1. University Library 1-14-2013 Renovation Meeting
Recommendations for Optimal Student Services from the Library
Public Areas
Library should include:
Accessible, browsable, open book stacks to increase the quality of materials that students
consult for their coursework.
o Students often find additional materials by browsing an area around a known
item.
Instructional computer labs for classes and workshops about accessing library resources
Single library entrance for security of collection, patrons, and staff.
Individual study tables/carrels – some that allow talking and some for silent study.
Group study rooms with technology, such as computers, smartboards, projectors to
facilitate group project and presentation preparations.
Display shelving in a high traffic area for DVD collection, new and special book displays
Microform cabinets, readers, and printers.
Service Desks
Reference desk should be easily accessible to studying students in order for librarians to
provide research consultations.
o Patrons are more likely to overcome their fear of asking questions if the reference
desk is accessible and welcoming.
A single circulation desk provides most efficient service.
Archives
University archives require space for cabinets. Some materials are large or oddly shaped.
Archives require space for processing materials (could be in technical services
workspace).
Archives do not need to be in a high traffic area.
Staff Areas
To provide best service to students, library staff need:
A single, secured area where all University Library staff are co-located in order to
facilitate communication, collaboration, and innovation (Systems Librarian will remain
near server room).
o Librarians need private offices:
 For private consultation in person and by phone with students, faculty,
vendors. Many consultations are simultaneous (doctoral students, PLUS
students, etc.), and so each librarian needs a private space;
 to create videos;
 to concentrate on detail oriented work;
 To prepare for teaching classes.
Staff meeting room for uninterrupted collaboration.
Staff break room/kitchen separate from staff meeting room, because currently Room
1373 prevents staff from eating their lunch when meetings are going on.

2. Staff copy, print, scanning room (can be co-located in the break room, but not meeting
room, because too noisy when meetings are going on).
Adjacencies
Reference librarians should be located near reference and circulating book collections to
make research consultations with students and faculty more productive and efficient.
Reference and reserve books, which cannot leave the library due to high use or high theft,
need to be near student study space.
Student study space should be near University Library books, so they can interact with
the collection as they work.
A circulation desk must include reserve materials and DVD storage, and should be near
circulating books.
Reference services should be near circulation desk, study areas, and reference materials.
o Circulation-Reference adjacency reduces patron confusion on where to go for
what question.
o Reference services near study areas and reference materials help students where
they are.
Technical services workspace to process materials in close proximity to the circulation
desk.
Collections
If GGU adds new program(s), collection will need to expand to support the programs.
While our online collection is growing, there is still a need for a robust print collection.
o Not all books are online or remain online permanently.
o Some patrons request the physical book even when we have it online.
o Print periodical collection is also needed because of online journal embargoes.
The collection is a growing organism – it grows and shrinks, but at different rates.
o Print collection shifting is ongoing as a result of growth and reduction in various
areas of the collection.
Most of the collection needs to be browsable for optimal use. Other parts are lower use
and could be appropriate for compact shelving.
Microform cabinets and equipment need to be close to each other but not located in a
high use area.
Scenario Implications
Multiple entrances to the library will require more security - additional staffing and
security gates (security gates require fixed costs).
Multiple service points require additional staff.
Moving books to the Law Library basement is similar to remote storage, which will
require additional staffing and operational procedures.
A merged collection has implications operations, policies, and staffing.
Question
What is the number of shelves or linear feet that we would need to weed to keep the
collection within the University Library?