I starting my, frankly ridiculously, early day at 5:30am to get to Worcester by lunch time, during the train journey (well one coach, then two trains) I pull out this month’s issue of CILIP update (talk about dedication), of the South West newsletter, there is a review of The Hive, by Dr Judith Keene, the person I am traveling to see. Now I feel that my outfit was completely wrong. Jeans and a top, I think is should have dressed up.
As my train journey comes to an end, I start to compile all of the questions that I want to find answers to. The reason for my very long journey(car, bus, two trains then a short walk), is to see:
A) what a higher educational institution library looks like (use camera)
B) find out the pitfalls involved in moving a library
C) find out what a new library service is offering and how this relates to what we are thinking about offering.
And) finally complete some of my paperwork whilst traveling between Plymouth and Worcester.
Also on a more personal note I lived in the town next to Worcester for several years, almost 20 and having not been there for almost 10 years, I would love to see how the city has changed over that time. I have fond memories of the old library, which was attached to the museum. But I am full of excitement to see how this new venture in libraries compares.
As my train journey comes to an end, I start to compile all of the questions that I want to find answers to. The reason for my very long journey(car, bus, two trains then a short walk), is to see:
A) what a higher educational institution library looks like (use camera)
B) find out the pitfalls involved in moving a library
C) find out what a new library service is offering and how this relates to what we are thinking about offering.
And) finally complete some of my paperwork whilst traveling between Plymouth and Worcester.
Also on a more personal note I lived in the town next to Worcester for several years, almost 20 and having not been there for almost 10 years, I would love to see how the city has changed over that time. I have fond memories of the old library, which was attached to the museum. But I am full of excitement to see how this new venture in libraries compares.
Having arrived, the outside is great, it really stands out as a building and as excellently located.
In talking to members of staff, certain things, such as safe guarding which had never been a consideration for a HEi, where as having small children wandering around considerations such as internet access, book content need to be thought about. As we are moving the other way, this is much easier for us. We have 4 years olds (at Saturday Arts Club), staff are fully aware of the implications of such content.
In terms of it looking like a HEi, it did, but equally it looked like a public library. I think it depends on where you are standing, in fiction then it's public, in non-fiction then it's academic, with subtle variations, for instance non-fiction books are housed in shelves that are 6 shelves high, fiction is 4 or 5.
The usual book patterns could be seen with multiple copies of the most popular non fiction book, very similar to any academic library, but the variation lies in the fact that they were reserved for students.
In terms of pitfalls, we chatted about the designers plans not necessarily working in practice as they did on paper and a robust approach was needed to change the original design. Two years on and they are still changing elements of the design. Which I suppose is to be expected from such a large development offering such a massive service.
In terms of it being a HEi, many members of the public benefit from this, as services like confidence building skills, which may not be seen in public libraries. Services that could, and in several cases should, be offered to everyone. Also the opening hours were really interesting, closing at 8 pm, very similar to my smaller library. One place were the difference between public and academic library was most felt was the charging of printing of paper, with difference pricing structures for both public and students.
Dotted around the library there were also some examples of great innovative technology. What looks like a large see through ceiling lamp shade that when you walk under it, it activates a recorded tape of local history.
In terms of it looking like a HEi, it did, but equally it looked like a public library. I think it depends on where you are standing, in fiction then it's public, in non-fiction then it's academic, with subtle variations, for instance non-fiction books are housed in shelves that are 6 shelves high, fiction is 4 or 5.
The usual book patterns could be seen with multiple copies of the most popular non fiction book, very similar to any academic library, but the variation lies in the fact that they were reserved for students.
In terms of pitfalls, we chatted about the designers plans not necessarily working in practice as they did on paper and a robust approach was needed to change the original design. Two years on and they are still changing elements of the design. Which I suppose is to be expected from such a large development offering such a massive service.
In terms of it being a HEi, many members of the public benefit from this, as services like confidence building skills, which may not be seen in public libraries. Services that could, and in several cases should, be offered to everyone. Also the opening hours were really interesting, closing at 8 pm, very similar to my smaller library. One place were the difference between public and academic library was most felt was the charging of printing of paper, with difference pricing structures for both public and students.
Dotted around the library there were also some examples of great innovative technology. What looks like a large see through ceiling lamp shade that when you walk under it, it activates a recorded tape of local history.
Plus there were a few touch screen tables, where you could activate 6 different folders of maps, information and photos.
Overall I have to say I was very impressed with the library.
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