Friday, February 1, 2013

Point/Counterpoint: Shushing in the Library


"I have a whole bag of shhh with your name on it."

Bring Back Shushing Librarians.  (Salon, 1/30/2013)

Point
 Counterpoint

From March 1990, when the Middleton Public Library moved into a new facility, until March 2004, upon the completion of a remodeling and expansion project, I regularly dealt with noise complaints.  In fact, I wish I had made copies of the stack of anonymous comments written, sometimes in obvious anger, on forms that the library provided to gain feedback about its services.

Did we get feedback!!

At Middleton, an open design -- all public services on one level -- didn't work very well at times.

Which is why a designated quiet area on the library's lower level became a high priority for the 2003-2004 building project.

Laura's essay brings the words of Dick Waters to mind.

One of the biggest library challenges of the 21st century:  Putting these spaces together when designing or redesigning floor plans.


No comments: