4-Part Library Facility Master Planning Series (Part Three): Library Master Planning - Lessons Learned

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 second 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.

"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.

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: 

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.

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.

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