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Capital Program Office:
capital.program@spl.org
1000 Fourth Ave.
Seattle, WA 98104
206-386-4624

SEATTLE CENTRAL LIBRARY
Public Work Group- Business Community
Meeting #1, January 11, 2000

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  Summary:

• Keep information accurate, up-to-date and accessible. Information relevant to Northwest industries and businesses.
• Accessibility- in physicality and language-wise.
• Atmosphere- reflects northwest.
• Having knowledgeable librarians to assist access to needed information on materials.
• Business related reference materials, especially in print format: Older than 2 years is too old. However, in other aspects, older materials are crucial.
• Do not throw away library materials.

1. Photo images not well accepted electronically:
• Consider what materials are available only via electronic formats.
2. How does library enhance inventors’ creation of new products, processes, services?
   • Marketing expertise.
   • Capital support – access – funding.
   • Enhance process of taking inventions to market.
   • “Hands-on”- more active role.
3. Resources available in community:
   • Seafirst Business Resource Library- best example (now at Bellevue Library): Complete, timely, accurate, reasonable assistance.
   • University of Washington Business School Library: materials are up to date.
   • Central Library: Material not up-to-date. Not dedicated computer terminals (i.e: For access to patents/D.C. copyright database). Not functionally well organized. Best thing- Staff very helpful.
4. Design of Central Library:
   • Reflect clientele (high tech, aerospace, natural resources).
5. Issues with Central Library:
   • “Why don’t people use Central?”
     • Access to information insufficient.
     • Atmosphere not pleasant.
   • Create areas for confidentiality/small group work areas, small meeting areas- need places for privacy.
   • Need balance between subject experts access and one large reference desk.
   • Library needs to accommodate diverse populations- should help improve situation for all patrons.
   • “Heart will always beat knowledge.” (All patrons can benefit from resources at the library.)
   • Help people learn how to make money (enhances the economy). Do good. Have fun.
6. How does the Library adapt to the needs of the aging population?
   • Voice activated software?
7. Want both: A place for social interaction and the best on-line services.
8. Provide access to technologies unavailable to individuals and/or small businesses.
9. Best arrangement for users:
   • Information desk right at entrance.
   • Librarians located right with the resources.
10. Use wall space to communicate breadth of collection.
    • Interactive.
11. Could building be terraced?
    • Create a place for landscaping- place to be outside, to look at green areas instead of buildings.

Content modified: 27 March 2000

12/31/2004

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