Creating Space for Transition

1. Creating Space for Transition A space study for an overcrowded library Julie Leuzinger University of North Texas Libraries TLA Conference Wednesday, April 13, 2011

2. University of North Texas Libraries • 6 million cataloged items • 5 branch libraries • Willis Library, 1970: built to accommodate about 17 thousand students • 37 thousand students + 1,825,148 books & Journals* + computers + workspace for about 200 full time staff = One crowded library! • Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, Fall 2010 (http://www.thecb.state.tx.us/): 163,041foot space deficit • Space needs for collections, technology, patrons and staff *UNT Fact Book (http://www.unt.edu/ir_acc/Fact_Book/Fact_Book_2010/Exhibit_H-1.htm)

3. Space Study Formula • Stacks Management Department • Literature Review • Mathematical formula: • Step One: calculate the available shelf space by counting the number of shelves (a) • Step Two: measure the empty shelf space using a Bosh DLR 130 digital tape measurer • Step Three: divide the empty space by the total shelf space to achieve the total amount of growth space (c) • Step Four: multiply by 100 to learn the percentage of growth space • Space Study Formula: a/b=c x 100=%

4. Space Study Results • Lower level of Willis Library: 3,489 linear feet of growth space (empty space), divided by 12,900 linear feet of shelving which equals approximately 27 percent of growth space. • Second floor of Willis Library: 9083 linear feet of growth space, divided by 32,270 linear feet of shelving which equals approximately 28 percent growth space. • Third floor of Willis Library: 5,542 linear feet of growth space, divided by 23,508 linear feet of shelving which equals approximately 23 percent growth space. • Fourth floor of Willis Library: 1,715 linear feet of growth space, divided by 7,674 linear feet of shelving which equals approximately 22 percent of growth space. • NOTE: The first floor not included in the study, as it includes student computers, public services and student study areas. • Overall growth space: Approximately 23 percent • Lesson’s learned?

5. Space Study Submission

6. Future Space Plans: Today • Hired an outside consultant and architecture firm (PSA Dewberry) • Focus groups: students, staff and faculty • Both users and non-users of the library • In library, dorms & Student Union • Combining service points • Minor construction • Cross-training staff • Shifting to storage • Reclassifying Dewey to Library of Congress • Subject librarians reviewed items in the collection that had not circulated in 10 years • Shifting collections within the library • Renovation of Sci/Tech Library reading room

7. Future Space Plans: Tomorrow • Master Space Plan, Fall 2011 • Moving a subject collection from one branch library to another • Swap space: Digital Libraries/Media Library • Purchase and renovate additional remote storage facility for special collections • Additional student study spaces

8. Recommendations • “Full capacity” is not what it used to be (Jesse, 37) • The “80/20 Rule (Hubbard, 43) • Use part-time staff to help with the study • Measure twice, divide once • Perform the study every 4 to 5 years • Hire an outside consultant firm • Coordinate with other newly renovated libraries

9. References • Hubbard, William J. 1981. Stack Management: A practical guide to shelving and maintaining library collections. American Library Association: Chicago. • Jesse, William H. 1952. Shelf Work in Libraries. American Library Association: Chicago.

10. Questions & Thanks Julie Leuzinger University of North Texas Libraries Julie.Leuzinger@unt.edu