In May 2024, the University of South Carolina Beaufort (USCB) initiated a comprehensive renovation of its Bluffton library, aimed at transforming the space to better serve students, faculty, and staff. Collaborating with the consulting firm Buro Happold, formerly BrightSpot, the project focused on key objectives, including the creation of dynamic gathering spaces, the integration of advanced technology, reducing the prominence of books and shelving units, and enhancing access to services by co-locating with the USCB Makerspace, Information Technology and Support Services (ITSS), and the Innovative Media Center (IMC). While the renovation promised to address these goals, it also presented a series of unforeseen challenges, requiring flexibility and rapid decision-making. This presentation will explore critical aspects of the renovation process, including strategies for managing inevitable delays, negotiating with architects and contractors, and maintaining clear communication throughout all stages of the project. By examining the “dos and don’ts” of the renovation process, attendees will gain practical insights on how to navigate similar challenges in their own projects. Additionally, the presentation will highlight the achieved outcomes of the renovation and share feedback from students, faculty, and staff regarding the impact of the new space on their academic and collaborative experiences.
