My appointment today was with the Politecnica Library in Barcelona. I was to meet my contact, Marta , at the Architecture Library and then we would go on to the larger main library at the Campus del Norte (across the big Diagonal Avenue to the north as you might suspect!). I walked right into a student demonstration of some sort. It was complete with headstones and memorial candles announcing the "death" of UPC. I believe they are protesting cuts to education in Spain and, indeed, both librarians I spoke with today mentioned the crisis in funding for education. I hope things get better for them soon.
I encountered Marta just outside the library. I was a bit early and was about to sit down to wait a few minutes before presenting myself inside, but she met me right there. I briefly met the head of the library and then sat down with Marta Vivancos and Marta Serrat Brustenga. How is that for helping me out? They both have the same first name! Anyway both of them had prepared presentations of their library and the services provided. We discussed libraries in general and services specifically and then we walked around the building. The libraries at most universities in Spain are set up differently than the library at my university. The concept of a main library is not generally used in Spain. As the Martas explained to me, they have twelve department libraries at UPC, each with a director and staff. They would like to combine libraries but there is a lot of resistance to the idea from the different departments who want the library very near the departments and the staff who work in the libraries.
As I mentioned I started out in the Architecture Library so all the resources there pertained to architecture. The building has many windows and a skylight so the natural lighting is fabulous. Of course, in Spain where it can get quite warm, this can be a problem and they are hoping to get some sort of shades. There is a circular opening in the floors to let the light from the skylight through and the opening is surrounded by computers. This library also has a Factoria to help faculty only (not students)with technology but Marta said that it is getting used less and less because the faculty is generally quite saavy on their own. On the other hand the Factoria at Pampeu Fabra was also for students.
After my tour of the Architecture Library, Marta and I crossed the Diagonal Avenue and hiked up a hill to the North Library. We passed many of the UPC campus buildings along the way and others from the University of Barcelona which has some buildings in the same location. Marta had a meeting so she turned me over to Miquel Codina, the head of the North Library (I hope I have that title right). He had a personalized presentation ready for me and when I asked a few technical questions, he called in Javier Clavero, a Tecnic Informatic (TIC). Javier has used PHP to automate room reservations and computer availability. He is also doing mobile versions of the most needed web pages. They are also using QR codes for many things. We both agreed that QR codes are quite useful even though I just read that they are dead (MSU started using them this semester). I was given a tour of the library.
UPC has a somewhat unusual entrance--it was explained to me that it was changed by the architect. I don't have a good idea what it was like before. You walk into the entry area; off to the right is the first floor of the library and off to the left on the other side of the entry is the elevator and stairs. When you go to another floor, you use a walkway between the floor access and the library building.
The group study rooms are located in the walkway on two floors. Within the library they had traditional study spaces in tables and chairs and tables with dividers for small groups and individuals. They have the same sort of arrangement as we do at our library; the higher you go, the more quiet it is. First floor is totally noisy with cell phones and groups. However, no food or drink (except water) is allowed in the library. Strolling along taking pictures, I tripped over someone's laptop cord which was strung from a table over to the wall. I was going to plug it back in but Miquel said it wasn't allowed anyway and handed it to the student. Both institutions I visited this week assured me that there are usually more students using the library, but my visit was early in the semester before the students got busy with projects. To me it appeared that plenty of students were in each of the libraries I visited.
On my way back to the Residencia, I stopped in at the L'illa Mall and wandered around for a while. I took a tram ride back to the metro stop and rode back downtown to the Residencia. Tourist season is in full bloom now and I am loathe to walk the Rambla these days with all the people around. I just went right back to the Residencia.
By the time I got back to the Residencia, Miquel had sent me his presentation. In return, I thanked him and sent him a picture of the MSU Library with 3-6 inches of new snow! I spent the evening packing because on Friday I move to a double room--my husband is due to arrive. We were concerned about the snow but I had checked his flight throughout the day and it looked like it got off on time. Later on my sister-in-law called me on my Spanish phone service and by the time I dug my phone out, the call had ended. (in my defense this was the first call I received in Spain and it took me a minute to recognize the sound as a call) I ended up calling her and we set our plans for the day she and my brother will arrive. So this is my last night alone in Barcelona.
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