Permeability: Catalyst for Connection, Creation and Innovation

Abstract

This presentation is part of the Purposeful Space Design for Libraries Session CNI has been working with the Learning Spaces Collaboratory (LSC) to examine how new and renovated spaces can better reflect contemporary needs and contribute to the programmatic priorities of their institution. One way of defining the characteristics of a space is to create a "job description" for it, and that is what groups of participants did at a roundtable co-sponsored by CNI and LSC in December, 2018. We’ll highlight some specific aspects of job descriptions for spaces, including responsibilities, required skills, etc. Another theme of that roundtable, and one heard increasingly in space design circles, is the notion of permeability, space that can be fluid and that changes according to the people using it for particular purposes at particular times. We will include examples of permeable spaces and what they accomplish in academic libraries. Finally, we’ll describe linking assessment to the goals for the space and moving assessment to a mission-critical focus instead of merely a focus on user satisfaction.