Twelve Keys to Library Design: Improving the Academic Experience

The academic library has evolved into 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. Good design supports these activities. The following 12 keys to designing an academic library will deliver great experiences for its patrons and ensure the library's central role in academic life.

1. CREATE A SENSE OF PLACE
   Today's libraries serve multiple roles on college campuses. Each comes with its own design opportunities: first, design spaces that promote group study and collaboration, which is critical to student success, then provide individual, quiet, contemplative spaces that blend the formal and informal to suit the divergent learning styles of each individual. Finally, consider specialty spaces including cafés, lounges, and meeting places for student activities.
2. INVITE STUDENTS TO THE TABLE
   Capturing the student perspective is critical in planning a successful library. Encourage students to participate in town hall–style meetings, focus groups, and advisory councils, or engage a student representative to join the planning committee in order to grasp fully student needs and expectations and what they would like to experience as end users. Bring into the discussion other end user groups such as faculty, library staff, and IT personnel who can share their perspectives for a fuller understanding of how the library is to be designed.
3. DESIGN FOR COLLABORATION
   Collaboration has changed nearly every facet of pedagogy and therefore every aspect of design. Students are encouraged to discover and share knowledge with other students while professors assist in this collaborative discovery process. The pedagogical paradigm has shifted from a “sage on the stage” to a “guide on the side.” This new approach to learning and teaching requires spaces that promote group interaction and discussion. Consider breakout areas, group study rooms, and videoconferencing spots, to allow for the healthy cross-fertilization of ideas.
4. INFUSE LIBRARY SPACES WITH TECHNOLOGY
   Every space in a library should be informed by technology, with a baseline level that includes wireless Internet and access to public computers equipped with library research software programs and printing capabilities. Additionally, there should be presentation practice rooms equipped with projection systems, distance learning classrooms with videoconferencing, lockers with built-in outlets to charge personal devices, virtual visualization environments, electronic communication rooms that enable users to collaborate with other institutions via electronic flip charts, and advanced computing labs.
5. PLAN FOR CHANGE
   When designing a library today, keep a close eye on the future. The best way to plan for the future is to maximize flexibility in your space and building systems. Design solutions include movable furniture and temporary wall partitions to serve the long-term function of space and the immediate need for a variable work environment. Consider the design of lighting, power, and HVAC systems to accommodate adaptability to ensure a smoother transition as spaces become repurposed.
6. ATTRACT & RETAIN
   Today's incoming students (and their parents) are critical customers with high expectations for the colleges they consider. The library becomes a successful recruiting tool when students see a place where they will be able to study, learn, socialize, challenge, and grow. There are opportunities throughout a library for graphics and environmental branding to convey the university's educational vision and mission.
7. CONSIDER CIRCULATION ZONES AS INTEGRAL PLACES
   Planning a library should include a holistic look at every space. Some of the most successful and well-used areas can grow from “spaces between the spaces.” For example, a corridor can become a gallery when lined with a rotation of student art, or it can be widened to provide seating for student gatherings. An unused wall surface can become a message board. Converting unused areas into spaces that encourage interaction bring the environment to life.
8. MAKE YOUR LIBRARY A HOME TO NEW SERVICES
   Libraries are becoming a hub for specialty uses. Services that once were scattered across campus can be relocated to the library for maximum accessibility by students and encourage greater use of the library. Some examples are tutoring and writing centers, group study rooms, presentation rooms, seminar rooms and classrooms, distance learning rooms, cafés and light dining venues, student and faculty lounges, radio stations or podcast facilities, and art galleries.
9. INTEGRATE A COMMONS CONCEPT INTO YOUR LIBRARY
   The commons has become the “heart and soul” of many libraries. Also referred to as an information, learning, or e-commons, it is a partnership of computer technology services and library research resources. Collaboration is encouraged, and students can talk freely. Food and drink are allowed, and cafés and vending machines are often provided. The commons serves the way today's student uses the library, often 24/7, and is a central location for students to exchange ideas and work with various technologies.
10. PROGRAM YOUR LIBRARY ACCORDING TO ITS FUNCTIONS
    Confirm the space required for the book collection. The trend toward decreased print media means less emphasis on this program element in many libraries. Remember that the first floor is prime real estate and should house public functions. Upper floors work better for quieter elements while basement space is ideal for archives and stacks and may be capable of supporting the heavy loads of compact shelving. Pay particular attention to workflow, materials flow, and the detailed needs of library technical staff. Finally, consider the type of security needed for spaces open 24/7.
11. INCORPORATE SUSTAINABLE ELEMENTS
    Designing with sustainability in mind has many benefits. End users are more productive and perform better in spaces with sustainable characteristics, students and faculty suffer from fewer illnesses, and the overall life cycle costs of the building are decreased by using efficient systems and products. Embrace how green techniques can visually impact the library. Students are drawn to green buildings and colleges that actively take an interest in issues that are important to them and their future.
    Major areas where sustainability impacts design include:
    • Materials: recycled, renewable, and sustainable materials are one of the most pervasive, effective, available, and affordable aspects of design. Don't be afraid to let users know what the materials are and where they come from.
    • Energy: consider the source of power for the library and how power will be used. While there are options to generating solar or wind power on site, simply addressing how to be more efficient, i.e., using compact fluorescent bulbs (CFLs) or LEDs instead of incandescent lightbulbs, can significantly lessen the power needed to sustain the library.
    • Water: collect rainwater on site and use it in a grey water system for maintaining the landscape or appropriate plumbing.
    • HVAC: design the building to allow for natural ventilation, if possible, and efficient air circulation. Operable windows and ventilation will provide fresh air and a connection to the outdoors.
    • Light: having natural light throughout a library space reduces total power consumption. Many studies have shown that students perform better when near a window rather than in an enclosed room with artificial light.
12. DRAW ON UNIQUE FUNDING SOURCES
    Funding for libraries is challenging because they are interdepartmental and therefore cannot obtain support via study-related grants. Creative library planning requires effectively stretching construction dollars. Bring revenue-generating tenants into the library, such as cafés or retail spaces like bookstores. Creating specialty spaces is a way to draw upon varied funding sources from other departments. Consider providing potential donors with opportunities for named spaces, which can provide much needed funding.