4-Part Library Facility Master Planning Series (Part One): What is a Library Facility Master Plan and Why is it Needed?
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." This is the first webinar in the series. You can also get the full series as a bundle.
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.
"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.
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.
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 NC State University Libraries in 2009 after 18 years of professional practice, Patrick Deaton, AIA, is the Associate Director for Learning Spaces & Capital Management for NC State Libraries. He is responsible for overseeing the design, construction and furnishing of all Libraries facilities, including the James B. Hunt Jr. Library and the D. H. Hill Jr. Library. In 2023 the Libraries completed a Comprehensive Space Study for the Hill Library, concurrent with the preparation of a campus-wide Physical Master Plan.
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 aligned with the Master Plan.
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