Step 3 - The Plan

You will need a plan. Actually you will need lots of plans. Flowcharts of the steps you need to take to get the job done are a good idea. That way you can see exactly where you went wrong.http://www.flickr.com/photos/rpinal/3129305814/

In what sequence do you pack up the library? This needs a plan of epic proportions.
Where are you storing all those books, dvds, pcs etc...?
What happens to your exchanges?
What happens to all the books on loan that will need to be returned?
How will you supply reserved items?
Where are the staff going to work?
Where do we put the shelves, books, dvds, chairs, fridge etc when it all comes back from storage?
What sort of "look" is the library having when everything moves back in?
Who is moving everything back in?

Whilst taking a break from all the planning, RSS Feeds are a good way to fill what little down time you have. Have a look a the BBC feed on the right for some up to date information on what's going on in the world. Life goes on outside your little renovation box you know. You might also need some inspiration. Try the Designing Libraries feed on the right for lots of great pics of what you would like your library to look like - if only you had the money.


Renovator signing off!

Step 2 - Devise a catchphrase

The builder assured us that, "Of course we can build around you. We just put a wall here and a new entry there and et voila the library stays open and we get on with the important building type stuff." This is when the catchphrase comes in handy, for as we all know, "plans" don't always work out as, well... planned.

Thus it came to pass that..."It will all be worth it in the end"... became our catchphrase of choice.

This phrase came in handy to cover a multitude of challenges.

The builder fails to mention that staff and customers will have no toilet while " the library remains open and we build around you" Hmmmm, I suppose we can walk 200 metres in the rain to the Sports Hall. It will all be worth it in the end.

The builder builds a nice wall to protect the library from dust, banging, crashing, falling and we suddenly realise that the light switches, air con, and security panels are behind the new wall with no library access. But, you know, it will all be worth it in the end.

We discover the nice wall to protect the library from dust, banging, crashing, falling is not water proof. We have water seeping in to form puddles on the carpet. Gee, lucky it's all going to be worth it in the end!

The air con has to be disconnected to progress the building works - all through summer. Not to worry! It will all be worth it in the end!

In case you were wondering this how hot it was in the library during the renovation.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/pockafwye/192210727/

It continues to rain and puddles continue to form on the carpet. The air con is still not working and it's 38 celsius outside. Staff swear they have seen mosquitoes this big http://www.flickr.com/photos/viamoi/3788240701/ breeding in the puddles near the Internet desk. Don't worry team, IT WILL ALL BE WORTH IT IN THE END.

I hoped to insert lovely piccies in the body of the text to show just how well I know how to use Web 2.0 technology. Unfortunately I can't get the piccies to appear in the body of the text so I have had to drop in some links. Ho hum. I'm sure I will figure it out when I have more time.

Renovator signing off!

Don't forget to take some time to smell the roses

http://www.flickr.com/photos/24329670@N03/2457695730/

Renovating a Library Step 1

Accept that the road will be long, with intermittent unsealed sections filled with pot holes and the occassional roo. Don't worry unduly though, as these challenges can be overcome with a good yoga class and a glass of wine... or two. Be aware that yelling and throwing things is not considered to be a good stress management stragegy. Sure it brings some short term blood pressure lowering benefits, but it's best to resist the temptation.

Packing commences.

The circ desk gets some temporary modifications.

Of course everything will fit into the temporarily downsized building!

It's too late to back out now.