Uris Library Fall 2017 | DEA 3590
Program Document Group II Kevin Tal Rachael Kalousdian Jeffrey Ding Maya Kumaran Rachel Osei
Table of Contents I. INTRODUCTION 1. Team Profile
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2. Stakeholders
4
3. Mission Statement
6
4. Programming Approach
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5. Executive Summary
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II. PROBLEM STATEMENT 1. Context
13
2. Observation of Space
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3. Interview Insights
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4. Survey Insights
22
III. RECOMMENDATIONS 1. Mission, Goals, & PR Statements
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2. Line by Line Program
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3. Adjacency Diagram
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4. Detailed Program
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5. Budget
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IV. APPENDIX
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1. Glossary
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2. Interviews & Surveys
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3. Team Responsibilities
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4. Summary of Selected Research
56
5. References
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Program Document, Uris Library, 2017
I. Introduction
In this section, we will explain the foundation upon which we built this project. We will introduce the members of our team, as well as the stakeholders and users who drive our design decisions. We will present our overarching Mission Statement, explain our programming approaches and why we used them, and lastly we will provide an executive summary explaining the scope of our work, our decision making process, and our methods for observation and data collection.
Team Profile Kevin Tal Team Leader Class of 2018 Industrial Labor Relations Major
Rachael Kalousdian Class of 2018 Design & Environmental Analysis Major
Jeffrey (Jiachen) Ding Class of 2019 Design & Environmental Analysis
Maya Kumaran Class of 2019 Design & Environmental Analysis Major
Rachel Osei Class of 2018 School of Hotel Administration Concentration in Design & Environmental Analysis
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I. Introduction
Stakeholders Stakeholders are a crucial part of the programming and design process. In the Miriam Webster Dictionary, a stakeholder is defined as ‘one who is involved in or affected by a course of action’. In design, this definition expands to include an individual, group, or organization that would be directly or indirectly affected by changes in facilities, objectives, policies, or actions. In this case, the stakeholders include clients as well as any and all users of the space. Since stakeholders often define the parameters within which we design, as well as provide information on which we base our design desicions, stakeholders are considered the most important part of the design process.
Client John Ladley Facilities Planning Manager of CUL (Central and Unit Libraries) Facilities fl65@cornell.edu
John Ladley is the Facilities Planning Manager of CUL Facilities, a Cornell organization that plans and supports the facilities, life safety, and telecommunication needs of the central and unit libraries. The organization supports the overall mission of the university by maintaining facilities that meet the basic operational needs and programmatic requirements of the library, and enforces federal, state, and local regulations relating to the health and safety of the members of the library community. John Ladley oversees the planning of Facilities in the CUL, helping to plan, manage, and ovesees the execution of changes and new plans within Uris Library, Olin Library, and other facilities.
Bonna Boettcher Director, Olin and Uris Libraries and the Library Annex, Adjunct Professor bjb57@cornell.edu Bonna Boettcher divides her time between a variety of areas. She is first and foremost the Director of Uris and Olin Library, but also has a passion for music librarianship, and fictional representations of music and musicians. Her main duties are to oversee the public services in Uris and Olin, including Research and Learning Reference Services, Interlibrary Services, Access Services. She also oversees Cornell’s offsite high density storage facility, containing over 5 million volumes.
I. Introduction
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Stakeholders Users Library Staff and Faculty Members 8 persons
This user group is defined as any employees or supervisors who are stationed in the Harris Room or the Circulation desk. Staff and Faculty members within the Harris Room have a varying schedule - not all employees spend a full workday in the space. There are quite a few different job functions within this user group, though each employee’s official title is Public Service Assistant. With a total of 8 employees, main user groups consist of Access Services employees, digitizers, and closing reporters.
Student Employees ~10 persons (varies) This user group consists of students who staff the circulation desk at Uris Library. The main duties of the student employees are to be present at the desk to answer any patron questions, provide library materials, and process library space reservations. Student employees have short shifts of between 2 and 4 hours each and irregular schedules.
Library Patrons - Student and Nonstudent Library Patrons includes any person present in the library who is not staff or faculty at Uris, either using the library resources or simply being present in the library. This includes students and grad students, faculty and staff, alumni, university visitors, and local vistors.
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I. Introduction
Mission Statement
To create a program for the design of a librarian work space in Uris Library that will support the public and private functions of library staff and the needs of students in order to allow for the exchange of library resources, facilitate research, and to support the overall tasks of library staff.
I. Introduction
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Programming Approach A ‘programming approach’ is lens through which we see and analyze the information in the programming phase a design project. All programming approaches have a philosophical basis, and should be chosen based on who we are programming for and how the program will be used. Depending on the project, one or multiple programming approaches are used. The chosen approach determines how users wants and needs would be fulfilled, how our information is collected, analyzed, and presented.
User Profile Approach The User Profile Approach is one that focuses mainly on enhancing the designers understanding of the user. The underlying process guiding this approach requires the designer to identify common user types, construct user profiles, and subsequently derive design requirements from these user profiles and user needs. By attempting to create a holistic description of users, designers gain a deep understanding of the users and can recommend solutions to meet user needs. The User Profile approach is a good fit for this project because there are easily categorizable groups within the library employees and patrons.
A. Library Staff and Faculty Digitizers Age: 25-45
Users fitting this profile spend most of their time at computer stations in the Harris Room on regular 9am to 5pm schedules, but will have occasional 3-5 hour shifts on the Circulation Desk throughtout the week. Digitizers have specialized skill sets and are very tech-savvy. They require multiple desks as they deal with a great deal of physical records and material at one time. Main tasks include filing, cataloguing, acquiring, organizaing and preparing physical records, materials, and information for students and staff.
Access Services Age: 25-45 Users fitting this profile also spend a majority of their time at desk stations in the Harris Room. They typically work regular 9am to 5pm schedules, but will have 3-5 hours of the day scheduled to work at the Circulation desk. This user group is less technology oriented, and more paperwork based. Users in this group will sometimes deal with sensitive patron information, both in writing and on the phone.
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I. Introduction
Programming Approach Supervisors Age: 25-45
This user group typically works 9am to 5pm schedules. Shift tasks consist of taking and making private phone calls regarding sensitive patron information, holding interviews, and organizing private meetings for student employees and other library staff members across Cornell’s campus. Due to the level of confidentiality, they require the highest level of privacy.
B. Student Employees Circulation Desk Employees Age: 17 - 25
This user group consists of student workers stationed at the Circulation Desk in Uris Library. Schedules are irregular throughout the week and shifts vary from 2-6 hours. Each student shift is accompanied by a staff member. Student employees are responsible for distributing library rentable materials, interacting with patrons and answering questions. Technology is used to assist in providing patrong with library information and recording rentals and reservations.
C. Library Patrons Students
Ages: 17 - 35 This user group includes any person enrolled and attending at Cornell University. This includes undergraduate and graduate students. 59.9% of undergraduate students are between the ages of 18 and 22. Because of the close proximity to the Arts Quad and West campus, student traffic through Uris tends to have high levels of students living on West, students in Art & Science Programs, and students requiring late night study space.
