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Dear Library Champion,
Library building projects are endeavors that should focus on the long-term needs of the community, and COVID19 is impacting how society engages in work and leisure activities. The virus also impacts building environmental management. If your community is considering building/renovating a facility, begin to think about your community needs in the future and engage architectural firm and economic development offices to think about the future of work and leisure and the impact on your community. Build into your facility environmental controls that will mitigate the spread of pathogens while you are in the building phase.
With the shift to remote working and the evidence of struggles to contain COVID in large cities across the nation, many Canadians are preferring to work remotely. Futurists are predicting that workers will not be required to relocate for work. Given that COVID is shifting society to engage in remote work, and entrepreneurs might have options on where to locate their business, there is a possibility that rural living may be an attractive option for a healthy lifestyle and employment. If some or any of these predications true, libraries could be positioned to provide private office “pods” for entrepreneurs, and individuals, who may need temporary private space to meet clients or engage in educational activities. These “pods” could be equipped with video conferencing technology, and virtual whiteboards, and the highest possible Internet speeds. In addition to private working areas, public libraries need to incorporate flexible design features into facilities to enable physical distancing/sectioning off of space between cohorts for programming or events. This can be accomplished with modular furniture and moveable shelving.
Beyond services, libraries boards will need to think about the safety features of the built environment. Architectural firms are predicting that facilities will be built being as touchless as possible. Automatic/sensory doors will likely become a standard feature of library entrances and doors for multipurpose rooms, offices, and washrooms. Sensory technology in light switches, thermostats, faucets, and toilets will be other common touchless features. Some built environment specialists suggest using Bluetooth enabled apps to allow staff to control thermostats, automatic blinds, doors, and lighting levels. Voice activated elevators might be considered for a truly touchless workplace.
Traffic directional control will likely be incorporated into design features with larger libraries featuring one-way entrances and exits similar to existing features in retail stores. Staff work areas will need to be specifically addressed. Some predictions on offices are that open concept work areas will give way to cubicles, or work areas with shields and/or positioning desks six feet apart if not done already.
Patron self-checkouts might become more prevalent in Manitoba public libraries, as it would be one less contact point in the handling of materials. Larger library systems might consider automated book return systems to eliminate the need to handle materials that are returned.
New constructions or renovations will want to ensure lots of natural lighting and proper humidity and ventilation. Natural lighting is known to have health benefits, and sunlight might be useful in the fight against pathogens. Viruses are known to thrive in dry air conditions, so it is recommended that air humidity is between 40-60 %. Ensuring good airflow with windows that open and considering displacement ventilation systems to reduce the amount of pathogen redistribution in the air may also be important.
Library design in the age of COVID may increase the need for technology to regulate the environment and provide services. Flexibility in arranging of furniture and equipment to accommodate distancing will impact the square footage needed to accommodate workplace health and safety. Think about the future of your community and the future workforce and engage your architect to incorporate features that will support a remote workforce and a touchless built environment to benefit your staff and public.
Additional Resources
How to use ventilation and air filtration to prevent the spread of coronavirus indoors
Virus-Responsive Design In the age of COVID-19, architects merge future-facing innovations with present-day needs, American Libraries
Chesterfield County Public Library adds learning pod spaces
Privacy Furniture in the Post-COVID-19 Workplace
Redesigning The Office For The Next 100-Year Flu (Yes, It's Coming)
6 Feet Office
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