Kevin Hennah has worked closely with libraries since 2002 on strategies to maximise usage and improve presentation and image. During this time he has visited over 500 libraries throughout Australia, New Zealand, Asia and Europe. His understanding of the operational requirements of libraries is coupled with practical advice that is sensitive to budget restrictions and challenges traditional thinking. He is the Author of The Victorian Public Libraries' Image Handbook and the featured author in 'Re-think, Ideas for Inspiring School Library Design'; released by The School Library Association of Victoria.

Challenging traditional ideas on library design and layout, Kevin Hennah has had input into the design of dozens of new libraries. On a weekly basis he works hands-on with library staff, sharing innovative ideas for makeovers on a shoestring budget. A keen supporter of technology in libraries, Kevin is also passionate about developing strategies to help print material to compete with the Internet. A regular public speaker at library events Nationally, Kevin Hennah has also developed a suite of library-specific workshops that explore innovations in library design, layout, furnishings, navigation and signage. Extremely well received, his workshops are toured Nationally each year and more recently outside Australia.

Some of Kevin's experience with libraries includes:

• Statewide training program toured for Victorian & NSW Public Libraries
• Author of Victorian Public Libraries Image Handbook (2005)
• Training & consults for Waitakere City Library Service, New Zealand
• Guest speaker at 2007 Reading Critical Conference
• Keynote/guest speaker at numerous school library conferences in WA, QLD, NSW, TAS & VIC
• Delivery of numerous in-house workshops for Public Library Services & TL Networks Nationally each year
• Keynote speaker at 2007 ALIA National Library Technicians Conference
• Visits to innovative UK & Asian Libraries
• Featured author in 2007 SLAV publication 'Re-think! Ideas for inspiring school library design'
• Input into the design of dozens of Australian School and Public Libraries
• Creative concepts (consults) for low budget makeovers to over 200 libraries Nationally (including Public, Primary & Secondary Schools, TAFEs, Universities & special libraries)
• Rethink Reinvent Rejuvenate: An Interior Design, Layout & Merchandising Workshop for Libraries. Toured Nationally in 2008, 2009 and again in 2010
• ID Workshop: Exploring Signage, Branding & Navigation in Libraries. Toured Nationally in 2009 and again in 2010
• Rethink Reinvent Rejuvenate & ID Workshops delivered for libraries from SE Asia region in 2009 
• Presenter at 2009 ‘Designing The Future’ online conference, hosted by ‘Your School Library’

2010 WORKSHOPS







Contact Kevin Hennah to book your own in-house training



PUBLIC SPEAKING:

Kevin Hennah challenges traditional ideas on library layout, presentation and promotion. Passionate about libraries, he brings credibility to his ideas by drawing on his extensive experience and his understanding of budget restrictions.

Dynamic, fast paced and engaging, all presentations are jammed packed with inspirational images of what libraries have achieved with his support. Far more than theory, presentations are designed to entertain, motivate and inspire!

Brief Kevin on your needs or choose from one of these popular presentations:

(Click presentation titles for more info)

• Library Layout & Space Management
• Interior Design for Libraries
• Transforming your Library on a Shoe-String Budget

CONSULTATION:

Planning a new library? Renovating? Or simply seeking fresh ideas to make a huge impact on a tiny budget?

Armed with hundreds of inspiring photographs, equally as many exciting ideas and importantly, listening to what staff need, Kevin Hennah offers half and full day consultations nationally at a set fee which is inclusive of all expenses. Contact Kevin to confirm prices and when he will next be in your region. Here are just a few of my thoughts:

• Libraries need to be much more proactive about promotion. Of the hundreds I have visited, very few have effective external signage. I also think most bypass obvious opportunities to actively promote their website and diverse range of resources.
• As much as I am excited by developments in technology, I am concerned about libraries that rely solely on computers to maintain customer numbers. Perhaps too many eggs are in one basket!
• Computers play a critical role in schools and learning. However, it does concern me that in many schools, a student could visit the library to attend a class or use the Internet without walking past a book or even seeing a book cover. Again, I am a keen supporter of electronic resources, though I believe it’s important to develop and nurture a visual merchandising strategy to help print collections compete with the Internet.
• Schools constantly tell me book usage is rapidly declining, though I don't see this trend reflected in retail sales. That said, if book retailers were to adopt the merchandising principles of the average library, they would go broke!
• When building or renovating public libraries, consider opportunities to benefit from the traffic generated by council services that share the building. Become a destination! If possible incorporate a cafe, an art space, garden area, bookstore or small business incubator into new branches.
• I think it is important for library staff to take on board an architect's ideas on design - particularly if they are innovative. Equally, I think it is imperative that the architect listens to and accommodates your operational needs.
If Public Libraries are not attracting a younger demographic, consider what non-verbal messages your branch projects; the way you look has a direct impact on customer's perceptions of what you have to offer. Traditional library styles of display and promotion need to be challenged! I often joke that signing a Teenage section in a Public Library is almost like the librarian wanting to Dewy visitors too! I don't object to creating an area where Teenagers might like to sit together, but more importantly, I believe the entire library should be relevant to teenagers.
• Think like a customer - if there's anything in your library that you would not like to see in your favourite bookstore, deal with it today. Rejuvenate, refresh, repaint, or even get rid of it! For many libraries, simply letting go of the sea of A4 paper signs and clip art can transform the space - and best of all, it's free!
• Dependant on your audience, I think there's an argument for some libraries merchandising part or all of their collection by genre-based lounges. I know a number of libraries that have implemented this very successfully and enjoyed an increase in usage as a result.
• I believe every library, regardless of type would benefit from clear directional signage in Non Fiction. Dewey caters to needs, but what are you doing to attract impulse loans?
• Importantly, don't allow a lack of funds to hold you back as you do not need to spend a lot to make a big difference!