Non-Students All ages
This user group includes anyone visting the library who is not a student at the university and is not staff of Uris Library. The library is open to the general public until 2am. Professors and other faculty will often approach the circulation desk to reserve course materials for students. University guests and will often visit, as well as any local visitors. University guests and local visitors do not have access to most library resources, but will spend free time researching or lounging in the library. I. Introduction
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Programming Approach Behavior Setting Approach The Behavior Setting Approach identifies dominate behavior patterns in a setting, in an effort to understand how the design influences this behavior. The designer breaks down these patterns into discrete behavioral units, then develops more informed design requirements for the setting in which these behaviors occur. Design requirements are then based on the settings where each identified behavior will occur. We used this approach because there are several different tasks happening simultaneously in the Harris Room and Circulation Desk, and we wanted to ensure that the space was able to accommodate for each of these tasks, as well as influence the intended or desired behavior. This approach is also appropriate for this project because there are concrete behaviors on which we can base our design decisions. As a result, our research was focused on the tasks within the space, and how and where they occur. We identified each user’s specific functions within the space and the resulting design requirements.
Dominant Behavior Patterns Computer based activities
Individual use of scanners and desktop computers
Group meetings
Small, private meetings between workers
Writing reports
Independent work on reports at desk
Lending assistance
Assisting library patrons briefly at circulation desk
Privacy protection
Discussions between workers regarding confidential material
Discrete Behavioral Units Computer based activities This behavior pattern consists of acquiring books, posters, and other print materials to be scanned and turned into digital mediums. Cataloging and assisting patrons in finding books and research materials also takes place with computers as a main source of information.
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I. Introduction
Programming Approach Small Group Meetings Users participate in small groups interactions of 2-4 people, typically involving interviews or more private discussions regarding sensitive patron information. Confidential conversations are held in private to insure trust among employees and participants.
Written Reports Daily reports are completed at the end of 8 hour shifts to record the day’s events, tracking daily observations of patron safety and security as well as equipment used, levels of lending and collections and facilities during assigned work hours.
Lending Assistance All users work shifts at the Circulation Desk and provide assistance to patrons that approach. This assistance involves organizing, maintaining, and lending various course reserve textbooks and electronic equipment. Users monitor the security of expensive electronic equipment, such as laptops and cameras, and are responsible for assisting patrons in completing documents that specify types of liability. Users require quick access to equipment and textbooks, thus are responsible for the organization of these materials to assist patrons’ needs. Furthermore, users that sit at the circulation desk serve as resources for patrons regarding questions about research topics and directions.
Privacy Protection Conversations about confidential information are held in person in one on one sessions to small groups. Sensitive patron specific information may be exchanged over phone calls. Rules about how identifiable information is monitored, collected, published, and distributed determine protocol, practices and procedures in handling sensitive materials and protecting patron and employee privacy.
Design Requirement Guidelines The design requirements for the Harris Room include table surfaces and a reorganization of furniture to support task functions. Table surfaces are needed to hold scanners, computers, and printers for users that digitize course reserves, write reports, and conduct meeting. The current organization of furniture creates an undesirable hierarchy amongst users, underutilized areas, and inadequate storage. Furniture should be uniform and it’s placement should correlate to the task functions of users. The design requirements of the Circulation Desk include a modular configuration that can store electronic equipment. The modular desks can be reorganized for future events, and storage within the desk allows for easier access so users may serve patrons more efficiently.
I. Introduction
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Executive Summary This program document provides guidelines for areas within Uris Library at Cornell University. The areas include the Harris Room, used as an office space for Uris Library staff, and the space including and directly behind the Circulation Desk of the Dean Room, a space where patrons interact with librarians and that stores course reserves materials and electronic equipment to be lent out. Our mission is to create a program for the design of a work space in Uris Library, that will support the public and private functions of library staff and the needs of students in order to allow for the exchange of library resources, facilitate research, and to support the overall tasks of library staff. The current stakeholders of the Harris room are the facilities manager, Jon Ladley, the director of Olin and Uris Libraries, Bonna Betcher, and the employees, including digitizers, who perform computer-related tasks, access services/closing reporters, who perform paperwork-based tasks, circulation desk staff and student employees, who assist patrons directly, and library patrons. We began this process of determining the needs of our stakeholders by using the user profile and behavior setting programming approaches. Additionally, we use interviews, a survey, observations, and scholarly research. Following collection of relevant information, we conclude that the design of the Circulation Desk Area and Harris Room can improve the public functions of each space which include the needs to facilitate interaction, bolster creativity, encourage brainstorming, and conducting interviews. In tandem with public functions, the spaces should support private functions like digitizing books, repairs on course reserves, and writing reports. The main issues found in the spaces are categorized as 1) Task Functions, 2) Storage, 3) Acoustic and Visual Privacy, 4) Furnitures, Fixture, and Equipment (FF&E), and 5) Accessibility. This program document provides a recommendation section for the adjacent spaces. Goal and Performance Requirements Statements introduce the section which set the direction for the future and define how the space should function. The recommendations section also includes a line-by-line program and an adjacency diagram. These recommendations address the concerns and needs of our stakeholders. A glossary, summaries of findings, interview transcripts, and other relevant information can be found in the appendix of the program.
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I. Introduction
II. Problem Statement
In this section we outline the scope of work, observations, and insights about the current workspace to better understand the issues existing design carries. While looking at unwanted pieces we also paid close attention to the neutral and positive actions, materials, and settings of both library locations. This section is one dedicated to ensuring considerate design by way of user needs.
Context: Uris Library Scope of Work The scope of work includes the interior space of Harris Room which is the office area for Uris Library, and the Circulation Desk area, labelled in orange. The two spaces are located on the first floor of Uris Library and are directly connected. Poor organization of the space and outdated interior design has made this space inefficient and unwelcoming to users.
History of Uris Library
Uris library is one of the most historically significant structures on Cornell campus. The history of Uris Library started on October 7, 1891, which was 23 years after classes began at Cornell University. The architect of Uris Library, William Henry Miller, was one of Cornell’s very first architecture students. This library that he designed is a Richardsonian-Romanesque style building, characterized by a cruciform basilica and a nave structure with 29 windows and 20 clerestory windows. Charles Kendall Adams, Cornell’s second president in the history, once noted about Uris Library “today…we come together with glad hearts to celebrate the completion of what must for all time be the most important structure on these ground” (Miller, 1891).
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II. Problem Statement
Contex: Uris Library Site As geographically located near Cornell Mcgraw Tower, Uris is at the center of the Cornell campus. The main pedestrian street in front of Uris Library connects it to many main facility buildings at Cornell Campus such as Ho Plaza, Olin Library and Gannett Health Center, so it’s one of the pedestrian paths that have the most traffic on campus. The west side of Uris is where all sophomore residential halls are located. The proximity between the two tends to increase more sophomore students to use this library space.
