Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons^™

Innovation On A Shoe String: High Impact Space And Technology Updates In A Low-Funding Environment, Joan Petit, Thomas Bielavitz

Library Faculty Publications and Presentations

Even in a low-funding and space-constrained environment, Portland State University (PSU) Library has created and renovated new technology-rich learning spaces for students. Collaboration with other campus departments and an entrepreneurial spirit were essential for many of these efforts. First, the library developed a list of desired improvements and space use ideas. Then, the library used a phased approach, taking advantage of opportunities and planning for others as possible, resulting in a series of high-impact space updates. PSU Library offers a space-planning model that allows academic libraries to be agile, entrepreneurial, and collaborative, and to improve learning spaces in a difficult …