get, so don’t be
upset!
• You will have to sell change to some staff
members
• Have a good relationship with the
administration and staff from campus
facilities
• Pick your battles
• Attend as many weekly meetings with the
builders and architects as your schedule
allows
• Don’t be a pest
• At times you have to live with some noise
and fumes and the disruption of your daily
routine

18. Challenges
•You have to realize that many staff members are very adverse to
change
•It is hard to come into a renovation process that has already been
started
•Working in a public institution limits ability to choose furniture,
carpeting and fixtures because of the bid process
•No matter how the project turns out you are always going to have
staff who are not satisfied
•It is hard to transform space and the way a library operates at the
same time

19. The 2nd Floor: A Blank Canvas
How we imagined they’d use the space…

20. How They Actually Use the Space!

21. The Payoff

22. Presentation slides: http://www.slideshare.net/hermand