What Are Your Top Tips..

...For a successful new build? For embedding IT? For installing technology?

Get involved right from the start - make sure you know exactly what the timetable is for the build, when you need to provide information on where you want to put computers, shelving, counters etc.

Make sure the designers (and then the builders) fully understand your requirements against their plans. You can't be expected to get involved in something two thirds the way through and pick up where somebody has designed what they think a library needs - rather than involving the experts themselves.

Visit half a dozen places that have been newly built or refurbished - find out what's out there and what works.

See what the suppliers are doing - don't just stick to the traditional library suppliers either. The shelving at Truro has come from traditional library supplier but other furnishings have been provided by other suppliers (office suppliers and other educational suppliers). There's a lot out there but you do have to spend time finding what is suitable for you.

Get into the new space as soon as you can because what you see on the plans and what you see the first time you walk through the door do not necessarily match up and you can spot something and think 'oh yes we can do this', or 'that wall is perfect for that' - when you see the light it's much easier to visualise things and think what you can do with the space.

Also if you're the type of person who finds it difficult to visualise this kind of thing then get someone in who can as you don't get the chance to do it again - you frequently only get one shot at this and then it can be several years before they'll let you do it again, or the money will be available to do it again.