Library Space Planning 2008
Frequently Asked Questions:
Does the Library currently have a Master Plan? If so, when was it done and what were the results?
Why is there a need for a new Library Master Plan?
What exactly is a Library Master Plan, and what will be 'master-planned'?
Who are the team members and consultants for the Master Plan Study?
What is the overall schedule for the Master Plan? How far to the future does the plan look?
How will the study gather the needed data and how will the findings be presented?
What kinds of changes to the Libraries are likely to esult from the Master Plan Study?
How is the study funded, and how will the recommendations coming out of the Master Plan be funded?
Where can I go to find out more about the progress of the study?
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Does the Library currently have a Master Plan? If so, when was it done and what were the results? top
Since the last Master Plan in 1996, a number of smaller construction projects have occurred to adapt the main library to changes in pedagogy and technology and to support cooperative initiatives. There is not an up-to-date plan projecting space needs and uses.
Why is there a need for a new Library Master Plan? top
Significant, positive changes at the University have altered the demands on the Library since the last Master Plan. Northwestern now ranks among the nation's leading research universities, with $416 million in research grants during fiscal 2007, the highest total award volume in University history. Northwestern's continued growth as a research institution, increased emphasis on interdisciplinarity and internationalization at the undergraduate and graduate levels, and the development of continuing education programs will continue to affect the function and design of all campus information services. Internet access, electronic media, and computer technology have become the norm, and demand for new services within the library environment, such as classrooms, media production, informal interaction areas and group study rooms, are expected to increase. At the same time we have important special collections to enhance and preserve; and amidst these challenges there are also pressures across campus from many other programs, for expansion in a limited space.
What exactly is a Library Master Plan, and what will be ‘master-planned’? top
The purpose of the master plan study is to examine the best uses for available library spaces, to consider options that provide flexibility and adaptability for the immediate and future needs of the University, assess and forecast the need for different types of library facilities on both campuses -- especially spaces for collaborative teaching and learning as well as digital services and support -- and determine options and develop plans that may include upgrades and/or consolidation of existing or outmoded facilities, as well as development of new facilities.
In terms of understanding both the needs and estimated costs, the library master plan that emerges from this study will take a long view of library growth, will focus priorities and set forth strategies for staging renovation of existing facilities (while maintaining access to library services), and for development of additional facilities that may be needed in the future.
Strictly speaking, the Master Plan is a study and not a building! It will establish a program to align facilities design and use with new services and strategies. The study will focus priorities and set forth a plan for changes to existing facilities and options for renovation, construction or acquisition of new facilities, analyzing both needs and estimated costs. The Library Master Plan will be presented and discussed with the University at large to achieve consensus before any change is implemented.
Who are the team members and consultants for the Master Plan Study? top
A core work-group of participants from the Northwestern University Library and Facilities Management Planning as well as the following Library specialists and their sub-consultants makes up the team:
- Joe Rizzo and John Graham, RMJM Hillier, Architects
- Matt Simon, pre-DESIGN Planning Associates, Programmer
- Reese Dill, Dill & Co, Collections consultant
An expanded version of the University Library Committee is the advisory group for the project as a whole. Surveys, focus groups and interviews are being conducted among students, faculty and administrators from the Evanston and Chicago campuses.
What is the overall schedule for the Master Plan? How far to the future does the plan look? top
The Master Plan study is currently underway and is expected to be complete by November 2008. A 20 year timeline/action plan will be established for the study, clustered into four five-year staging plans.
How will the study gather the needed data and how will the findings be presented? top
Extensive data gathering with the library in relation to print and electronic collection patterns, usage of services, and staffing will be performed by the consultant team. As part of this process the team will administer anonymous, secure web-based surveys for gathering information from the widest possible range of user groups on both campuses. Northwestern University Library's varied constituencies include faculty, undergraduate and graduate students, staff and alumni. Focus group interviews with Library representatives of all academic/administrative units as well as a larger group of University participants will also be scheduled.
What kinds of changes to the Libraries are likely to result from the Master Plan Study? top
The library's new strategic plan has set an innovative direction for services and storage that will shape the way all library physical space is used now and for the foreseeable future. The primary task of the Master Plan study is to determine how to estimate and prioritize the reallocation of library services and spaces based on the needs of the University population. The collections and spaces themselves will be thought of and studied as a service aimed at the students, faculty, and researchers.
How is the study funded, and how will the recommendations coming out of the Master Plan be funded? top
The study was funded through the Office of the Provost. Recommendations emerging from the Master Plan will be evaluated during the University's annual budget process. Approved recommendations will be funded through a combination of University funds and donor support.
Where can I go to find out more about the progress of the study? top
Check out the space planning web site for regular updates.
Back to the space planning main page
Last updated: 4/14/08
