Library and Archives Master Plan

2013-04-05 Stauffer and Douglas emerging concepts

Martha Whitehead — Fri, 05 Apr 2013 15:33:11 +0000

The Library and Archives Master Plan (LAMP) project is now at the stage of developing options based on several key ideas.

First, a set of guiding principles was developed following stakeholder input and a careful examination of existing facilities and background information. These principles are presented in a display currently in Stauffer Library, and online here.

Second, several programmatic elements and the relationships between them were established for all library and archives facilities: services, collections and learning/study. Collections (physical and virtual) remain at the core of the library and the archives, surrounded by a variety of services, and those services are intertwined with spaces for learning and research.

Third, it was established that the existing facility for the Archives, Kathleen Ryan Hall, is inadequate for archival collections and services and a new location must be found. Synergies with special collections argue for its relocation to Douglas Library where Jordan Library is housed.

With all this in mind, the LAMP Steering Group and the planning team led by CS&P Architects have been considering the suggestions heard in the stakeholder consultations regarding services and spaces for learning and research, concentrating first on Douglas Library and Stauffer Library. These two signature buildings at the intersection of University and Union are seen as key academic spaces forming a ‘library town square.’ Revisions to their interior plans and to the public realm that connects them are being suggested to enhance both the student learning experience and research services.

A set of drawings for Stauffer and Douglas is available here and in Stauffer Library to generate feedback and ideas. These are broad stroke representations of space for services, collections and learning/study. More detailed layouts would be established for specific projects as they proceed in the months and years following completion of the master plan. In April and May, planning will focus on the other libraries and the system as a whole. The master plan is scheduled for completion in June.

An information session and Q&A on the LAMP project will be held on Friday, April 26^th from 11:00-11:45 a.m. in Robert Sutherland Hall Rm.202. All are welcome.

2013-03-26 Information Exchange

Martha Whitehead — Wed, 27 Mar 2013 00:26:14 +0000

Today’s Plan Your Campus: Campus Master Plan Information Exchange in the ARC was a great opportunity for conversations about planning for the Library and the Archives of the future. See the LAMP posters here.

Update: also check out the post on draft emerging concepts for Stauffer and Douglas, here.

2013-03-22: Workshop #5

Martha Whitehead — Tue, 26 Mar 2013 23:31:35 +0000

The LAMP Steering Committee engaged with the CS&P planning team today in a workshop focused on re-imagining Stauffer Library and Douglas Library. The ideas build on the student learning experience theme of the Queen’s Learning Commons in Stauffer Library, and a new focus on archives and special collections in Douglas Library. There was much enthusiasm and feedback, and the CS&P team will be working on another set of drawings to solicit general feedback on these ideas in April.

What exciting uses, services or partnerships would you like to see in the transformed spaces of the Library and Archives system?

admin — Wed, 20 Mar 2013 19:35:53 +0000

What benefits or constraints can you imagine in a joint expanded facility for archival and special collections? What opportunities do you see for enhanced access, conservation, display and technology?

admin — Wed, 20 Mar 2013 19:35:32 +0000

Have your say: Loud versus quiet?

Martha Whitehead — Sun, 10 Mar 2013 01:15:05 +0000

Are some library spaces too noisy? Some too quiet? Where and when?

Have your say: How is the lighting in the library?

Martha Whitehead — Sat, 09 Mar 2013 01:10:57 +0000

We’ve heard some spots are too dark… where and when?

Have your say: Which furnishings really work for you?

Martha Whitehead — Tue, 05 Mar 2013 23:25:51 +0000

Which do you choose first… open table, carrel, lounge chair… Which furniture doesn’t work for you and why?

2013-03-04: Workshop #4

Martha Whitehead — Mon, 04 Mar 2013 22:47:55 +0000

The LAMP Steering Group had a visioning workshop with the CS&P team today, and we were joined by one of the architects working on the Campus Master Plan. It was a lively discussion, ranging from defining ‘what is a library’ to discussions of specific programming opportunities for study/learning/teaching space and service space. The architects challenged the group to discuss/debate/and recommend programme opportunities from a proposed menu of potential spaces and to propose new opportunities, to develop a new alchemy of spaces for the future library and archives. It was noted that Stauffer Library and Douglas Library are a pivotal point in the campus, and offer the potential to create a Library Town Square.

Have your say: Which library do you use?

Martha Whitehead — Tue, 26 Feb 2013 23:24:00 +0000

Do you use just one library (which one?) or more than one?