Stock

• Stock should be the first thing you see on entering the library
• Balance of stock - don't try to have everything (e.g. Surrey are developing small libraries as mini centres of excellence for particular subject areas in recognition of the fact they can't stock a comprehensive range)
• Quick Choice - in the entrance area: focus on mixed media, new stock, graphic novels
• Less is more - don't overstock but present what you have more attractively
• People borrow more from face-out display areas - but need to keep them topped up and fresh

Layout

• Look at layout - create more space and more user friendly browsing areas
• Zone areas - use colour to differentiate
• Use quirky design where it works e.g. wobbly mirrors

Guiding

• Improve guiding/signage - use ends of bays to create striking guides and make good use of space, use overhead guiding, make use of quotes and pictures
• Use headings customers can relate to e.g. Food & Drink - rather than the arcane terms we often use e.g. domestic science
• Flag up services on shelves as "Did you know?" e.g. free internet access, free reservations for children

Staff

• Re-engineer staff processes to reflect new presentation e.g. train staff to focus on topping up display areas as a priority task
• Facilities Management for multi-use buildings - staff released to focus on selling/delivering their service
• Staff training - new philosophy which focuses on the customer and designing space around their needs

Presentation

• Employ a design consultant/expert to get it right
• De- clutter (in particular desk areas & notice boards)
• Get rid of negative signs & barriers where possible (e.g. In/out gates with traffic signs)
• Re-locate dump bins - to areas where customers feel comfortable browsing them, and can see their contents from a reasonable distance
• Observe how customers use library space and design it around them
• Develop a brand with clear messages
• Public Art - make use of schemes like "Percent for Art" to incorporate art into libraries
• Use Projected Images/Plasma screens to enliven space

General

• Question the value of security systems - cost v negative impact
• Free reservations in smaller libraries to encourage use
• Libraries must be fun for grown -ups as well
• Public consultation - ask them what they want, use them in planning

Challenges	Identified ways of meeting them
Keeping it fresh	Be bold - think imaginatively and continually challenge
Lack of time	Borrow ideas - look at what has worked elsewhere
Resources - and how to find out what's available	Explore alternative sources of funding e.g. dual use buildings, friends groups to raise money, partnerships with other agencies
Planning Laws	Use Section 106 Planning Gain
Taking staff and public along with you	Consultation and communication, observation of customer behaviour, use focus groups
Lack of money - competition from other agencies	Sell buildings on prime sites to release capital, explore use of RFID
Influencing decision making process	Sell to politicians - what's in it for them
Staff attitudes	Staff training, re-engineering staff processes
Meeting raised expectations	Only promise what you know you can deliver & keep public informed and involved
Sustaining funding beyond initial spend	Persuade politicians that sustained use means sustained funding
Marketing	Buy professional expertise. Use clear messages
Knowledge of design	Training and/or buying in expertise
Sustainable buildings - making them environmentally friendly
Keeping up with rapidly changing technology - future proofing
Ensuring we have the right stock in the right proportions

Jon Scown 22/6/05
Foursite Project Officer