This case study describes one IA’s volunteer efforts to revitalize a small public library’s website and bring a user-centered focus to its building renovation efforts. Through blueprints, photos and architectural renderings, the presentation details how the IA worked with a local architect, building consultant, and a group of graduate students in information architecture to help the library’s administrators conceptualize new ways to integrate virtual and physical aspects of the library experience and to take the first steps toward embracing “Library 2.0,” a new service model that enables patrons to provide direct and continuous feedback on library programs and services.

Unlike other, well-documented projects involving experience integration efforts—such as the MAYA Design Group’s work on the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh and Seattle Public Library’s large-scale efforts—this project was handicapped by all of the challenges facing small public libraries today, including drastic under-funding, minimal I.T. resources, and a general lack of awareness of information architecture and its value in developing websites and wayfinding systems. Despite its public library focus this presentation should be of interest to IAs of any persuasion for its demonstration of how information architecture and UCD principles can be used to address seemingly intractable service delivery problems, even in the face of severe budgetary and technological constraints.