F18: Partnerships For Change – Re-Invigorating a Downtown Library
Session Description
The Kelowna Main Branch Library was purpose built in 1994 to serve the needs of the community. Since that time the demand for Library services have profoundly changed. The area required for collection has become much reduced as many reference materials are now available online.
The Okanagan Regional Library has undertaken a community engagement and master planning study to redefine Library space and services. This presentation will describe this process including the drivers that have sparked the changes, the vision for renewal, and community engagement and partnership process.
The presentation will include three key chapters:
1. Identifying Drivers for Change:
A review of the project drivers including changing demand for Library services, taking advantage of cyclical maintenance upgrades, and impact of community development and growth.
2. Creating community partnerships to respond to demand for innovative services
A review of community engagement process and partnership agreements, including the development of partnerships with UBCO and the Okanagan Centre for Innovation.
3. What does the new Vision look like?
A presentation of the Kelowna Library Master Plan, including the key development strategies, as follows:
• Rethink and rearrange existing Library spaces and services,
• Activate the existing Atrium to create a flexible happening place, and
• Add new creative, collaborative spaces within under-utilized space (Maker Space, Recording Studio, Jam Rooms, and BizHub), and
• Add a new Great Room – flexible classroom area.
Speakers
Shelley Craig, Urban Arts Architecture
Biography
Shelley Craig Architect AIBC, MRAIC
Partner, URBAN ARTS ARCHITECTURE
Shelley has been working with communities to realize their building goals for over twenty years.
Recent Library projects include the Summerland Branch Library and the Kelowna Library Master Plan. She has been working collaboratively with the ORL and community members to ensure the Library services and spaces are both flexible and specific to the community’s needs.
She also specializes in student focused spaces for advanced educational projects, including the Engineering Student Centre and highly successful Collegia at UBC. Known for her commitment to creating innovative community environments and extensive wood research, she has taught and lectured across the country and is the recipient of Wood First Premier's Award, AIBC Innovation Award and the WoodWorks Architect Award for her work.
Stephanie Hall, Okanagan Regional Library
Biography
Stephanie Hall is the CEO of the Okanagan Regional Library, a 29 branch system serving the southern interior of BC. Former roles include Director of Public Planning for the province of Saskatchewan, Director of the Chinook Regional Library in southwest Saskatchewan, and Chief Librarian of the Powell River Public Library.
Heather Berringer, The University of British Columbia, Okanagan Campus
Biography
Heather Berringer is Chief Librarian at The University of British Columbia, Okanagan Campus. A self-proclaimed organizational strategy and structure geek, Heather continues to seek the highly elusive formula that creates “The World’s Happiest Library” while optimizing engagement and productivity. She held a position at Carleton University before making a foray into the corporate jungle and, ultimately, returning to academic librarianship at The University of British Columbia’s Okanagan campus in Kelowna, BC.