I decided to find a Dutch library that underwent a renovation. I found several candidates, but I decided that the Dutch-language library of Brussels, Belgium, is the most interesting:
Muntpunt in English
Muntpunt in Dutch provides more a lot more information than the English version.
Technically, the renovation won't be complete until 20-11-2011 at 20:11 (note that Europeans write dates using the dd/mm/yyyy format). In the meanwhile, the library moved into a different building, which was renovated for the purpose of serving as the library while the main library is undergoing the big renovation. So, it's kind of like looking at two renovations in one!
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Can you translate some of the details about the new library for us? The English version only vaguely mentions that the new library will be a vibrant... which I take to mean it will be user centered. I switched to the Dutch page but couldn't even tell what link might give me more info on the new or temporary space.
ReplyDeleteI'm planning on writing some more information soon, as well as providing a link to some of the youtube videos about the renovation.
ReplyDeleteOkay, the other posts are up too now.
ReplyDeleteAbout the website: 'Bibliotheek' means 'library', and is apparently shortened to 'bib' in Flemish (in Dutch it's shortened to 'bieb'). 'Diensten' means 'services'. 'Bezoekers' means 'visitors'. 'Over Muntpunt' (located in small print at the top of the page) means 'About Muntpunt'.
Google offers translation of pages. Try googling for 'site:muntpunt.be' and clicking on the 'Translate this page' link next to the search results.
The website does not appear to offer much information about the renovation. However, as part of the renovation, this website was launched to replace the old website, so as such the website is relevant to the renovation.
I find your blog very informational about a library in another country. I don't think that we often focus on them, nor consider that they have a greater task than we do by serving even more nationalities than one of our libraries might. 130 nationalities is mind boggling to me. I also loved the musical escort at closing time. It was very inventive.
ReplyDeleteLastly, I don't think that we think about the free services that we take for granted here. I found it really cool that all of the CDs were checked out. Shows and stimulates a great interest in the library itself.
I really enjoyed reading your blog about the Brussels library. It is interesting to see how others handle renovation. I also agree that I should hint to my boss that a reconnaisance trip is definitely necessary in order to execute a better library renovation on my campus!
ReplyDeleteI was fascinated by the diversity of patrons the library serves. It makes our complaints of the difficulties of serving diverse populations in the U.S. seem trivial.
Brussels is the 'capital' of the EU, so that probably makes it relatively diverse. But any big city in a rich country has a diverse population.
ReplyDeleteGreat information, thanks for posting the video clips, it made it interesting to watch the different phases the library is going through. It will be nice to see the end results. I also agree with Deanna that we take our services for granted and don't realize that we could lose if we don't take advantage of them.
ReplyDeleteThis project of yours was nicely done and informative. Important point you brought out was that it would be and is considered part of the cultural mix.
ReplyDeleteI love the way the "sent off" the library. That is great! I think it is interesting that the temporary library decided not to put everything in the new space.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing.
Liz Nebeker