Overview
The first ever national Designing Libraries Conference on June 17th was a great success. It brought together architects, designers, funders and sector leaders along with library professionals representing public, university and academic libraries - offering a multi-disciplinary mix that attendees found particularly valuable.
Designing Libraries welcomed more than 100 delegates to the wonderful Swiss Cottage Library in London. Presentations from several specialist speakers were a highlight for many, giving them ideas for refurbishment, service redesign, community engagement, funding applications and future projects. Inclusive design, neurodiversity, autism-friendly spaces and co-production were amongst the most valued topics.
Through listening to and engaging with experts from across these fields, attendees gained valuable insights into how library spaces can be designed to meet the evolving needs of communities, learning and culture.
Positive Comments
Feedback indicated 96% would recommend the event, 88% rated it useful and 92% thought the (highly-subsidised) entry fee was good value for money.
Comments not only praised the conference but also showed how much the redeveloped DL website is valued - and suggested what more it might do. Here are some examples:
βThe event highlighted a significant level of support, not only for the continuation of the website, but for an expanded remit for Designing Libraries with a more proactive remit for the promotion and improvement of library design and innovation.β
βCommercial partners and sponsors cited the significant positive impact of Designing Libraries on their own referrals and web metrics, highlighting the value of the site as a driver of new business.β
βWe want to capture the spirit, energy, and enthusiasm from todayβs session and to bring them forward into a bright new future for Designing Libraries.β
βThe session has highlighted a strong consensus not just that the site ought to be maintained, but that we should collectively aspire to more β unlocking its potential as a more proactive and βcampaigningβ organisation for better library design.β
Feedback also offered suggestions on how future Designing Library conferences could be even better - with fewer speakers, more audience interaction, longer panel discussions and dedicated workshop sessions.
This is important learning for the Designing Libraries team as they plan future offline events. In the meantime they express sincere thanks to the Swiss Cottage Library for hosting the first conference, the excellent speakers and panel-members, and all who attended.
