Consultancy

Opening the Book has run consultancy days on library design for more than 30 UK library management teams and for management teams in Ireland, Sweden and Norway. The company has been commissioned to undertake library space planning by architects, principal contractors, developers and professional bodies as well as by library services. Please contact Rachel Van Riel on rachel@openingthebook.com to discuss your specific needs.

Building focus

Examples:

  • Proposing alterations to modernise the House of Commons Derby Gate Library to better meet the needs of current and future users while respecting the listed building
  • Drawing up options for a single reception counter at the award-winning Oldham Library & Lifelong Learning Centre
  • Advising on the conversion of historic squash courts into library spaces at the University of Notre Dame in London
  • Space planning, especially in relation to capacity and M & E, for the new library at Brent Civic Centre
  • Facilitating planning with architect and senior management team for refurbishment of the landmark Ambassador building to house Dublin Central Library
  • Layout design for the learning resource centre, public library and adult learning area at the new Oxford Academy
  • Solving problems of people flow and improving entrance area layout at Helsingborg Library, Sweden
  • Redesigning Central Library in Poole to occupy one floor and not two.

Service focus

Examples:

  • Advice on the layout and space design for the first RFID libraries in Dorset, plus engaging staff as part of the change management process to improve the customer focus and understanding of the service transformation agenda
  • Creating a ‘wow’ factor with new approaches to book presentation in adult and children’s at Raufoss Library, Norway

Team focus

Examples:

  • Consultancy to the heads of museums, archives and libraries at Oxfordshire County Council on the question of how to clarify the role of local history in the refurbished Central Library where the space for local studies will be reduced
  • Consultancy to senior managers in libraries and customer services in Northumberland County Council exploring how they will work together in joint spaces in a merged service

Problem-solving tours

  • In Västernorrland in Sweden, Rachel Van Riel toured a range of libraries over a week. Each library identified key issues – from space for pre-school activities to helping visitors find their way upstairs – and sent plans and photographs in advance. Rachel proposed solutions on the spot and all the libraries sent representatives to the final seminar at the County Library to discuss changes. The tour was such a success it was repeated six months’ later to reach different libraries in the region.
  • Rachel has delivered similar problem-solving tours in Norway, especially in the regions of Aust-Agder and Arendal.