Needs Assessment 2002
Inception
The library building project began with the Space Needs Assessment in 2002 which can be read in full here. The State of Wisconsin needs assessment process is intended to help librarians and library trustees determine whether to initiate a facilities planning process. By completing it, the librarian and trustees obtained a general estimate of the library’s space needs based on the library’s underlying service goals. With this estimate, the trustee planners assessed the adequacy of the library’s existing overall square footage and determined if a more detailed study was called for. The needs assessment was for not only collection and use, but for building size to adequately serve the community. The Walter E. Olson Memorial Library hired, Anders C. Dahlgren, Consulting Librarian, (President, Library Planning Associates, Ltd) on March 15, 2002, to conduct and produce the Service and Space Needs Scenarios: A Planning Outline. |
"Right Before Your Eyes". (2008). Capital Campaign Videos. Executive producer: Woodburn, Kyle & Co.; Producer: Visuality; Narrator: Chris Oatman.
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Method
A space needs assessment is a preliminary study of how much space a library needs. It uses numerical standards, past use statistics, and projected future use to determine how large a collection should be, how much space is needed for program attendance, what kind of space is needed for tables and reader seating, the amount of space needed for computers, how much is needed for staff work space and nonassignable space (including mechanical space). It suggests how library goals relating to each of these areas can be projected to meet future needs and provides a way to translate resulting service assumptions into space needs.
Findings
The results of this examination informed all subsequent planning by the library trustees, library foundation and library staff. As space needs assessments are an early indication of need and use primarily standards and current use statistics, the results are outlined primarily in the table given below. Please note that this was an early study created to find if the library needed more space and an early estimate of what total space might be needed. Further information was provided through community input in the Facilities Planning created in 2012 which gives the space that the library will need to actually meet community interests.
From this document, the Library Foundation took the next step of proceeding into a Capital Campaign in 2007.
A space needs assessment is a preliminary study of how much space a library needs. It uses numerical standards, past use statistics, and projected future use to determine how large a collection should be, how much space is needed for program attendance, what kind of space is needed for tables and reader seating, the amount of space needed for computers, how much is needed for staff work space and nonassignable space (including mechanical space). It suggests how library goals relating to each of these areas can be projected to meet future needs and provides a way to translate resulting service assumptions into space needs.
Findings
The results of this examination informed all subsequent planning by the library trustees, library foundation and library staff. As space needs assessments are an early indication of need and use primarily standards and current use statistics, the results are outlined primarily in the table given below. Please note that this was an early study created to find if the library needed more space and an early estimate of what total space might be needed. Further information was provided through community input in the Facilities Planning created in 2012 which gives the space that the library will need to actually meet community interests.
From this document, the Library Foundation took the next step of proceeding into a Capital Campaign in 2007.
Walter E. Olson Library Mission Statement (2002):
The Walter E. Olson Memorial Library is organized to assemble, preserve, and administer an organized collection of books and other materials. Such a collection aids in the communication of ideas and promotes an enlightened citizenry and enriches their lives.
The aim of the library is to serve the community as a center of reliable information and to provide a place where inquiring minds may meet original and often critical ideas that are essential stimulants to life in a society that depends for endurance on the free exchange and competition of ideas.
And, finally, the Library is the logical center for encouraging children, young people, and adults to educate themselves continuously, and for affording them an opportunity to do so.
The Walter E. Olson Memorial Library is organized to assemble, preserve, and administer an organized collection of books and other materials. Such a collection aids in the communication of ideas and promotes an enlightened citizenry and enriches their lives.
The aim of the library is to serve the community as a center of reliable information and to provide a place where inquiring minds may meet original and often critical ideas that are essential stimulants to life in a society that depends for endurance on the free exchange and competition of ideas.
And, finally, the Library is the logical center for encouraging children, young people, and adults to educate themselves continuously, and for affording them an opportunity to do so.