4-Part Webinar Series: Library Facility Master Planning
Series Description: Core/Buildings & Operations: Buildings for College and University Libraries and Planning & Design Committees are pleased to present the four-part webinar series “Library Facility Master Plans”.
Library leaders with responsibility for one or more buildings continually grapple with aging systems and facilities, while also keeping physical spaces fresh and responsive to evolving service and programming needs. Without a comprehensive plan, a series of small improvements in individual rooms or partial floors can lead to an inconsistent patron and staff experience and inefficient resource use. Additionally, without a master plan, collection management policies intended to free up library space, can make library real estate targets for both desirable and less desirable non-library uses. Administrative support and campus funding requests are better received when presented within the context of a master plan that aligns with campus-wide strategic goals.
This series explores the key aspects of a Library Facility Master Plan, from understanding its necessity and initiation to practical insights about conducting a master planning process, along with lessons learned. It features presenters including planners and architects, as well as a wide spectrum of academic library deans, whose experiences will provide useful insights.
Who Should Attend: Primarily library-centric leaders, including leaders in areas of library administration (Deans/Directors and AUL’s) and Directors of Library Facilities/Operations.
Webinars
Part One Title: What is a Library Facility Master Plan and Why is it Needed?
Date: Wednesday, January 15, 2025
Time: 1 p.m. - 2:15 p.m. CT
Presenters: Gili Meerovitch, Patrick Deaton, Jennifer Nutefall, and Cheryl Gowing
Webinar Description: "What is a Library Facility Master Plan and Why is it Needed?" is aimed at those who have not previously been involved in a master planning process or were only peripherally involved. It will cover what a library master plan is, why it might be needed, and how to initiate the master planning process.
Learning Outcomes:
At the end of this webinar, attendees will be able to:
- Understand the definition of a Library Facility Master Plan, grasp its significance for long-term facility improvement, and gain insight into its potential alignment with the library's vision, strategic plan, and the institution's priorities and initiatives;
- Identify reasons for needing a master plan, considering both external and internal factors, and develop advocacy to secure support from university administration, collaborate with key partners, and engage stakeholders as champions; and
- Assess the resources and efforts needed for a master plan, outline outcomes and engagement levels, and strategically leverage the plan to kickstart a successful development campaign.
Part Two Title: Having a Seat at the Table: Representation and Participation in the Library Facility Master Planning Process
Date: Wednesday, January 22, 2025
Time: 1 p.m. - 2:15 p.m. CT
Presenters: Gili Meerovitch, Carlos Rodriguez, Kelly Hayes McAlonie, and Donald Gilstrap
Webinar Description: "Having a Seat at the Table: Representation and Participation in the Library Facility Master Planning Process" advances the discussion about who could/should be involved in leading and implementing a master planning effort. It includes steps to define the scope, manage costs, and communicate effectively.
Learning Outcomes:
At the end of the webinar, attendees will be able to:
- Gain insights into the diverse perspectives involved in Library Facility Master Planning, presented by speakers representing library-led, campus-led, and provost-led approaches;
- Learn about effective strategies for selecting committee members with diverse roles to ensure a comprehensive and influential committee; and
- Gain insights on defining the project scope, managing costs, and effective communication when inviting and engaging committee members.
Part Three Title: Library Master Planning - Lessons Learned
Date: Wednesday, January 29, 2025
Time: 1 p.m. - 2:15 p.m. CT
Presenters: Carlos Rodriguez, Jeff Steely, Niraj Choudhary, and Jeff Belliston
Webinar Description: "Library Master Planning - Lessons Learned" will feature speakers who have engaged in library master planning projects. Discussions will include institutional strategic alignment, anticipating adjustments, fostering the longevity of master plans, and lessons learned.
Learning Outcomes:
At the end of the webinar, attendees will be able to:
- Understand the importance of aligning the library facility master planning study with the institution's strategic direction for a period of 3-5 years, ensuring a cohesive and forward-looking approach;
- Gain insights into fostering the longevity of the master planning study, emphasizing its role as a strategic asset, and discovering ways to sustain its relevance beyond the immediate implementation period; and
- Learn strategies to be prepared for adjustments during the initial implementation phase, recognizing the need to adapt plans to current circumstances and unforeseen changes.
Part Four Title: Inheriting a Library Facility Master Plan by Others
Date: Wednesday, February 5, 2025
Time: 1 p.m. - 2:15 p.m. CT
Presenters: Claire Stewart, Jason J. Battles, Joe Salem, and Sharon Murphy
Webinar Description: "Inheriting & Implementing a Library Facility Master Plan by Others: Challenges, Strategies & Best Practices" will appeal to those new to an institution or new to a role and charged with leading the process to either refine or implement an already completed library facilities master plan.
Learning Outcomes:
At the end of the webinar, attendees will be able to:
- Understand inherited master plans and assess their relevance to current needs;
- Learn how to critically evaluate and develop strategies for adapting and modifying them to align with current priorities; and
- Gain practical insights into overcoming challenges and effectively implementing adjustments to inherited plans.
Presenter Bios:
Principal, library practice leader and interior design leader for Perkins Eastman|Pfeiffer and before that Pfeiffer Partners Architects, Gili Meerovitch has over 20 years of experience master planning, programming and designing academic libraries for colleges and universities of all sizes across North America. She brings insights from dozens of library facilities master plans which she has led.