Uris Library has 2 entrances, one main entrance and one ADA accessible entrance. The ADA entrance is only accessible by Cornell ID cards, and only for students and faculty who have registered their disability with the Cornell Office of Disabillities. The library is open 24 hours, making it a popular destination for late night studying. The ADA entrance is only open until 2 am, at which time all entrances lock and the library is only accessed via Cornell ID card.
Front Entrance ADA Accessible Entrance Paths of travel
II. Problem Statement
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Context: Problem Statements Problem Statements Problem statements define and categorize the overarching issues within a space. It provides a clear and concise description of the problems that need to be addressed, and is used to focus the programmers and designers, keep them on track during the design process, and ensure that the final outcome meets the needs identified. Problem statements are identified through data collection, primarily user feedback and observation of the space.
Task Functions The space allotted for private work is not efficiently delegated and results in over or under utilized space and storage based on user’s work activities. Allocation of space is not determined by user needs, resulting in some spaces and storage areas being over utilized and some under utilized. Space in Harris room is not efficiently zoned causing unwanted interaction between private and public zones. There is lack of a collaborative meeting and interview space forcing small groups to meet in Olin Library.
Storage There is a lack of personal storage that is easily accessible to employee’s workstations and an excess of unused common storage adjacent to the boundaries of the room. The storage area behind the circulation desk is excessive, as half of the bookshelf space is unused.
Acoustic and Visual Privacy Some staff members handle confidential information on a regular basis and require acoustic privacy and visual privacy during the daytime. Noise from surrounding areas often disrupts work that takes place in the Harris Room. Day to day tasks for general staff require some degree of visual privacy.
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II. Problem Statement
Context: Problem Statements Furniture, Fixtures, and Equipment The desk in the Circulation room is larger than necessary yet does not store equipment that is lent to patrons. The Circulation Desk does not properly delineate between public library space and private staff area. The space in the Harris Room is unequally divided and the furniture is secondhand and randomly allocated, which create an unintended hierarchy and loss of community culture.
Adjacency Issues There is not currently a way to view or monitor the circulation desk from inside the Harris room despite frequent travel and interaction between the two spaces. Some workstations are directly adjacent openings to the floor below, causing acoustical issues for those workstations. The Circulation desk is large and is located directly next to the grand fireplace, eliminating any patron access to the fireplace, which is a signigicant historical design element of the space.
Open to floor below (library work space) Fireplace
Accessibility The building is not currently compliant with ADA guidelines. Not all employees currently have access to a window. There is little visual access between the Harris Room and the Circulation Desk. There is currently no public access to the fireplace, an important historical design aspect of the space
II. Problem Statemtent
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Observations of the Space Behavior Mapping We observed behavior around the Circulation Desk and Harris Room at 3 different times during the day, and recorded the paths of travel for each person in the space, as well as any interaction a person had with another user, with the space, or with any object they might use.
10:45am - 11am
The comparison of these maps allows us to more easily understand the different aspects of users behavior, what times of day are more active and which spaces are more active during those times. Behavior mapping and observational methods as a whole help us understand how the attributes of the space affect user’s activities.
1pm - 1:15pm
Path of Travel Interaction Site
4pm - 4:15pm
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Program Document, II. Problem Uris Library, Statement 2017
Observations of the Space Physical Traces Walk throughs of the current setup and flow of the Harris Room and circulation desk spaces were used to understand the context, location, and human behaviors of these given settings. During various work hours observations were made about tasks, ease of access, flow and points of interaction within the office and circulation and lending stations. Looking at the current situation allows us to develop the scope of work, determine the goals of design, and decide how to approach this program. (Zeisel, 1984) We chose to use physical traces to help guide us in exploring the dynamic characteristics of the space. Observing physical traces gives us an initial idea of how a space is used on a daily basis. They show design successes, shortcomings, and exceptional situations by way of cause, intent and sequence. Our team divided these traces by positives and negatives to highlight the importance of keeping and reiterating parts of the work environment that people enjoy and minimizing the ineffective designs that are not conducive to users’ task functions and daily activities. Physical traces, according to John Zeisel (1984), are objects or characteristics that stand out in a setting and invoke design thinking and represent the efficiencies or lack thereof within a space. Zeisel characterizes these traces in 3 components; cause, intent, and sequence. ‘Cause’ refers to a specific object or characteristic that stood out to us as something that enhanced or diminished the operations of the Harris Room and Circulation Area. ‘Intent’ is the reason why this object or characteristic is placed in this location or exists where it is and how it hinders or helps users operate on a daily basis. ‘Sequence’ helps define the effect of having this observed item in the long run. It stipulates the future expectations of having a specific planned or unplanned trace in place.
Positive Personalization Users express their individuality, experiences, and uniqueness in their environment by posting photographs, adding desk trinkets and bringing other forms of personal expression to the workplace. Users brought these photos to make their spaces more intimate, often imitating a home-away-from-home effect, keeping people comfortable in their workspace and creating a type of escape. In the long run, personalization creates a sense of belonging for users of a workspace, improves morale and keeps people engaged in their everyday work activities.
Separation Foam partitions are used as physical separations between work stations. This helps us determine spatial needs of various users in their personal and shared spaces. These added forms of separations are used to both separate users’ workstations and create the visual privacy that users need for specific task functions regarding confidential information. While these additional partitions fulfil their purpose for short term fixes, they create nonintegrated forms of separation.
II. Problem Statemtent
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Observations of the Current Space Positive Props Translucent buckets are forms of storage that were not included with the original space but help users complete job functions. These buckets usually contain various electronic equipment including; laptops, headphones and chargers all of which are rented out via circulation desk and lending stations. These buckets are labeled and see through to easily determine their contents.The addition looks out of place and durability is not at the same standard as surrounding built in storage units. They will need to be replaced more often because of this disparity in durability.
Negative Erosions This is the wear and tear of doors, book carts, desks, and more. Erosions will denote the use and/or underuse of objects in space. When objects are overused they will gradually become less durable, but when an item is underused the, the object is less efficient in its current setting.
Missing Traces Because this is a library space, we can expect to see sound barriers to keep decibels at a minimum, however in this space, we did not. Lack of sound barriers allows sound to reverberate between the Harris Room and the room below, as the space below is occupied by one or multiple students. Because of the noise from below, Harris Room is often louder than preferred by the users of space. This noise can be distracting to staff thus reducing their productivity.
Leftovers Large water jugs and paper stacks are left behind in odd places by staff members and often not moved because of lack of appropriate storage and/or trash receptacles. These leftovers were used to refill the water cooler used by library staff members. This physical trace clutters large portions of the room and creates a cluttered pathway and slows down circulation in the Harris room discouraging staff members from moving freely in the space.
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II. Problem Statement
Interview Insights Interview with John Ladley October 12th, 2017 Interviewer: Kevin Tal John Ladley Facilities Planning Manager of CUL (Central and Unit Libraries) Facilities fl65@cornell.edu Main Insights The major tasks accomplished in the Harris Room by staff include scanning/digitizing books, conducting student interviews, writing Access Services reports, and answering phone calls. The Circulation Desk serves students of various demographics, notably undergraduates within Arts and Sciences and late night studiers. There is a higher concentration of patron approaching the circulation between noon to close, and requests range from laptops to multiple day equipment loans (cameras). However, the physical circulation desk is underutilized and occupies more space than necessary. Future proposals for the desk are including a self checkout system and a modular design that can be reconfigured easily.
