Kevin Hennah has worked closely with libraries since 2002 on strategies to maximise productivity of space and improve presentation and image. During this time he has visited in excess of 800 libraries throughout Australia, New Zealand, America, Asia and Europe.

Kevin’s 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.

On a weekly basis Kevin works hands-on with library staff sharing innovative ideas for makeovers at all budget levels. He has also had input into the design of dozens of new libraries both nationally and internationally.

As an extension of his conference presentations, Kevin Hennah has developed a suite of library-specific workshops that explore innovations in library design, layout, furnishings, navigation and signage. Extremely well received, Kevin Hennah’s workshops are toured throughout Australia each year and internationally by appointment.

Some of Kevin Hennah’s work to date has included:

  • Statewide training program toured throughout 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
  • Keynote speaker at 2007 ALIA National Library Technicians Conference
  • Featured author in 2007 SLAV publication ‘Re-think! Ideas for inspiring school library design’
  • Presenter at 2009 ‘Designing The Future’ online conference, hosted by ‘Your School Library’
  • Presenter at 2009 National Mobile Libraries Conference
  • Presenter at 2010 Somerset International Festival of Literature
  • Rethink Reinvent Rejuvenate: An Interior Design, Layout & Merchandising Workshop for Libraries. Toured Nationally in 2008, 2009, 2010
  • ID Workshop: Exploring Signage, Branding & Navigation in Libraries. Toured Nationally in 2009, 2010
  • Workshops delivered for libraries from SE Asia region in 2009, 2010, 2011
  • Input into the design of dozens of Australian School Libraries as part of the BER Project (Building Education Revolution)
  • Design support for school libraries in Japan, Hong Kong & India
  • Creative concepts (consults) for low budget makeovers to over 500 libraries Nationally (including Public, Primary & Secondary Schools, TAFEs, Universities & special libraries)

Here’s just a few of my thoughts:

  • Most libraries have failed to develop a visual merchandising strategy to help print compete with new technologies. In the design and renovation process, much effort is invested in architecture and décor, (which I see as very important), however this is often an exciting veneer around an outdated visual merchandising strategy (I’m referring to the collection). Take school libraries for example, I have met with countless principals who believe Non Fiction is now irrelevant. These schools have keep abreast of exciting developments in technology over the past 20 years. However, during this time, the faded, poorly weeded Non Fiction collection has sat on tall, dated and ugly shelving arranged in narrow isles at the back of the room. Rarely is a book displayed face-out and little or no innovative signage solutions have been developed to help print compete with online resources. There’s really nothing more they could have done to make the collection look less appealing!I would like to highlight that I am a keen supporter of the Internet and new technologies. However, I don’t think anyone can make an informed judgment on the relevance of books until we create a level playing ground between print and computers.
  • As much as I am excited by developments in technology, I am concerned about public libraries that rely on the Internet to maintain customer numbers. This strategy is very vulnerable!
  • The library should be the community’s shared living room – cleverly selected seating is a marketing statement for libraries.
  • If book retailers were to adopt the merchandising and signage strategy 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 deemed viable, incorporate a café, 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 – providing they are innovative! Equally, I think it is imperative that the architect listens to and accommodates your operational needs.
  • Attracting a younger audience into Public Libraries is too complex to address in a paragraph. I must however stress that image drives perception and the solution is much bigger picture than simply creating a teen zone – a concept I find quite dated anyway. The marketing strategy, resources and overall image need to be relevant. Even more out of touch is the belief that a good selection of top 20 CDs will help. Most teenagers aren’t remotely interested in discs.
  • 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 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 demographic, I think there’s an argument for libraries merchandising part or all of their collection in genre-based lounges. I know a number of libraries that have implemented this very successfully and enjoyed a marked increase in loans as a result.
  • I believe every library would benefit from clear directional signage in Non Fiction. Dewey caters to needs, but what are you doing to attract impulse loans?
  • I think investing in RFID and self-check technology and then leaving your old Titanic circulation desk alongside the new technology is almost like saying, “don’t bother” to the customer. I also do not believe that library staff necessarily need to stand behind a desk to connect with customers!
  • I believe there should be a level of uniformity across a library network. Particularly across a Public Library Service.  I am in full support of tailoring the design, décor and collection to the local demographic. However, I am referring to branding. That is, taking a uniform approach to all signage and print collateral. It not only looks professional, but also it helps build presence in the community and reinforces that the group of libraries work together. This is a fundamental principal of marketing and promotion.
  • I understand that there is more to a library than just loan stats, however it’s important not to discount the relevance of these as a benchmark. To this end, I ask all libraries, “what would you change about your library if you were to receive a dollar in your personal bank account for every item borrowed”?
  • 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!

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