Library SWAT Team

Library SWAT Team (program sponsored by NJ State Library)

This is a program I was really looking forward to.  I love this idea.  Basically, the NJ State Library asked a library to partner with them on a project to help other libraries with some space needs assessments.  Libraries can apply to participate in the process and if selected a group of librarians (the SWAT Team) will come in, look over the area of the library they want to improve and then make some minor changes to make it look/function better (paint, decluttering, weeding, moving furniture, bringing in new furniture, etc). It's about a nine month project but it gives libraries that want to make some changes the resources to make it happen.

Libraries that want to be involved need to apply, involve staff and public, each applying library commits $5K, four libraries selected per year, and SWAT Team provides consulting work.  Projects needs to focus on customers, dramatic visible result, staff must be easy to work with, and they need to prove a good story.  Once the library (4 per year) is selected, entire SWAT Team visits the library - meets with staff, admin, boards, and makes suggestions to reform, and they capture before, during and after photos.  Entire process takes about 9 months for transformation.  State Library pays SWAT Team for their time.

Themes they focus on

1.  get rid of old to embrace the new

- infuse color

- paint over yesteryear

- use color to unify spaces

- declutter everything!

- manage takeaway items (perhaps look at your display policy and start limiting)

2. Need for space

- need to weed

- add slat wall to end caps in order to merchandise

- hanging pacs on end caps

3. Need for Comfortable Space

- comfy chairs

- maximize windows and natural light

4.  Stretch Dollars

5. Get Staff and Public Input

6.  Some Changes Don't Cost Anything

- revisit policies

- staff buyin

- reuse and repurpose

- develop a clear focus

- open up views (sight lines)

- spotlight collections

I totally think we should do this.  Ideas RK and I have to enhance this model - partner with some vendors to bring in some free furniture/stuff, introduce large photos of library events/users, expand it to SWAT programming lineup, budget, and more.  One thing I will definitely think about in the upcoming weeks!

MP