Interview with Bonna Boetcher October 4th, 2017 Interviewer: Rachael Kalousdian & Jeffrey Ding Bonna Boetcher Director, Olin & Uris Libraries and the Library Annex, Adjunct Professor bjb57@cornell.edu Main Insights Director of Olin and Uris Libraries, however spends a minimal amount of time in the Harris Room and Circulation Area. She specified the need for visual privacy particularly when confidential information is being shared or student supervisors are conducting interviews. The circulation area can be minimized and the circulation desk can be reconfigured to open up the fireplace. There is no current collaborative/meeting space in the Harris Room. In terms of automation, she would like to see a self checkout system, automated course reserves, a stacks finder, a study space finder.
II. Problem Statemtent
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Interview Insights Focus Group Interview October 4th, 2017 Interviewer: Kevin Tal (+ members from Team 1) Access Service Librarians Wendy Wilcox and Bethany Silver Harris Room Staff Members Main Insights According to a majority of occupants of the Harris Room, the space is not thoughtful with dingy/used furniture, inadequate storage, peeling paint, poor noise and temperature levels stemming from the exposure to the level below. The most notable positive aspect is the wealth of natural light. There a multitude of job tasks including processing books, equipment management, DVD repair, and discussions w/ student workers (interviews, reprimands, conversations). There is a shared desk in the center aisle of the room where staff process reserves , work on equipment, fix records, take materials off reserve, and conduct student and new staff training. Movable furniture and moveable/personal storage is requested by the staff. In terms of visual privacy, they are comfortable with short dividing walls that are equally distributed across the space. The circulation desk is underutilized, and can be more practical if there are transparent drawers that can hold equipment and a book desensitizer attached to the desk. Furthermore the desk can be shortened in order to open up the fireplace but should be completely closed off to patrons. The shelves are excessive as only half of the shelf space is occupied, they generally do not use the top of bottom portions of shelves. A secure area to lock up specialized equipment would be helpful. Patrons should only see the desk, all equipment should be hidden (like laptop carts). The return slot is improperly utilized at times, as patrons are returning laptops in them when they should return them to the desk attendant.
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II. Problem Statement
Survey Insights Survey In addition to interviews, we conducted a survey with respondents consisting of employees from the Harris Room and the Circulation Desk. While surveys are not useful for understanding complex relationships as interviews are, surveys allow us to tap into a much broader range of users. From the information and data gathered, we can do statistical analyses and make concrete comparisons between users and settings. The standardization of questions and prompts allows us to gather more information in less time and analyze information more quickly, saving both time and costs. We collected a total of 6 responses over the period of 1 week. 4 of the 6 respondents were Circulation Desk employees, some student employees and one late night shift employee. 2 of the 6 were Harris Room employees, one course reserve coordinator (Digitizer user profile), and one access services employee. 50% of respondents spend 2-3 days per week at Uris Library, and 50% spend 4-5 days per week. The chart below shows the respondent’s average rating of specific aspects of the space based on how well each aspect of the space is meeting personal, day to day needs. Specific comments from respondents expanding on any issues are included below.
Poor
Moderate
Neutral
Good
Best
Amount of space Technology Privacy Electric Lighting Natural Lighting Acoustic Quality Furniture Public Storage Personal Storage Lighting (Electric & Natural) “It’s great having so many windows, though I work mostly in the evenings. Flourescents, are hard on the eyes and ears. The buzzing light over the circulation desk in the Dean Room sometimes gives me a headache.” “Primary work space faces away from the window and there are two cubicle barriers separating work space from windows” Furniture “The circulation desk does not store all the materials we hand out to patrons and is too big for the space.” “It would be good to have the chairs at the circulation desk allow for knees to go under the desk.” “Chair wheels tend to catch on carpeting...plastic chair mats would be beneficial.”
II. Problem Statemtent
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Summary of Findings Through our user research, including interviews and surveys, we identified problem areas within the Harris room and Circulation desk area. Within the Harris room, there are digitizers, access services and closing reporters, and student employees. Each require different levels of equipment and privacy. In general, there is not enough personal storage for the individual employees conveniently located in the space. Additionally, there is an inappropriate allocation of privacy – some employees are more closed off than necessary or desired, while some require greater amounts of visual and auditory privacy. Lastly, there is an issue with noise coming from the room below that can be distracting to workers. For the circulation desk, the main tasks that occur are assisting patrons, specifically exchanging books, answering questions, and lending equipment. A majority of the desk remains underutilized, and takes up valuable floor space that could be allocated to the students. Additionally, the shelves behind the desks are largely empty – more space that could be put to a better use. The circulation desk also does not provide a clear enough barrier between public library space and private office space, so this division could be better emphasized.
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II. Problem Statement
III. Recommendations
In this section our team takes the culmination of observations, interviews, and research to define measured stipulations for design teams to implement that best fit user needs based on task functions and daily activities. This section explicitly defines what needs to be done in this space by defining “goals” and explains how to reach each goal by fulfilling “performance requirement statements”.
Mission Mission Statement To create a program for the design of a librarian work space in Uris Library, that will support the public and private functions of library staff and the needs of students in order to allow for the exchange of library resources, facilitate research, and to support the overall tasks of library staff.
Zoning
1
Least interactive, most private
2
3
Moderate privacy
4
Most interactive, least private
The Harris room and the circulation desk area are divided into 4 zones based on their level of interactivity. Zone 1 is the least interactive, collaborative area but the quietest, most individual-work focused area. On the contrary, zone 4 is the most interactive area. Zone 4 is the area where most interaction happens. Creating a zoning map helps to better understand users’ behaviors in the space and thus better organize the space in a more systematic and efficient way.
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III. Recommendations
Goals and PR Statements Goal: A Goal Statement identifies a future direction for the program. It concisely outlines what the design for the space should accomplish. PR: Performance Requirements define how the space will function, and are used to describe how the goal statement should be achieved. Together, the Goal and PR Statements will dictate to the designer how to address the problem statements.
Task Functions Goal 1. Zones will be created and organized by task function in order to increase efficiency. PR 1.1 The size of zones should be divided based on the amount of users in each profile (see user profile section, pg #), their levels of interaction, and their task functions.
PR 1.2 The zones within the Harris Room should gradually distinguish areas with high levels of interaction (public) from areas with lower levels of interaction (private).
PR 1.3 The zone closest to the entrance should serve as an informal hub for idea sharing and informal communication (Elsback & Bechky, 2007).
III. Recommendations
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Goals and PR Statements Task Functions
Goal 2. The Harris Room will provide a private and collaborative meeting area for library staff, faculty, and student employees. PR 2.1 Privacy within the conference room should be achieved with surrounding panels or partitions that are 6’ high (Lee, Y. S., 2010). PR 2.2 The furniture in the conference room should be configured to facilitate collaboration (Lee, Y. S., 2010).
