Embracing Change
Aug 1, 2010 12:00 PM, By Mike Tennity
The library of the future should adapt to evolving student needs.
Sidebar: The Place to Be
The new Monroe Library Learning Commons at Loyola University New Orleans provides a versatile space where students, faculty and staff can come together to study, learn, teach and socialize.
"We want students to be able to collaborate in groups, create their own spaces, and be inspired by a technology-rich environment," says Mary Lee Sweat, dean of libraries.
Unlike the common library layout with rows of bookshelves, one-person study carrels, and standard tables and chairs, the Learning Commons features an open design.
Several distinct areas within the Learning Commons include the Porch and Living Room, lounge areas with comfortable seating, tables and markerboards; Common Grounds Cafe, which serves coffee and other beverages; the Snowflake Computer Area; and group-study rooms.
Sidebar: A dedicated space
In more than 100 years, St. Norbert College in DePere, Wis., never had a dedicated library building. Library space had been situated within existing buildings; the latest version was housed in a remodeled residence hall. To stay competitive, the college determined that students should have access to a state-of the-art library.
Original plans for the library included very traditional furniture and programming. Then, library director Felice Maciejewski attended a Council for Independent Colleges (CIC) workshop and learned the importance of flexible furniture.
"New goals included plenty of flexible furniture and collaboration spaces for students," says Maciejewski. "The building was already complete, so we tweaked the spaces and furniture to create collaborative opportunities."
The new Miriam B. and James J. Mulva Library is an intellectually, spiritually and personally challenging educational environment. The design exemplifies new paradigms in libraries as learning spaces. It is interactive and collaborative, and promotes group gathering and knowledge sharing. Each space within the library encourages creative thinking.
Tennity is vice president, design & development for KI, Green Bay, Wis. For a virtual tour of the Mulva Library, visit http://ki.com/vr/mulva. mike.tennity@ki.com.
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