Developing a Space Plan for an Academic Library (Or how we stopped putting out fires and came to be strategic in our space decisions)

Abstract

One of the struggles academic libraries face is competing demands for library space. Finding the balance between stacks space, group study space, staff work space and space for new initiatives and cross-campus collaborations can create stress and tension throughout the organization. Decisions are often made spontaneously and without consideration for the overall direction and vision of the library's future. This presentation will discuss the process used by Montana State University Library for designing a library space plan. The program will discuss the planning, data collection, analysis and results of the committee's work which resulted in a report issued to library administration that outlined the unique spaces needed in the library, the square footage that should be allocated to them, and a list of next steps to achieve the steps outlined in the plan.