MIT Libraries’ Information Intersection on the Stata Center Student

Street

5.5 years ago

• Stata Center planners solicit ideas for uses of the building

• We ask for ~2,000 sq. ft. “multi-purpose space” with a café

3.5 years ago

• We hear back from the Stata planning people

We get:13’ x 13’(169 sq ft.)

We decide to go for it!

2.5 years ago

• Vision:– To create an inviting, flexible, information-

rich space that supports self-service access to online information and learning resources, printed brochures, and recreational reading; and provides the opportunity for group study, small scale instructional encounters, and working with students on usability testing of library information interfaces.

1.5 years ago

• The Libraries’ Stata Team is formed to implement the vision.

Planning Group Charge

• Purposes• Policies/

guidelines• Branding• Naming the

space

What’s Great About It

• Location, location, location!

• Colorful and cozy

• High profile, high traffic area

Where is it?

Connecting with the Community - Features

www.bookcrossing.com

• Book(cart) Mobile• Photos with Tim• Joint Open House and

Tours• Display space at the

Information Desk• Henna tattoo parlor

during campus celebration

Connecting with the Community - Events

Ideas for the Future

• Big display space on the outside walls

Ideas for the Future

• Be experimental– Tie into the

research happening in the building!

– Project Oxygen

Questions?

• Patty Durisin Barbera– durisin@mit.edu

• Tracy Gabridge– tag@mit.edu

http://libraries.mit.edu