Maintaining Historic Architecture and Usability with StackMap

Crandall Public Library was built in 1931, and 10 years ago it underwent a renovation combining the older architecture with new spaces. Much of the original building still exists, but its design isn’t easy for patrons to navigate, as is very common among libraries with this type of renovation. We talked with the library’s Assistant Director, Guinevere Forshey, about how StackMap has helped users better understand and visualize the updated library. 

Since we’re in a historic building, we were very limited in what we could do with the interior, and we had some very unusual space constraints. The design preserves the charm of the historic building, which forced us to get creative and while our adult non-fiction is not in contiguous stacks, StackMap has helped us provide more logic. We couldn’t knock down a wall to give us two more feet in one direction, for example. So, we had to make our shelving fit within those limitations. The building has a lot of character, but it’s hard for patrons to navigate. We have books everywhere, and it’s not user-friendly or particularly intuitive. The books don't go in order, and they’re really all over the place. In one room, there’s 800s on one wall and 100s on the opposite side and 300s on another part of the wall. Our lobby is also considered our first floor, and patrons will get confused as to what floor they’re on. With StackMap, we can really minimize that patron frustration and give them a better sense of the building space. It really helps patrons adapt to the confusing design. 

— Guinevere Forshey, Assistant Director of Crandall Public Library