Northeast Ohio Regional Library System
Date/Time
7/29/2026
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM Eastern
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM Eastern
Event Registration
Competency
Adaptability, Building Management, and Leadership
Event Description
You know your library needs to be updated, expanded, or replaced. Where do you begin? What does the process look like, and how do you make sure you get what you want? Even small renovations can be a complicated, messy, and confusing process.
This presentation provides an overview of the planning, design, and construction process, and includes recommendations on how to communicate with architects. The speakers will share strategies for communicating and collaborating with staff, while managing through disruptive change.
The presentation will be followed by a facilitated Q/A.
Learning Objectives :
Presenters:
Rick Ortmeyer: Partner - Bostwick Design Partnership
With over 30 years of experience, Rick’s work includes planning, programming or design for over 130 library projects in 13 states. He effectively facilitates discussions across all organizational levels, from one-on-one to board presentations to large community forums. His planning and design work regularly allows him to advocate a proposed vision on the board and administration’s behalf and articulate goals to a complex range of constituents. Rick’s career has focused almost exclusively on public sector clients, and he has developed a deep appreciation for the challenges, opportunities and responsibilities inherent to institutions supported through public funding.
Kent Oliver served as the Director of Nashville (TN) Public Library (NPL) from 2012 to 2022. Under his leadership, NPL advanced the construction and renovation of branch libraries and enhanced the nationally known Main Library. During his tenure, he spearheaded initiatives focused on early reading, adult literacy, digital education, and public programs related to The Civil Rights Room. In June 2017, Library Journal and Gale honored NPL as the Library of the Year. In 2020, NPL opened the Votes for Women Room, commemorating the passage of the 19th Amendment and celebrating voting rights. Additionally, in 2022, NPL was recognized as Library Journal’s Marketer of the Year.
Before assuming his role at NPL, Kent served as Library Director of the Stark County Regional Library in Canton, Ohio from 2001 to 2012, as Associate Director at the Johnson County (KS) Library, and as Director of the Olathe (KS) Public Library. He played a significant role in library construction and renovation projects at each of these institutions. Kent is currently a Senior Fellow with the American Library Association’s Public Policy and Advocacy Office.
Meagan Dutczak: Practice Leader, Library Design – Bostwick Design Partnership
Meagan’s work has focused specifically on library planning and design for over a decade, including 5 years with Bostwick Design. She creates intentional, innovative architecture that enriches communities and has a positive impact on those her designs serve. Her education and professional experience have provided her a deep understanding of design across all phases, from concept through construction administration. She works closely with clients and the entire design and engineering team to ensure a holistic solution. Meagan is committed to delivering successful projects that focus on thoughtful design, clear communication, and collaboration.
This presentation provides an overview of the planning, design, and construction process, and includes recommendations on how to communicate with architects. The speakers will share strategies for communicating and collaborating with staff, while managing through disruptive change.
The presentation will be followed by a facilitated Q/A.
Learning Objectives :
- Understand and demystify the process, timeline, and language included in small or significant library design projects.
- Learn fundamentals on how projects get bid and built, and considerations regarding determining building closure or phased improvements.
- Learn strategies for how to work through projects with library staff while managing the disruption inherent to construction projects.
Presenters:
Rick Ortmeyer: Partner - Bostwick Design PartnershipWith over 30 years of experience, Rick’s work includes planning, programming or design for over 130 library projects in 13 states. He effectively facilitates discussions across all organizational levels, from one-on-one to board presentations to large community forums. His planning and design work regularly allows him to advocate a proposed vision on the board and administration’s behalf and articulate goals to a complex range of constituents. Rick’s career has focused almost exclusively on public sector clients, and he has developed a deep appreciation for the challenges, opportunities and responsibilities inherent to institutions supported through public funding.
Kent Oliver served as the Director of Nashville (TN) Public Library (NPL) from 2012 to 2022. Under his leadership, NPL advanced the construction and renovation of branch libraries and enhanced the nationally known Main Library. During his tenure, he spearheaded initiatives focused on early reading, adult literacy, digital education, and public programs related to The Civil Rights Room. In June 2017, Library Journal and Gale honored NPL as the Library of the Year. In 2020, NPL opened the Votes for Women Room, commemorating the passage of the 19th Amendment and celebrating voting rights. Additionally, in 2022, NPL was recognized as Library Journal’s Marketer of the Year.Before assuming his role at NPL, Kent served as Library Director of the Stark County Regional Library in Canton, Ohio from 2001 to 2012, as Associate Director at the Johnson County (KS) Library, and as Director of the Olathe (KS) Public Library. He played a significant role in library construction and renovation projects at each of these institutions. Kent is currently a Senior Fellow with the American Library Association’s Public Policy and Advocacy Office.
Meagan Dutczak: Practice Leader, Library Design – Bostwick Design PartnershipMeagan’s work has focused specifically on library planning and design for over a decade, including 5 years with Bostwick Design. She creates intentional, innovative architecture that enriches communities and has a positive impact on those her designs serve. Her education and professional experience have provided her a deep understanding of design across all phases, from concept through construction administration. She works closely with clients and the entire design and engineering team to ensure a holistic solution. Meagan is committed to delivering successful projects that focus on thoughtful design, clear communication, and collaboration.
Location
Setting: Live Virtual
Online via Zoom
UNITED STATES
Online via Zoom
UNITED STATES
Contact Person
Details
Who should attend: Anyone wanting to learn about leading staff through disruptive change and the bidding process
Competencies: Adaptability, Buiding Management, Leadership, & Project Management
Non-Member Cost: $40
NEO-RLS Bronze Member Cost: $24
NEO-RLS Silver Member Cost: FREE
NEO-RLS Gold Member Cost: FREE
NEO-RLS Individual Member Cost: $20
Can't attend on the date or time listed? Sign up anyway! This webinar includes archive access for later viewing at your convenience.
It’s never too late to save your library money. NEO-RLS Memberships are pro-rated! Call us today to join.
Competencies: Adaptability, Buiding Management, Leadership, & Project Management
Non-Member Cost: $40
NEO-RLS Bronze Member Cost: $24
NEO-RLS Silver Member Cost: FREE
NEO-RLS Gold Member Cost: FREE
NEO-RLS Individual Member Cost: $20
Can't attend on the date or time listed? Sign up anyway! This webinar includes archive access for later viewing at your convenience.
It’s never too late to save your library money. NEO-RLS Memberships are pro-rated! Call us today to join.
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