Library Construction and Renovation: It's About More Than Space

Library Construction &

Renovation: It’s About More

Than Space

TLA 2015

Laura Baker

Abilene Christian University

• Comprehensive

Masters I

classification

• 5,000 student

FTE; mostly

residential

• One campus

library

Phased Construction

Phase 1

2004-2006 Learning Commons

Graduate Research Room

Phase 2

2010-2011 Learning Studio (AV creation)

2013 Maker Lab

Phase 3

2014 Compact Shelving

Ask the User

User survey and focus

groups

Goal: A space supportive of how

people really work

• Technology enabled spaces

• Pod design to facilitate group use

Phase 1

Inspiring work

environment

Graduate

Research

Room

2006-

2007

Deep quiet

zones for

serious study

Attractive

furniture

Technology

friendly

Flexible Space:

Moveable furniture

Reconfigurable

Proactive Service Model

Old research desk New research desk

Learning

Studio

2010-11

Audio/Video

creation

Maker

Lab

2012-13

Prototyping

Fabricating

Specialized

tech:

AV editing lab

Podcasting

studio

Group rooms

Tech embedded

in furniture

Design confusion:

Quiet rooms mixed

with social space

booths

What is this

space for?

Books to

Compact

Shelving

2014

Concentration

zone

Mixed reviews

Lessons Learned

• Have a clearly articulated master plan.

• Consistency

• Adherence to vision

• Priorities for spending money

• Behaviors drive the plan, not the other way

around.

Lessons Learned

• It’s about more than space.

• Renovation Learning

• Transform learning by transforming relationships

• It’s worth it.

Contact Information

www.flickr.com/photos/aculibrary/sets/

Laura Baker

Librarian for Digital Research and Learning

[email protected]