This is an exciting time for academic libraries as they change the way they become relevant to student learning. By repurposing spaces to meet the needs of students, libraries are becoming a destination on campus. I recently presented a webinar with Mary Beth Lock of Wake Forest University Library and Mark Haubenschild of Patterson-Pope, summarizing my experience working with over 90 libraries.
To stay relevant, libraries are becoming the center for learning on campus. There are many names to describe this space, including learning commons, academic commons, or information commons. These spaces create a modern learning environment with key elements such as:
- State of the art technology
- Central service point
- Individual and collaborative learning environments
- 24/7 operations
- Faculty involvement
- Social spaces
Through DesignGroup’s work with Florida State University (FSU), FSU and Herman Miller embarked on a study that uncovered that students want the library to become the place to “see and be seen” on campus (www.hermanmiller.com/education). More importantly, students want a space that responds to their learning styles.
The learning retention pyramid shown above demonstrates the importance of collaboration amongst students as it increases the retention of information. The key to successful active learning is implementing a variety of flexible learning spaces. One of the keys in drawing the students back into the library is to make it inviting and comfortable. This includes creating individual study spaces with comfortable and flexible seating along with collaborative open seating spaces that can take the form of lounge seating around a coffee table. Additionally, the incorporation of a café and casual style seating creates a more comfortable learning environment, that when coupled with group study/quiet study spaces, give faculty the opportunity to meet students outside of class to further their learning experience.
To attract students to the campus library, DesignGroup provides private rooms in a variety of sizes for group and quiet study. While these rooms provide acoustic privacy, the transparent walls allow students to “see and be seen”. In addition to learning and studying with peers, a student’s learning experience is enhanced by the professional guidance they can receive from the library staff. In repurposing the library, consolidating service points and providing collaborative desks make the space much more customer friendly.
By providing a variety of resources for the use of technology, subject tutoring, studying, and overall academic advancement, students will visit frequently and view the library as a learning center on campus.
