Research Library
The largest project I worked on was the creation of a research library space. This 360-square-foot area was previously used for storage of miscellaneous materials. I took initiative in transforming it into a place where visitors and students could sit down and learn more about the discoveries they made in the museums.
My first task in this process was to sort through everything that had been stored in the space. I sifted through piles of newspapers, posters, framed photos, and books until I could finally see the tables underneath. The majority of the items were newspapers covering the crash and aftermath of Flight 232 which crash-landed in Sioux City in 1989. The feature exhibit of the museum revolves around this story so I organized the newspapers chronologically, pulled out anything we could add to the exhibit, and packed up the newspapers for safe keeping in storage. Once those piles were condensed to boxes, I made new piles of everything else according to where it could be used in the museum, stored for later, or trashed. With the tables somewhat clear, I moved them away from the wall and circled chairs around them to create the collaborative space I was picturing. I also hung up the large posters on the walls and set aside some framed photos for display in the gift shop. I reorganized the book shelves by category to make the materials easy to find and enjoy. After the de-cluttering was finished, we added a bookshelf, file cabinet, and rolling cart to make the space a functional environment for the museum’s STEM director to conduct classes and lead hands-on projects. The new research library is nearly ready to open now. There are just a few finishing touches to take care of including buffing the floor, hanging the last few pictures, and setting up the TV.