PR 2.3 Whiteboards and writable surfaces should be mounted on the interior of partitions to encourage communication and brainstorming (Guidice, 2013).
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III. Recommendations
Goals and PR Statements Storage
Goal 3. The Circulation Desk will store office supplies and digital equipment (eg. headphones, chargers, laptops) so staff can quickly retrieve them upon request from patrons. PR 3.1 The desk should have at least 18 cubic feet of built in storage, accessible to staff, for office supplies and electronics (chargers, headphones, laptops) associated with workstation activities and needs to be readily available no further than 5 feet away (Office Accommodation Management Framework, 2012).
PR 3.2 Storage drawers and cabinets should be transparent to allow for easy visual access and organization by staff members.
PR 3.3 The Circulation Desk should be equipped with surge protectors at a ratio of 1 surge protector for 10 laptops stored.
III. Recommendations
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Goals and PR Statements Visual and Acoustic Privacy Goal 4. Visual access in the space will promote productivity while preserving some visual privacy for each user. PR 4.1 The space should have enclosed private workstations and semi-enclosed shared spaces (Lee, 2010).
PR 4.2 The workstations should be enclosed with surrounding panels or partitions that are 4’ high.
PR 4.3 The space should provide flexible/movable mode of attaining visual privacy (Ding, 2008).
Goal 5. The space will provide acoustic qualities to support user functions of each type of zone. PR 5.1 Acoustic ceiling systems should reduce ambient noise from carrying through the space (Armstrong, 2016).
PR 5.2 Public interactive environments and private quiet environments should be zoned appropriately to create acoustically private spaces where needed. PR 5.3 Partition walls and flooring in the space should have sound absorbing qualities.
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III. Recommendations
Goals and PR Statements Furniture, Fixtures, and Equipment
Goal 6. The Circulation Desk and surrounding area will be designed to facilitate interaction. PR 6.1 The Circulation Desk should be 18’ long in order to open up the interior architecture and fireplace of the Main Reading Room to the public.
PR 6.2 The Circulation Desk should have a configuration that is curved in towards the Harris Room and to clearly delineate between general circulation paths and where patrons can approach users (Powell, et al. 2007).
PR 6.3 The activities that occur on the Circulation Desk should be divided to include a desk that provides for sit down interaction where patrons can go for reference or consultation, measuring 38” in height (Powell, et al. 2007).
PR 6.4 The Circulation Desk should include a desk for circulation of equipment and course reserves, measuring 4’ in height (Powell, et al. 2007).
III. Recommendations
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Goals and PR Statements Furniture, Fixtures, and Equipment
Goal 7. The furniture within personal workstations will reinforce users’ efficiency and creativity. PR 7.1 The interior should allow for personalization to boost creativity (Elsbach & Bechky, 2007).
PR 7.2 The interior should provide personal storage of 6 cubic feet for each employee to minimize clutter.
31
III. Recommendations
Goals and PR Statements Lighting Goal 8. The Harris Room will provide a comfortable ambient environment through lighting. PR 8.1 The space should use direct-indirect electrical lighting (Fostervold & Nersveen, 2008).
PR 8.2 The space should provide task lighting that can be controlled by users (Joines, James, Siwen, Wenjiao, Dunn, Cohen, 2015). PR 8.3 The space should provide electrical lighting with automated occupancy sensors and light switches (Soori & Vishwas, 2013).
PR 8.4 The Harris Room should provide electrical lighting of 500 lux (Hedges, 2017).
PR 8.5 Each workspace should use daylight as dominant light source to foster productivity and performance (Fasi & Budaiwi, 2015). PR 8.6 The interior walls should be painted with high light reflectance value (LRV) paint, with a wall reflectance of over 75% (Yoon & Moeck, 2005).
III. Recommendations
33
Goals and PR Statements Accessibility Goal 9. The Circulation Desk will be noticeable and easily accessible for any patron in need of assistance.
PR 9.1 Multiple signs should be placed in the area surrounding the Circulation Desk in clear view of all entrance points to the room (Rousek 2010). PR 9.2 The Desk should be easy to locate from any part of the library with signs placed at the service points, intervals of approximately 10 feet, throughout the library. (Stempler and Polger, 2013). PR 9.3 The Circulation Desk should be composed of three modular desks that are connected. (Farmer, 2002). PR 9.4 The counter surface height of one modular desk should be no more than 38 inches from the floor (ADA, 2010). PR 9.5 All signs will be matte, or other non-glare finish, and will have high contrast lettering and symbols to increase visibility in all light levels (ADA, 2015).
PR 9.6 The character height of letters on signage should be no smaller than 3 inches (ADA 2010).
PR 9.7 The font of all signage will be simple and sans serif, with a medium or bold weight (ADA 2015).
33
III. Recommendations
Goals and PR Statements
Goal 10. The space will be accessible to all users.
PR 10.1 2010)
The counter surface height should be no more than 38 inches from the ground (ADA
PR 10.2 The width of circulation paths should be 36 inches minimum (ADA 2010).
PR 10.3 A portion of the counter that is 36 inches long, minimum, and 36 inches high, maximum, should be provided, with a clear floor space positioned for a parallel approach adjacent to this counter space (ADA, 2010.). PR 10.4 Toe clearance in all workstations should extend between 17 and 25 inches under the counter, and should be at least 30 inches wide (ADA, 2010.). PR 10.5 Knee clearance in all workstations shall extend 25 inches maximum under the counter at 9 inches above the ground.
PR 10.6 Knee space of personal workstations should be at least 30 inches wide.
III. Recommendations
34
Line by Line Program A line by line provides an overview of the project components by identifying each space or room, the quantity, and its area in square feet. Type of Space
Quantity
Sq. Feet
No. of People
200
8 (4 persons per station)
Workstations with computer should allow students to easily access the technology at hand
225
Shared between 2
Open floor workstations designed for users to scan course reserves
150
2 persons, each half contains a small space for convening
Workstation pods are divided into 2 workstations equipped with computers
Comments
Workstation General Workstation Workstation specialized for digitization Workstations for Supervisors
2
1
1
Storage Office Storage Supply Coffee ‘Hub’
1
1
32
Contains paper equipment so users have a centralized location
32
Serves as an informal meeting space for users to congregate
Serves as a meeting area and a private location to handle confidential information
Collaborative Space Group Conference Room
1
140
Circulation Desk Area
1
500
5-6 persons
Stores course reserves and electronic equipment to be given out to patrons
Net Sq Ft
35
1,279 III. Recommendations
Adjacency Diagram An adjacency diagram is an abstract representation showing the relative sizes and connections between departments based on user needs.
