12 Major Trends in Library Design
By Thomas Sens, AIA, LEED AP -- Building Design & Construction, 12/1/2009 12:00:00 AM
Many academic planners assumed that the coming of the Internet would lead to the decline of the library as we know it. To the contrary, many academic libraries have experienced significantly increased patron use in recent years.
One reason for this phenomenon is that today's college students have heightened expectations and demands for academic libraries based on new approaches to learning. While the Internet can provide 24/7 access to information, it can also isolate learners. In contrast, the new academic library model provides a forum for students to collaborate, enjoy fellowship, engage in healthy debate, create and challenge ideas, and experience learning and discovery in a multitude of meaningful ways. The following 12 trends define how the library has evolved to maintain its essential position within the academic landscape.
1 Envision the library as place.
As Geoffrey Freeman noted in The Library as Place: Rethinking Roles, Rethinking Space, academic libraries are no longer simply a location to collect and organize print resources. They have become an integral part of a university's learning culture and academics.
Today's libraries serve four key functions, in addition to their traditional role of housing printed materials.
First, they are a locus for collaboration. As pedagogy shifts and learning becomes more team oriented and less individualistic, there is a new demand for collaboration space for students. Having a place to come together is critical to student success and the full utilization of the library as a learning space. Spaces where students can openly discuss and debate without having to keep their voices down are the new norm.
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We found good ideas for public libraries as well. Good article, useful for sharing with stakeholders.
Karen Ganske - 2010-4-3 10:29:38 MST -
Very helpful for academic facilities planners to hear this from one of their own. I especially like your point about not starting with square footage - but focus on what the zones are and how services will be offered - and go from there.
stevenb - 2010-28-2 07:54:20 MST -
This is very nice article I like that it will support how to build the modern library. Not only consturction of academic library is discucssed but also provide the technology, funding and as well as service are elebroated.
Muhammad Yousuf Ali
Asstt. Librarian
DA Model High School Phase VII
Karachi, Pakistan
Muhammad Yousuf Ali - 2010-23-1 03:05:06 MST
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