Date: Nov 8, 2005
To: RCPL Board of Trustees
From:
M.
Loos, G. Chapman, T. Davis
RE: Space Use Consultant Recommendation
Recommendation: approve the consulting services of the George Lawson
Library Planning of Ames Iowa for a space use review of the library for a
total of $38,000.
Funding:
Designate from the Board Fund $20,000 (current balance of approx. $27,000.
Projected end of the year balance is $39,000) and request $18,000 from the
Foundation Board.
Background: Three library space use consulting firms were
interviewed by telephone; the interview committee included
All three firms have many
years of experience in this public library space use planning, quality completed
projects, and credible references. Mr.
Lawson’s firm stood out based upon his awareness of community interaction with
libraries. His firm has practical
implementation considerations, combined with an understanding of community
needs and best practices. He also fully
understood that we are working with the facility we have, and are not looking
to do further expansion or major renovation.
Our project appealed to Mr.
Lawson because of our strong directional base as outlined in the Strategic
Plan, as well as our building’s open floor plan which provides great
opportunity for flexibility. He
appreciated our interest in identifying problem areas and being committed to
“flagship” solutions for those problems.
Mr. Lawson’s philosophy of
library space use is that it be as intuitive as possible for patrons’ use, and
be flexible to adapt to changes in collections and services. Further, he feels it is important to find the
common thread to connect different areas of the library together.
Mr. Lawson has within his
firm a team including an architect and an interior designer; and they have
access to numerous local and national resources for library furnishings and
equipment. They retain the entire
project within this work team. Their
project evaluation process includes a 10-month walk through and providing
information on product warranties.
It was further noted the
acoustical remediation information would be part of what the space plan review
will integrate as appropriate.