III. Recommendations
36
Detailed Program General Workstation Total Square Feet: 400 Persons: 8 Activity: Workspace for employees requiring a personal work area and computer
Recommendations
Category Architecture
Floor
Install flooring with slip-resistant, easily cleanable finish material Floor finish material should contribute to noise reduction
Walls
Paint in neutral color with light reflectance value (LRV) of over 75%
Interiors Lighting
Provide one task light at each desk Provide direct-indirect pendant lights
Acoustics
Install 50 course-textured acoustic ceiling panels to decrease ambient noise Keep noise levels below 45 dBA (soft whisper)
FF & E
Provide 4 individual 30” x 72” desks no higher than 38” 19 panels (each 33” x 54”) that serves as partitions to seperate each workstation for more personal privacy One 61” x 36” x 16” horizontal cabinet for shared storage
37
III. Recommendations
Detailed Program Digitizing Workstations Total Square Feet: 225 Persons: 2 Activity: Workspace for document processing employees who require expanded computer stations Recommendations
Category Architecture
Floor
Install flooring with slip-resistant, easily cleanable finish material Floor finish material should contribute to noise reduction
Walls
Paint in neutral color with light reflectance value (LRV) of over 75%
Interiors Lighting
4 task lights at each workstation 1 internal blind/light shelf on windows to prevent sun glare
Acoustics
Install 50 course-textured acoustic ceiling panels to decrease ambient noise Keep noise levels below 45 dBA (soft whisper)
FF & E
4 individual 30” x 72” ft desks no higher than 38” 1 at least 96” of counter space no higher than 38” for scanning equipment 4 ergonomically task-appropriate chairs for each desk (one for each desk) 6 cubic ft. of storage built into each desk for personal storage One 152” x 21” x 20’’ cabinet for shared storage 4 open shelves of 72” x 12” x 4” for course reserves 19 panels (each 33” x 54” ) that serves as partitions to seperate each workstation for more personal privacy
III. Recommendations
38
Detailed Program Supervisor Workstation Total Square Feet: 150 Persons: 2 Activity: Workspace for employees in charge of conducting interviews and meetings with student employees
Recommendations
Category Architecture
Floor
Install flooring with slip-resistant, easily cleanable finish material Floor finish material should contribute to noise reduction
Walls
48” tall movable partitions to visually seperate supervisors with other employees Paint in neutral color with light reflectance value (LRV) of over 75%
Interiors Lighting
2 task lights (one in each workstation) 1 direct-indirect pendent light on the ceiilng to provide an ambient work environment
Acoustics FF & E
38 course-textured acoustic ceiling panels to decrease airborne noise 2 individual 24” x 60” desks no higher than 38” 2 ergonomically task-appropriate chairs (One for each desk). 6 cubic ft. of storage built into each desk for personal storage One 152” x 21” x 20’’ cabinet for shared storage 11 panels (each 33” x 54”) that serves as partitions to seperate each workstation for more personal privacy
39
III. Recommendations
Detailed Program Storage ‘Hub’ Total Square Feet: 32 Persons: N/A Activity: Storage and Self-Serving location for water jugs, coffee to foster informal interaction
Recommendations
Category Architecture
Floor
Install current flooring with slip-resistant, easily cleanable material
Interiors Lighting Acoustics
Provide one recessed LED luminaire mounted in the ceiling Install 8 course-textured acoustic ceiling panels (24” x 24”) to decrease ambient noise
FF & E
Provide a 24” x 48” x 30’’ table for placing snacks, coffee machine, kettle Provide one water cooler
III. Recommendations
40
Detailed Program Conference Room Total Square Feet: 140 Persons: 5 - 6 Activity: Collaborative space for formal and informal meetings among employees.
Recommendations
Category Architecture
Floor
Install flooring with slip-resistant, easily cleanable finish material Floor finish material should contribute to noise reduction
Windows
2 internal blinds/light shelves on exising windows prevent sun glare
Doors
1 door with 36” in width for ADA accessibility
Walls
2 frosted glass walls, that extend to the ceiling, to enclose the conference space for visual privacy Paint in neutral color with light reflectance value (LRV) of over 75%
Interiors Lighting Acoustics
2 recessed LED luminares mounted in the ceiling 35 course-textured acoustic ceiling panels (each 24”” x 24””) to withstand impact from non-deliberate contact
FF & E
one 36” by 72” feet conference table 5 ergonomic chairs (black leather and polished aluminum recommended) 35 carpet tiles (each 24” by 24”) to absorb airborne noise 1 TV screen (viewing recommended at 30 to 45 degrees from center of the screen) Use mechanical or electrical equipment in acoustical design with vibration isolator, slow flow ducts and pipes, or minimal sound leaks of piping and ducting
41
III. Recommendations
Detailed Program Circulation Desk Area Total Square Feet: 500 Persons: 1-3 employees, varying numbers of library patrons Activity: Space for staff to interact with patrons, acquiring and providing patrons specific materials with finding or disseminating information Recommendations
Category Architecture
Floor
Install flooring with slip-resistant, easily cleanable finish material
Interiors Lighting Acoustics
Use direct-indirect pendent light Install 35 course-textured acoustic ceiling panels to decrease ambient noise Keep noise levels below 45 dBA (soft whisper)
FF & E
Provide circulation desk composed of 3 modular desks, 2 measuring 72” x 36” x 48” and 1 measuring 72” x 36” x 38” 2 book storage shelves 150” x 24” x 72” for holding reserved books
III. Recommendations
42
Budget Manufacturer
#
Unit Price
Total Cost
Steelcase
4
$1,479
$5,916
Herman Miller
4
$1,349
$5,396
Element 790 Task Lighting
Human Scale
4
$369
$1,476
Answer Panel (privacy panel)
Steelcase
19
$90
$1,710
Galant Storage Cabination
IKEA
1
$1,098
$1,098
Steelcase
2
$1,479
$2,958
Herman Miller
2
$1,349
$2,698
Human Scale
2
$369
$738
Answer Panel (privacy panel)
Steelcase
3
$90
$270
Galant Storage Cabination
IKEA
1
$1,098
$1,098.00
Product Name
Image
General Workstation Series 7 heightadjustable table Aeron Chair
Digitizer Workstation Series 7 heightadjustable table Aeron Chair
Element 790 Task Lighting
43
III. Recommendations
Budget Product Name Lack Wall Shelf
Image
Manufacturer
#
Unit Price
Total Cost
IKEA
4
$15
$59.96
Steelcase
4
$1,479
$5,916
Supervisor Workstation Series 7 heightadjustable table
Aeron Chair
Herman Miller
4
$1,349
$5,396
Human Scale
4
$369
$1,476
Steelcase
19
$90
$1,710
IKEA
1
$1,098
$1,098
Erik File Cabinet
IKEA
2
$99
$198
Billy Book Case
IKEA
1
$114
$114
Galant Storage Cabination
IKEA
1
$1,098
$1,098
Element 790 Task Lighting
Answer Panel (privacy panel) Galant Storage Cabination
Office Supply Storage
III. Recommendations
44
Budget Manufacturer
#
Unit Price
Total Cost
Steelcase
1
$1,197
$1,197
Series 1 Chair
Steelcase
6
$448
$2,688.00
70 Conference Room Monitor C7016H
Dell
$2,299
$2,299
Versatile Pattern Carpet Tile
Home Depot
Product Name
Image
Group Conference Room Groupwork Rectangular Conference Table
1
140 $0.99/sf sf
$138.60
Other
45
Alcon Lighting 12207-8 Mona LED
Alcon
Reflections Dune 12 Inch Dome Trim
4
$705
$2,820
Y Lighting
8
$250
$2,000
Premium Faux Wood Blind
Home Depot
3
$75.57
$227
Armstrong Ceiling Tile
Armstrong
1444 $0.99/sf sf
$1,430
Total
$49,962.83
III. Recommendations
IV. Appendix
This section contains supplementary material that coincides with the interview, research and much more of the report that may be helpful in delivering a more comprehensive understanding of the research conducted to reach the recommendations made throughout this program. It will expand on any terms that may be confusing,
Glossary Accessibility - easy to approach, enter, see, hear, or use Adjacency Diagram - abstract representation showing the relative sizes and connections between departments based on user needs. Detailed program - a detailed program provides the most specific outline of the components for each space or room and identifies recommendations based on the problem areas.’ FF&E - moveable (furniture, fixtures and equipment) that are not permanently affixed to the building or utilities Goal - Identifies a sets a future direction for the program, and states a future for the space. It outlines concisely what the design for the space should accomplish.
