Creating Space for Transition A space study for an overcrowded library Julie Leuzinger University of North Texas Libraries TLA Conference Wednesday, April 13, 2011

University of North Texas Libraries  6 million cataloged items  5 branch libraries  Willis Library, 1970: built to accommodate about 17 thousand students  37 thousand students + 1,825,148 books & Journals* + computers + workspace for about 200 full time staff = One crowded library!  Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, Fall 2010 ( 163,041foot space deficithttp://  Space needs for collections, technology, patrons and staff *UNT Fact Book (

Space Study Formula  Stacks Management Department  Literature Review  Mathematical formula:  Step One: calculate the available shelf space by counting the number of shelves (a)  Step Two: measure the empty shelf space using a Bosh DLR 130 digital tape measurer  Step Three: divide the empty space by the total shelf space to achieve the total amount of growth space (c)  Step Four: multiply by 100 to learn the percentage of growth space  Space Study Formula: a/b=c x 100=%

Space Study Results  Lower level of Willis Library: 3,489 linear feet of growth space (empty space), divided by 12,900 linear feet of shelving which equals approximately 27 percent of growth space.  Second floor of Willis Library: 9083 linear feet of growth space, divided by 32,270 linear feet of shelving which equals approximately 28 percent growth space.  Third floor of Willis Library: 5,542 linear feet of growth space, divided by 23,508 linear feet of shelving which equals approximately 23 percent growth space.  Fourth floor of Willis Library: 1,715 linear feet of growth space, divided by 7,674 linear feet of shelving which equals approximately 22 percent of growth space.  NOTE: The first floor not included in the study, as it includes student computers, public services and student study areas.  Overall growth space: Approximately 23 percent  Lesson’s learned?

Space Study Submission

Future Space Plans: Today  Hired an outside consultant and architecture firm (PSA Dewberry)  Focus groups: students, staff and faculty  Both users and non-users of the library  In library, dorms & Student Union  Combining service points  Minor construction  Cross-training staff  Shifting to storage  Reclassifying Dewey to Library of Congress  Subject librarians reviewed items in the collection that had not circulated in 10 years  Shifting collections within the library  Renovation of Sci/Tech Library reading room

Future Space Plans: Tomorrow  Master Space Plan, Fall 2011  Moving a subject collection from one branch library to another  Swap space: Digital Libraries/Media Library  Purchase and renovate additional remote storage facility for special collections  Additional student study spaces

Recommendations  “Full capacity” is not what it used to be (Jesse, 37)  The “80/20 Rule (Hubbard, 43)  Use part-time staff to help with the study  Measure twice, divide once  Perform the study every 4 to 5 years  Hire an outside consultant firm  Coordinate with other newly renovated libraries

References  Hubbard, William J Stack Management: A practical guide to shelving and maintaining library collections. American Library Association: Chicago.  Jesse, William H Shelf Work in Libraries. American Library Association: Chicago.

Questions & Thanks Julie Leuzinger University of North Texas Libraries