Designing Libraries for the 21st Century

The 21st century has seen a transformational shift in the design of college and research libraries, one focused more on user experience and engagement than on collections. Dramatic changes in library design have been driven by changes in the core functions of universities and colleges: the reliance on digital tools and content, integration of technologies into pedagogy and research, and emphasis on the active and social aspects of learning, inclusion, and community engagement. Planning for these vibrant spaces needs to incorporate new program and staffing strategies, robust technical infrastructure, human-centered design, and flexibility to enable ongoing change. Designing Libraries for the 21st Century explores these trends and identifies promising strategies for new or renovated library space. The book features an impressive array of authors drawn largely from the conference of the same name, providing guidance, principles, and a wealth of creative ideas for spaces, technology, programs, and partnerships. Twenty-nine chapters packed with full color images and illustrations explore these themes: 21st-Century Academic Libraries in an Evolving Environment Aligning with the Institutional Vision Working with Architects, Designers, and Planners Key Issues in Planning Collaborations and Convergence Leadership, Organizational Change, and New Staff Roles Programming for Research, Learning, and Community Looking Ahead Often major building projects focus primarily on the physical facility, but this volume makes the case for designing libraries in a much more holistic fashion. Today all types of libraries are engaged in reimagining their roles and the spatial design through which this new vision will be realized. Both inspirational and practical, Designing Libraries for the 21st Century is a must read for librarians, architects, planners, academic leaders, and anyone interested in the future of libraries. This book is also available as an open access edition at (https://bit.ly/DesigningLibraries) https://bit.ly/DesigningLibraries Contents 6 Introduction 10 Section I. 21st Century Academic Libraries 16 CH1. Permeable Thinking and Design 18 CH2. Library as Platform 32 CH3. Library as Laboratory 44 CH4. 21st-Century Libraries for Students 56 CH5. “A Positive Disruption within the Urban Fabric” 72 Section II. Aligning with the Institutional Vision 70 CH6. The University of Arizona Student Success District 90 CH7. Vision, Advocacy, Narrative, Outreach 104 CH8. Translations 122 Section III. Working with Architects, Designers, and Planners 120 CH9. Its a Team Effort 132 CH10. The Role of the Librarian on the Project Team 144 CH11. The Designer’s Lens 160 CH12. From Collections to Connections 176 Section IV. Key Issues in Planning 174 CH13. Technology and Interactive Experiences 192 CH14. Service Innovation from Outside In and Inside Out 208 CH15. Design Inclusive Spaces with Accessibility and Universal Design 224 CH16. Cocreating the Commons 240 Section V. Collaborations and Convergence 238 CH17. A Renovation Solidifies a Partnership 256 CH18. The Convergence of Knowledge and Culture 268 CH 19. Effecting Transformational Change Leads to Transformational Spaces 284 Section VI. Leadership, Organizational Change, and New Staff Roles 282 CH20. It’s Not a Space, It’s a Philosophy 298 CH21. Reimagining the Library Workforce 310 Section VII. Programming for Research, Learning, and Community 322 CH22. Foregrounding Users in Humanities-centric Labs 324 CH23. On the Edge 338 CH24. Reimagining Special Collections 352 CH25. Supporting the Research Experience 368 CH26. An Academic “Ecotone” 382 CH27. Serving the Broad Needs of Community 398 CH28. A 21st-Century Program for the Library 414 Section VIII. Looking Ahead 426 Appendix A. Interview with Tom Hickerson 432 Appendix B. Saluting Joan K. Lippincott 442 Appendix C. Remembering Susan K. Nutter 448 Biographies 454 Explores trends and identifies promising strategies for new or renovated library space. The book features an impressive array of authors who provide guidance, principles, and a wealth of creative ideas for spaces, technology, programs, and partnerships.