Physical Trace - evidence of continued use within a space. Often determines how users actually operate in a setting PR (Performance Requirements) - define how the space will function, and are used to describe how the goal statement should be achieved. Together, the goal and PR statements will dictate to the designer how to address the problem statements. Program - A document of background research and list of requirements that become the basis for design teams’ layout and implemented design based on client needs and goals within a space. Program Approach - scientific, systematic approach to interpreting, determining, and designing solutions to various issues within the given scope of work Scope of Work - The area for which the overall program describes and prescribes changes.
Line-by-line - a line by line provides an overview of the project components by identifying each space or room, the quantity, and its area in square feet. It is used to determine space use efficiency and cost of the structure.
Stakeholders - the client and users of a particular space. Their opinions matter in determining needs of the space as task functions and daily activities are defined most clearly by this group of people.
LRV (Light Reflective Value) - measure of visible and usable light reflected from a surface
Task Functions - daily work activities completed by users of space.
Mission Statement - Vision the program strives to meet through its description and recommendations.
Visual & Acoustic Privacy - unable to be well seen or heard, and unable to see or hear others.
Modular Furniture - furniture made up of independent sections of surfaces and storage units often built with panels to be used as space dividers. Can be easily added and subtracted from workspaces without altering the continuity of space
47
IV. Appendix
Interviews and Surveys Bonna Boetcher - Interviewer: Rachael Kalousdian & Jeffrey Ding
What are your tasks during the day and where are they carried out?
Main duties are to oversee the public services both Olin and Uris libraries offer. Most of this is done from an office but is active during the day in formal and informal meetings. Some duties to oversee include: Research and learning reference services Stats maintenance service (organizational services) Interlibrary services (interlibrary loans, transfers, etc.) Access services (where you get stuff, circulation, etc) Oversee the operation of the offsite high density storage (5 million volumes) Digitization of volumes takes place there; Harris room scanning is only for course reserves for classes.
How often are you physically in Uris Library?
Only physically in Uris when there are meetings or need to see someone in Uris. 2-3 times a week and for short periods of time. No extended time spent in Uris on a frequent basis.
How often does Cornell renovate Uris/ When was the last time Cornell renovated Uris (or libraries in general)? Renovation and changes to the building depend entirely on Cornell’s masterplan for campus. No major attention has been paid to Uris library in the most recent years. Mainly small changes; “chipping away at the problems we need to solve.” Last 3 years (2013-2016) have consisted of cosmetic changes. → Most recent renovation was made last year (2016) to the main entrance lobby. The library was at its worst aesthetically and functionally in the 70s and 80s.
Do you have any input regarding personal workstations of the staff in the Harris Room? Do you think they are functional? Comfortable?
Mainly does not have an opinion, other than that they are not as functional as they could be and not programmed to current use. Leaves those dealings to Wendy and Bethany
Do you have any input/information on staff members who need privacy? If so, to what degree?
Does not know who specifically needs more privacy than others, though there is a need for privacy for many different occasions. Specifically mentioned student supervisors and anyone dealing with sensitive meetings and confidential information. Specified a need for visual privacy as more important than auditory privacy, though there is a need for good auditory privacy in certain cases. IV. Appendix
48
Interviews and Surveys
What changes would you like to see implemented that would make the biggest difference?
Would like to see the footprint of the circulation desk change -- the area behind the desk could be smaller. Would like to see the fireplace be utilized instead of tucked behind the desk -- strong design feature -- respect the aesthetic Would like to see more collaborative space- no meeting space or flexible areas Rethink the gallery level Small details Plum paint color unpleasant More mindful of the activities of students Used to be a scholarly hub, now much less activity More flexibility in all spaces
Have you heard any comments regarding the noise level in the Harris Room?
More need for visual privacy than auditory privacy, other than some of the private conversations held by supervisors and employees who handle confidential information
Have there been any plans or discussions regarding the ADA compliance and accessibility of Uris Library? If not, do you foresee any of these discussions taking place in the future? There have been discussions about ADA compliance of the building -- main entrance is not ADA compliant. The building is hard to make fully ADA compliant because there are lots of stairs and split levels that an elevator would not be able to accommodate due to the layout of the building. Currently there is a lift that is accessible by keycard (must be registered with disability services to get access by key card) that grants accessible access to only some parts of the building. Lift only goes to gallery level of building This was implemented only 3 years ago Again any big changes seem to have to fall into university’s master plan in order to happen, if it is not high on the agenda then we will not see change for a while Building is only ADA accessible until 2am when the library staff leave and the security guards are the only ones on duty
What level of automation of the library system are you comfortable with now?
Already have a semi high level of automation in the system. Rooms are reservable online similar to mann, etc. Comfortable with automation of systems where appropriate, but not over automating things to the extent that it would be inconvenient for users.
49
IV. Appendix
Interviews and Surveys
What kinds of technology would you like to see implemented in the next 5-10 years?
Certain systems are already being piloted to become more automated soon. Self checkout system - network for all things rentable at libraries Automated course reserves Stacks finder- automated maps of the library and where to find things in the stacks, at this point they still use manual maps Study Space finder-- what spaces are occupied and which are free Online accounts for library services, etc.
What functions that are not implemented currently do you expect to occur in this space over the next 5 years? In the next 5-10 yrs Would like to see better public services for students - fuller Library gateway system
Do you expect the demographic of user groups for Uris Library to change at all over the next 5 - 10 years? Main demographic is the Arts Quad and Engineering students- Uris holds engineering course reserves. Since it is the only library open 24/7 (other than Carpenter) it has its own audience of late night studiers and students. Only library with security guards around at night -- some people like that it feels safer when they are working late In general, the demographic and popularity among certain student groups tends to ebb and flow with the prelim season, although now prelims are starting to be more spread out across the semester.
IV. Appendix
50
Interviews and Surveys John Ladley - Interviewer: Kevin Tal
What are the main duties of the employees in the Harris Room?
Scanning and digitizing the books, conducting student interviews, answering phone calls, people at the circulation desk, and receiving requests from students Sometimes will have a part time designe to help with the branding of Uris Library.