An architect who joined North Carolina State University in 2009 after 18 years of professional practice, Patrick Deaton serves as Associate Director for Learning Spaces & Capital Management for NC State Libraries. In this role, he recently concluded a facility master plan for the D.H. Hill Jr. Library for alignment with a 2022 strategic plan, in addition to involvement with the 2023 NCSU campus-wide Master Plan which encompassed Hunt Library and the Centennial Campus.
Currently Dean of Libraries and Museums at Saint Louis University, Jennifer Nutefall's previous role as Dean of Libraries at University of Northern Colorado included master planning for Michener Library following the development of a 2021-2024 Strategic Plan. Before that in her eight years as University Librarian at Santa Clara University, she engaged in multiple strategic planning efforts and the implementation of several space renovation projects.
A member of the University of Miami faculty since 1987, Cheryl Gowing is currently Associate Dean, Library Facilities, Strategic Planning & Organizational Development. She led the library's participation in a recent library master plan. An outgrowth of a learning commons effort and a multi-floor study that expanded to a comprehensive master plan, including collection storage and response to university-wide changes, she is now engaged in phased renovations.
With more than 30 years of experience in higher education, Carlos Rodriguez has been Dean, University Library at California State University-Los Angeles since 2016. Since there, he led the JFK Memorial Library Master Plan and is now engaged in its implementation. Prior experience includes roles at UCLA, Grand Valley State University, where he was Associate Dean of Technology & Information Services and participated in the planning and development of the new Mary Idema Pew Library.
Kelly Hayes McAlonie has been at University at Buffalo as Director of Campus Planning since 2010, following 17 years of professional planning and architectural practice. She oversees the development of the university’s built environment and has been instrumental in leading multiple planning efforts including its system-wide Libraries Master Plan encompassing five of the University's libraries. She is overseeing the implementation of the university’s Comprehensive Master Plan and the strategic planning for UB’s three campus environments.
Donald Gilstrap has been Dean of UA Libraries since January 2016 following five years as Dean of Libraries at Wichita State University and earlier roles at University of Oklahoma, the University of Connecticut, and Southwestern Oklahoma State University. With a charge to address pervasive architectural issues, Don initiated library master planning on the heels of campus-wide space planning and space utilization studies. Planning expanded from its initial focus on the Main Library to include multiple libraries and archival facilities, and has secured a place for the Libraries as part of the University's capital campaign.
Jeff Steely has been Dean of Libraries at Georgia State University since December 2015, following its merger with Georgia Perimeter College. Jeff spearheaded the development of a Library Master Plan, focused primarily on the downtown campus, which is now being implemented incrementally in conjunction with GSU's Campus Master Plan. Previously at Baylor University for 16 years, he participated in a variety of strategic, planning and space initiatives.
Niraj Choudhary has been at the University of the Pacific for eight years, and Dean of the Library and Learning Center since July 2022. While there, the William Knox Holt Memorial Library and Learning Center has been reimagined over a multi-year planning and renovation process. Previously Head of Library Information & Educational Services at University of Colorado, Denver, he participated in a library master plan, followed by a five-phased renovation, in response to a campus master plan and a series of needs assessment studies.
Jeff Belliston has been with Brigham Young University library since 1999. As Senior Associate University Librarian, he helps to oversee the 663,000-sf Harold B. Lee Library, consisting of three contiguous buildings, serving the University's 11 colleges. Jeff led the development of the library's Renovation Plan, with assistance from campus Physical Facilities office. Using the plan, a series of renovations have been achieved over five years via incremental budget requests.
Since May 2023, Claire Stewart has been University Librarian and Dean of Libraries at University of Illinois-Urbana Champaign, which had recently completed its Library Master Plan. She draws on prior experience as Dean of Libraries at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, where she completed a major renovation of the University's second largest library and developed a comprehensive research data strategy. Previously Claire held leadership roles at the University of Minnesota and at Northwestern University, where she spent 17 years.
Jason Battles, Dean of University Libraries at the University of Arkansas since 2021, brings over 16 years of academic library experience, including significant roles in master planning. Previously the deputy university librarian at the University of Georgia for seven years, he oversaw multiple library renovations, technology initiatives, and strategic planning. Prior to that, Jason served as associate dean of library planning and policy at the University of Alabama and worked as a systems librarian and administrator at Vanderbilt University.
Joseph (Joe) Salem has been Duke University's university librarian since 2022, managing the university’s library system on West and East Campuses, and driving advancements in library services and renovations. From 2018 to 2022, he was dean of libraries and interim associate provost at Michigan State University, where he led strategic planning, co-developed the MSU 2030 Strategic Plan, and oversaw major facility upgrades. Previously, he held roles at Penn State and Kent State University and contributed to national information literacy initiatives.
Sharon Murphy is Principal of Pfeiffer, a specialty studio of Perkins Eastman, whose planning, architecture and interior design practice has academic libraries as a core focus. 25+ years as ALA member and active member of ALA LLAMA and now CORE Building and Equipment Section Committees. Committee Chair and Program Chair for numerous program sessions, pre-conferences and a webinar for Buildings for College and University Libraries Committee and Library Interiors Furnishings & Equipment Committee, in addition to service on LLAMA Program Committee and various task forces.
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