Conclusions

Well, after visiting all the libraries in Cache County (the first time I have done so), I have learned a lot about the spaces, how they are used, and what a wonderful bunch of libraries we have!

The themes that emerged could have been guessed from the outset: most of the libraries are dealing with a lack of space for their collections and staff. The one exception to this is Hyrum which is has room to grow because the building is new. Another theme is that most of the staff I interviewed have an affinity for their buildings, regardless of their size. This was especially true for the older buildings and the older staff :)

It was fun to compare the design choices of the 'retrofitted' libraries- how they use the space provided even though they were not made for libraries. Retrofits often still look their former selves on the outside, but are altered on the inside.

Of course, all the libraries are more alike than they are different. They basically have the same types of items in their collections, all have to deal with maintanance and utilities, all have to find staff to fill the demands placed on them, and everyone I talked to seemed to enjoy what they do and where they do it.

It all goes to prove that a library can function in any place, but that there are definitely positives and negatives to aspects of every space.

Thanks to all staff for allowing me to talk to them and take photographs inside their buildings!