What demographics in students have you noticed to be more popular?
Art & Science students, undergraduate students, people looking for late-night night study space
What are the most common requests do you get from students during the day?
Requests are very diverse from borrowing laptops or chargers to returning books.
What common distractions do you notice during the day that affect your effectiveness or efficiency with work? Noise: poor acoustic because of the glass panels near workstations
How many people use it? At a time, in a day?
Usually less people in the morning. People start to increase from noon to night.
Are things unused at the desk?
Circulation desk itself is not often used. In our new proposal, the footprint of it should be shrunk.
What are the most common requests do you get from students during the day?
Requests are very diverse from borrowing laptops or chargers to returning books.
51
IV. Appendix
Interviews and Surveys
What are the functional needs of these spaces?
Harris Room -Total of 12 workstations with equitable space -Private shared meeting space (for student interviews, private phone conversations) - should fit 3-4 people -Storage space (both public and private) for paper/books/reservable equipment -Closing documentation- in which 3 workers are stationary and sitting -Processing space - max. 2 workers in the office digitizing Processing desk kept near personal desk Need 2-3 processing stations Private offices → Shared interview/meeting space More modular furniture Emphasize natural lighting Circulation Desk: Circulation could be accomplished through a self checkout system, unwomanned Could reduce to ½-⅓ of its current size Should be modular, easy to take apart and reconfigure Potential to reduce storage shelves for books on reserve Open up fireplace Movable bookshelves and less of them (only 50% full max) - could be moved elsewhere Movable desk in case it is removed entirely Spaces similar to Ideal Result: 218 Olin Communication Dept. Mann
IV. Appendix
52
Interviews and Surveys Focus Group Interview - Interviewer: Kevin Tal (+ Team 3 members)
What are the types of job functions carried out in the Harris Room?
Course reserves, processing physical books, digitizing, scanning. Equipment manager - investigates problems, updating records, replacing damaged equipment. DVD repair, checking records of DVD items - Sunday worker. Corner offices - student supervisors (63 students), nice having their own private area (for interviews, reprimanding, talking about issues or problems with students). Really bright room - really bright room. NIce having the Harris room as a back, private space, no interruption. Aesthetic perspective: peeling paint, depressing, dingy, carpet has been there for a really long time. Gatherings/parties/events = good part of current space. Noise levels are a big issue. Get really cold/drafty in corner near windows, gets stuffy in other areas. HIghly cluttered space - DVD’s stacked, equipment waiting to be processed - better storage situation. Enclosed area.
What responsibilities are shared by employees? Where are they taken place?
There is a shared space in the middle - hoteling station (included in number of 12 desks). People process reserves there, work on equipment, fixing records, taking materials off reserve, student and new staff training. Nice having this desk in view of the front doors (out to library).
What are the most common requests do you get from students during the day?
Equipment requests, want this really close, need better storage system (quicker way to get to this equipment). Seems like they are always walking back and forth. Olin has a better system, only open on one end (should be more private or closed in so that people cannot just walk into the back). Shelving could possibly be reduced - although it is outside of their department (called them the sorting shelves). These shelves make it easier for people to return the books to shelves, does not want just a portable cart. Course reserves shelving, tend to not use the very top and bottom shelves. Reconfigure circulation desk to bring fireplace to public. Want to see all the books stuff hidden from view - kind of an eye sore. Changes to Circulation Desk: Clear drawers right underneath (clarity is good to see what is in there). Remove the return slot from the front of the circulation desk - reduces lapse time to return of items, people can just return them right to the person sitting there. Reduce the size. Patron should only see a pretty desk - all peripheral equipment (head phones, chargers), and specialized equipment (projectors), laptops, papers (sign contracts to check out equipment) hidden.
53
IV. Appendix
Interviews and Surveys Are things unused at the circulation desk? What are the primary things used or taken out at/ from the circulation desk? Headphones, phone cords, chargers, folder for student worker apps, office supplies,, contracts/forms, lost and found, phone unit to get handicapped people in. Would be helpful to add a secure area to lock up specialized equipment. Book desensitizers (have to do this when someone checks out a book), current configuration does not work.
How do you feel about the current levels of storage in the Harris Room?
They store a lot there because there is space there - becomes a hodge podge. Place where people hang their jackets = wasted, need less space for this. One of storage units = air flow, cannot cover it up. Want closed storage space - doors/drawers. More spaces for personal storage spaces - for reserves and equipment. People should have equitable types of spaces with a similar level of privacy (short walls creating visual privacy). 2 main people - reserves. 2 people - student workers Want these people in close proximity. Also want the equipment/materials they will need in close proximity. Matching furniture = a dream.
Are there issues with auditory privacy?
Noise issue mainly from Austen room.
Are there issues with temperature?
There is also a draft (cold) that seems like it is coming specifically from the Austen room. Many of the staff have personal heaters.
Does the current furniture support your job tasks?
Would be nice to have furniture that is more easily movable. Mobile storage? Storage is currently not located close to work areas.
IV. Appendix
54
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Maya
Rachel
IV. Appendix
Summary of Selected Research Spatial Layout & Interaction Spatial layout and face-to-face interaction in officesöa study of the mechanisms of spatial effects on face-to-face interaction Space is an organizational resource. According to studies by Hall and Parsons, when coworkers face each other they are likely to make eye contact with another increasing the likelihood of conversation. Additionally, a worker is more likely to walk over to a co-worker if one can unobstructedly see the other from one’s workspace. When considering this application to the Harris Room, open views of coworkers can be beneficial for those with similar job functions. However the current division of the room, where those with similar functions are grouped together and separated from others with short mobile walls, can be sustained in order that employees will mitigate personal conversations.
Lighting Lighting design becomes more and more important in office settings. Appropriate use of natural light & electrical light can improve people’s productivity and makes people feel a sense of homeyness in a work environment. In order to provide users an ambient environment through lighting, the first possible aspect to be considered is indirect lighting. Indirect lights are added usually to soften the effect of electrical direct lighting, decreasing excessive horizontal illuminance. This can sometimes be achieved by the removal of one lamp in a twin-lamp luminaire, although often the diffuser or louvre will need changing to improve the light control – this may well reduce the light output and affect the luminaire’s light distribution. In addition, the appearance and luminance balance of the space need to be considered for all lighting conditions too. The appearance during bright sunny days, when the electric lighting may be off, is considerably different from the late winter afternoons or evenings where the daylight contribution may have faded completely.
Flexibility & Collaboration Current office trends incorporate space for spontaneous meet ups, and open floor plans to facilitate communication among workers, as well as movable desks that can be grouped as necessary. Current users of this office do not rely heavily on collaboration in their work, so this may not be necessary to incorporate. However, flexibility can be beneficial to ensure that the design of the office is able to adapt to changing needs. This can be done through movable walls, so that office design becomes maintenance instead of regular construction. Additionally, while the baby boomer generation prefers a more rigid structure, millennials welcome opportunities to gather casually in the workplace. A flexible office structure would allow this to be implemented more easily as users of the office change over time.
IV. Appendix
56
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