The Ethereal Library: Thinking Creatively When You Have No Space To Think

Abstract

Today’s library operates in two distinct spaces. First, there is the physical space, where we provide our community a place to work, where we provide access to print materials, and where we can provide a place to provide service. Second, there is the ethereal space, where we connect with users, provide outreach, and where our value is revealed. And in the best case scenario, a library has these two spaces to operate from. However, over the past few years, many academic libraries (especially departmental ones) have seen their footprint erode. Despite being well regarded as a service unit and essential for student study space, the Kresge Business Library at the Ross School of Business will cease being a full-service library in the traditional sense. This year, we are transitioning into a service unit with little more space than is needed to house the librarians and staff. Using these challenges, the presenter will share accounts of how the reduction and elimination of library space did not also lead to the elimination of core library services coming from that group. Among the topics to be discussed are measuring outcomes and student satisfaction, providing expanded reference services and embedded librarian programs, as well as the adoption of new services that saved positions at Kresge. The presenter will showcase how you can move from a physical library to an ethereal one, while retaining services, people and your connection to the school.