{"id":1460,"date":"2023-06-29T14:41:36","date_gmt":"2023-06-29T18:41:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sites.temple.edu\/assessment\/?p=1460"},"modified":"2023-06-29T14:41:36","modified_gmt":"2023-06-29T18:41:36","slug":"creating-spaces-for-community-and-connection","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sites.temple.edu\/assessment\/2023\/06\/29\/creating-spaces-for-community-and-connection\/","title":{"rendered":"Creating Spaces for Community and Connection\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

The crowds are back! For ALA\u2019s annual conference, almost 16,000 registrants gathered at Chicago\u2019s McCormick Place Convention Center. The return to fully in-person meetings, coupled with sessions on the new hybrid work environment, has me revisiting the question of how<\/strong> space, both physical and digital, contributes to fostering connection and community within an organization<\/strong>. The topic has interested me since the move to Charles Library\u2019s open office spaces and the subsequent pandemic, as it impacts our work, our communication and our sense of cohesion as an organization. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

We had perfect weather for a tour of library renovations sponsored by ALA CORE’s Buildings for College and University Libraries Committee, on Innovative Learning Spaces: A Tour of Chicago-Area Academic Institutions<\/em>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

I was most interested in the staff space renovation taking place at Regenstein Library<\/a>, a 1970\u2019s brutalist structure, almost 600,000 square feet and housing 3+ million volumes (including an onsite ASRS).\u00a0 John Carey, Director of Building Services and Operations, described a post-pandemic shift in building use. While the library sees over 5,000 visitors a day, there is a shift towards pandemic-weary undergraduates seeking in-person experiences as well as wifi and power outlets.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I was particularly interested in the staff areas. The renovation plan deliberately included an \u201cinvestment\u201d in staff spaces, towards all librarians having an \u201cenclosed\u201d space.\u00a0 We toured these new office suites, including both large (for supervisors) and smaller for librarians. There are consultation spaces for work with patrons, a staff kitchenette, conference room, and a common table for informal unit gatherings.\u00a0 While enclosed, the suite is located near open stacks and study areas and available for drop-in service. \u00a0Only one staff member occupied the space on our Friday visit, but according to a UC colleague, staff are using up vacation time. Plus the upcoming NASCAR race wreaking havoc with commutes!\u00a0 So it will be interesting to see how these spaces work when classes are in session and library staff are onsite once again.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Renovated space for librarian offices at the University of Chicago. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hybrid Work Culture Post-Pandemic: Challenges and Opportunities from Geographically Diverse Libraries <\/em>was a panel discussion on how pandemic lessons are informing our increasingly hybrid work environment. Panelists from North Caroline, Virginia and Miami shared experiences and best practices. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

From the University of Miami:<\/p>\n\n\n\n