Ayub Talks to Sue

My first love was history, and I am passionate about the power of culture and heritage to change people’s lives. I worked in archives for about 15 years, until I moved into the management of libraries, arts and heritage. I led services in two London boroughs through times of great change and upheaval. Regeneration in London meant that new libraries, archives and museums were being built or old ones refurbished. However, budget cuts meant that we struggled to find the revenue to run them: a paradox familiar to most, I’m sure. I like to think that I improved services for local people and widened access to culture. I hope so.

In 2015, I branched out into consultancy and loved it immediately. The diversity of the projects appeals to my restless nature. I have worked with libraries, museums, archives and even theatre across the UK, in Ireland and the Middle East. I love the work and having the opportunity to improve and modernise. I now co-run a company with my husband, and we never know where we will end up next!

It’s a very long list. From lively consultations and detailed evaluations to options appraisals and strategies, every job is unique. One of our specialities is library needs assessments. When services are thinking of making changes, we provide them with an evidence base to help them make decisions.

In terms of designing library buildings, I have been involved in some amazing projects, both as a service manager and as a consultant. I can see things from both sides, and I think that really helps.

Recent projects have included:

• Producing national library strategies for Ireland, Abu Dhabi and Saudi Arabia.
• Developing the strategic vision and designing the operational model for the iconic Mohammed Bin Rashid Library in Dubai.
• Working with UK library services to develop strategies for income generation and fundraising.
• Supporting Surrey County Council library and heritage staff through their massive change programme, resulting in some fabulous new libraries.
• Gathering examples and case studies of best practice in library buildings from all over the world to influence new library developments.
• A successful project with Lambeth Council to find a new, improved location for the borough’s archives.

• Collaboration and teamwork from the beginning. In an ideal world, the design should be based on the needs of the people who will use the building. Early engagement with the public and stakeholders enables you to build a clear, inclusive vision and bring people with you. Don’t assume that you know what people want or what’s best for them. The most innovative buildings have been co-designed with communities.
• If you have the luxury of starting a new building project from scratch, take a holistic approach. Involve people who understand how the services work, with practical knowledge, from the beginning if possible. Don’t present plans to those who will be running the building; get them to help at the start.
• Have close collaboration between different specialists as early as possible: architects, system developers. designers and cultural professionals. Respecting different viewpoints and acknowledging expertise is essential and makes for a better product.
• Build in training and development to bring the staff with you, so that they can champion the new building and be your greatest asset.
• Learn from others' mistakes as well as successes. When benchmarking and looking at best practice, don’t just look at the shiniest examples but find out where things have gone wrong.
• Take some risks and push boundaries. Be open to innovation and interesting design. Look at some of the amazing library buildings across the world and see what you can learn from them.

We don’t live in an ideal world. Building projects are often rushed, partnerships change, and budgets are reduced. Different people get involved at different stages and communication can break down.

However, I think keeping everyone fully informed and involved is crucial - staff, public, partners, architects, systems designers, furniture companies, booksellers, maintenance companies – everyone has a stake. I've seen staff resistance to change because they haven’t been involved in the design, bookshelves that won't accommodate different sizes of book, lightbulbs that cost a fortune every time they need replacing, and toilets that can’t cope with the number of people using them. All because communication has been poor. I truly believe that building an inclusive team should be the priority from the start.

Flexibility of space is the most important aspect and rightly so. Library spaces are increasingly multifunctional and need to be adaptable for different uses, often at different times of the day. Dance and theatre events, health clinics, food banks, quiet study time, workshops, celebrations and story times - all these activities need a different type of space.

The pace of change in technology is eye watering. We have already seen the decline of fixed computers in libraries, replaced by space for people to bring personal devices. In new buildings, technology must be seamlessly integrated into the physical space. Automation, integrated library systems and digital media labs are now essential. Artificial Intelligence and the need for digital literacy dominate the news and revive the role of the librarian as gatekeeper of the truth.

The needs of users also change the nature of library design. Libraries are now seen as community hubs, with diverse partners delivering community-focused services, such as advice surgeries, housing, social services, registrars, even banking. Modern library buildings all over the world are seen as ‘community living rooms’: places for communities to gather and socialise.  Green spaces, natural light and sustainable materials are prevalent in new libraries.

I believe that public libraries can help people feel safer and able to navigate a fast-changing and often frightening world. Library spaces are unique in their universal welcome, providing space to think and learn, or just be.

Sue Mckenzie is a Director of Mckenzie Rogers Consulting Ltd