Evolution of the A&D Materials Library

Evolution of the A&D Materials Library

BY MANDY MILLER 11 RODEOS EXP.

Two types of A&D Resource Librarians

Traditional Gatekeeper Librarians

Eco Gatekeeper Librarians

LIBRARY

Traditional Gatekeeping

Eco Gatekeeping

Gatekeepers are at a high level, data decision makers who controls information flow to entire social system. Examples of gatekeepers: legislators, analysts, receptionist, office managers, and the notorious night-club bouncers!

Traditional library gatekeeping is everything that pertains to that firms project work. Eco Gatekeeper is a term applied to librarians that enforce a material health and transparency protocol for products allowed in the library, in other words - a vigilant gatekeeper with a material health velvet hammer.

Eco Label Alphabet Soup!

Since 2000, green rating systems are shifting the design process from checking sustainability boxes to social consciousness. Building and project certifications are shouting the same message, Human Centered Design and Occupant Health is achieved by avoiding toxic chemicals in the built environment. Eco Gatekeeping spawned from A&D firms asking manufacturers for transparency regarding the substances in their products, thus limiting the type of products allowed in a firm’s physical library. Gatekeepers don’t have to be a road-block, they can be gate-openers by engaging a dialogue about the manufactures efforts on material health, sustainability, social justice, and on reducing carbon and energy.

The Library vs. The Lab

LIBRARY by definition: an academic place with literally references.

Also a place where one can be hushed for talking too loudly.

LAB by definition: a place providing opportunity for experimentation, observation, research, or practice in a field of study.

Resource Librarian Materials Specialist Wearing multiple hats:

Educator Cataloger Curator

Collaborator Gatekeeper

Professional Cat-Herder Promoter

Researcher ...and on...

Capacity to have a breadth of knowledge for all sorts of materials and products.

Be both inward and outward facing, maintaining relationships internally with designers and externally with the vast vendor rep community. Just as a Unicorn/Alicorn is known to be rare in the mythical realm, there are not many firms that allocate funds for this position, these specialists take on a unique role within the A&D firm.

Having two-decades in the design industry with eleven years wrangling all components of the A&D firm materials lab, I am rootin’ & tootin’ to raise awareness of the value of the A&D materials specialist.

MANDY MILLER 11 RODEOS EXP.