The Ethereal Library: Our Experience in Library Futures at the Kresge Library

Abstract

As we explore the next generation of libraries, we need to consider how we operate now and how we might operate in the future. All libraries traditionally have operated 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 true value is revealed and realized. In the best-case scenario, every library has these two spaces from which to operate from. However, many academic libraries, especially in the United States, have seen their physical footprint erode. And while most libraries have been able to manage with small sections of their library being used for other purposes, are they prepared to potentially lose all of their space?

This is exactly the scenario that we found ourselves back in 2013-2014. During a major construction project, the Kresge Business Administration Library of the Ross School of Business at the University of Michigan ceased being a full-service library with a print collection of 70,000 volumes and seating for 700 students. The future we were forced to build for ourselves was one of a library service unit with little more space than was needed to house the librarians and staff. We operated in a temporary quarters for two academic years and in 2016 moved back into our new permanent space. The change in the library was nothing short of dramatic as we explored how we can serve our community with limited resources and space.

Our path to creating the 'ethereal library' was very rapid and not as deliberate as we might have liked. Throughout this journey, there were things that worked well, and things that worked poorly. That all being said, we learned a great deal through the process and can provide some guidance for those who are tasked with the same path forward in the future. In this presentation, we will explore the path from a traditional library to an ethereal one focused on electronic collections and service as our only means of connecting with our communities. The presenter will showcase how we moved from a physical library to an ethereal one, while retaining services, people and our connection to the school. This will be a key element is building the next generation of libraries.