Space Planning: A Renovation Saga Involving Library Users

Abstract

From 2010 to 2012, librarians at the University of Florida Health Science Center Library (HSCL) used an online survey and focus groups to gather user input on preferences for an ideal library space. User input guided the HSCL's renovation plans and put a clear focus on enhancing technology, improving infrastructure, enabling group collaboration, and creating comfortable spaces. Additional communication with users during renovation was vital in ensuring continued usability of nonconstruction spaces and shared understanding of the construction timeline. While specific user suggestions are particular to the HSCL, overall themes and methods for eliciting input will be useful to other libraries undergoing space planning.