Over the past month, we have been holding working group meetings for our Technology & Sustainability public planning process. You can read all about the process and watch recordings of the discussions at www.jesuplibrary.org/planning.
We split the process into three sections
Connections: Exploring ways in which the library can facilitate sharing physical and knowledge resources. Guiding questions have included, “What non-traditional items could the library add to its lending collection that would increase environmental sustainability and accessibility to technology?” “How can the library enable mentorship, tutoring, and apprenticeship among our community?”
Building: Focusing on the design and construction of the renovation/addition project. This group has been considering the thermal envelope, mechanical systems, material use, and energy consumption. Guiding questions included, “How can the library be a role model and demonstration project for sustainable construction?” “What performance standards could guide design and construction?”
Technology: Addressing how the spaces within (and around) the library can be utilized to maximize flexibility, adaptability, and accessibility. In addition to familiar technology considerations like power, data, and communications, this group also looked at how furniture and space design can increase versatility. The Technology group has begun to identify the components and infrastructure requirements for a community makerspace. Guiding questions included, “How can the library increase accessibility to cutting edge communications, research, and fabrication technologies?” and “What makes a public space inclusive and flexible?”
We encourage everyone to join, even if you have missed the prior events! This meeting will cover the conversations we have had so far, and encourage new input from the public. Our facilitators (a partnership with A Climate To Thrive and students from College of the Atlantic) will collect and analyze the information we have received from our community, and prepare a series of recommendations for our Board of Directors to consider as we move forward with our new expansion.
In lead up to the final meeting, we will also be running a public survey to gather final thoughts and opinions. We encourage you to take the survey here: https://forms.gle/2CwUkZKRzWzshc6u8. All opinions are welcome!