Space planning update

In late 2014, Libraries’ Administration appointed the Space Steering Committee and charged it with providing leadership for the development and implementation of the Master Plan at University Park. This includes:

  • Appointing committees and task forces to examine issues and prepare program plans
  • Ensuring effective communication to internal and external partners
  • Generating partnerships with appropriate units
  • Tracking trends and development and benchmarking against other academic libraries
  • Assuring assessment activities are incorporated into design and usage of spaces

Now that the Libraries has a full complement of ADs, the committee is moving ahead with the next phases of space planning. Members are: Kimlyn Patishnock (chair), Karen Estlund, Anne Langley, Joe Salem, Dace Freivalds, Henry Pisciotta, Rick Riccardo (OPP) and Ron Servello.

Communication Plan
At the top of our priority list is increased and better communication. We plan to do this through frequent space planning updates in Library News, on the web, and via email; at various forums; and via attendance at departmental meetings. All Libraries’ faculty and staff are an integral part of the process and we welcome your feedback – in person, email to UL-SPACE-PLANNING@LISTS.PSU.EDU or via phone call. We are also updating the Libraries’ Space Planning website to better showcase space planning activities and initiatives.

University Park Libraries Master Plan Update
The University Park Libraries Master Plan (PDF download) finalized in October 2013 has not been gathering dust. Current projects include:

1. Collaboration Commons. The expansion of MacKinnon’s Cafe and the Ground Floor West Pattee renovation is now called the Collaboration Commons. This project will double the size of the Knowledge Commons, and will help address the high demand for group study and work space. The schematic design for the Collaboration Commons has been completed, with fundraising to occur during 2015/16.

2. Conservation Lab. The University recently acquired property at 2185 Sandy Drive which will be used to house the Conservation Lab and also provide storage for some Special Collections materials. A comprehensive plan for this space is in development.

3. College Heights Building. This building, purchased by the University in 2015, will be used to house the Penn State Press. Design for this space is underway.

4. Knowledge Commons Phase 7. Phase 7 of the Knowledge Commons will create a new central atrium space in the location of the current outdoor courtyard that links Central and West Pattee, break out spaces, specialized study and workspaces for digital scholarship, comfortable seating, flexible spaces to accommodate collaboration and consultation, and more. A program plan for this space will be drafted during 2015/16.

See more, including a video of the proposed Collaboration Commons, on the Facilities Project Page.

Next Steps
The Space Steering Committee has targeted some key areas for additional information gathering. This information will help with the complex decisions needed to complete an overall plan for the locations of key services and groups within the Pattee/Paterno building and also to help determine the scope of individual remodeling projects. The information gathering, to be done by working groups appointed by the Steering Committee, will address the following key areas:

1. Cataloging and Metadata Services, Acquisitions and Bindery Space (Sponsors: Karen Estlund, Anne Langley)
2. Consolidation of Special Collections (Sponsor: Henry Pisciotta)
3. Digital Scholarship (Sponsors: Karen Estlund, Anne Langley)
4. Learning Center (Sponsors: Joe Salem, Kimlyn Patishnock, Rick Riccardo)
5. Music & Media Center (Sponsors: Henry Pisciotta, Dace Freivalds)
6. Spaces for Inclusion and Diversity (Sponsors: Dace Freivalds and Rick Riccardo)
The working groups will be charged by the end of December 2015. Depending on the group, final reports and recommendations will be due during the 1st or 2nd Quarter 2016. Additional working groups that will address other key areas of the Libraries will be appointed at a later date.

What can You Do?
Stay involved. Take this opportunity to consider how our user and collection spaces can work together to meet the needs and expectations of our users. Ask questions, give us feedback, share ideas. And stay tuned … much more is going to happen!

Tell us what you think:
UL-SPACE-PLANNING@LISTS.PSU.EDU