Posts Tagged ACADEMIC LIBRARY
Visualizing the Library of the Future
Posted by acohen in Library Planning Research, Space Planning, work in progress on April 17th, 2013
NC State developed a wonderful video for their new library project. The video shows all of the different programmatic components required for a modern academic library including socializing, preservation and late night study.
Librarians can develop a proactive position when facing the future. Review this video to reflect and visualize the types of interactions and technology that can be in a library.
In a world of homogenized choices, the library can be the space where your community can feel truly fulfilled in their quest for knowledge, enlightenment, entertainment and connection to others.
Collaboration Software and Space for Libraries
Posted by acohen in Library Planning Research on November 10th, 2011
There are two types of collaboration software that is changing the ways students use the library. One product is from Media Scape System and the Tidebreak application. 
steelcase collaboration space
A New Academic Library – House of Knowledge
Posted by acohen in Library Planning Research on July 9th, 2011
HOUSE OF KNOWLEDGE
KAUST Library
Created as the focal point on the new campus, the KAUST library crystallizes the architectural and functional ambitions of a new university. It is a contemporary global center for scientific thinking that is rooted in local culture with a senses of historic “place.” Our planning of the library space de-emphasized the building as a repository of books while emphasizing the social dimensions of learning and the access to knowledge through technology. The library respects Arabic culture, retelling the story of the House of Knowledge. Indeed, this is a symbol of educational leadership; with the value of learning at its heart.
In our view, the House of Knowledge is a place of gathering; a metaphorical heart for learning. This university created library serves to function as a learning center, providing informal settings for scientists to share thoughts and ideas. Our program included group study areas and informal lounges that were located throughout the library’s spaces; a café is integrated at the entry, blurring the boundary of formal and informal knowledge sharing.
This library was an innovative architectural project by HOK architects. They developed an innovative light-filtering and translucent, stone shroud that complemented the interior layout. Their expert and professional services gave the library its architectural character. For example, the shroud drapes the north and south façades while leaving the east and west facades open. This provides grand views of the Red Sea to the west and transparency toward the campus to the east.
We hope you will visit this example of a great academic library and let us know how you enjoyed – the house of knowledge.
Future Thinking: Academic Libraries
Posted by acohen in Library Planning Research, Space Planning, work in progress on May 28th, 2011
Additional research on the subject of academic libraries – Futures Thinking for Academic Librarians: Higher Education in 2025
library learning spaces
KAUST LIBRARY OPENS
Posted by acohen in Library Planning Research, Space Planning on September 29th, 2009
Last week, the KAUST (King Abdullah University of Science and Technology) academic library opened for the first time in Saudi Arabia. The academic library illustrates that the “library as place” is as important as ever to the incubation of student success.
During an inaugural tour of the campus, new students told me that the value of having a central 24 hour research space on campus is important to get work done. They told me that the physical components such as flexible space, collaborative workrooms, high tech work areas, copy center, cafe and periodical area for meetings are components that the students need for scholarly research and intensive study.
We have to be mindful that the library is the only flexible research space designed as such on campus. Students use it to create their own working environments regardless of the information format.
We need to tell the critics that the library is changing into a new form and that the ‘library as place’ has taken its place. KAUST is a great example of the 21st century’s latest library design.