The new East Campus Library of James Madison University is designed with student needs in mind. The library houses the science, technology, and health sciences collections. There are multiple unique spaces throughout the library with names like "treehouse," "nook," and "commons." The library also contains a coffee bar and a floor dedicated to faculty services. This additional space doubles the amount of library study seats available to students. The library won a Merit Award in 2008 for architectural excellence from the American Institute of Architects.
The main goal of the East Campus Library is to be more user friendly. The library is built around the "learning commons" philosophy, emphasizing the exchange of ideas in a open format. The library is designed with plenty of open spaces and places for collaboration. There is a secure section of the library open 24 hours a day that contains study spaces and a computer lab. The library is furnished with movable furnature, whiteboards and wall-mounted monitors to encourage group work.
When my cohort got a tour of the new facility back in August 2008 we were all quite impressed. The lobby contains one unified service desk and, gasp, no books to be seen! It took a while walking around to actually see any books--they almost feel like an afterthought. I was impressed with the movable (and comfy) furniture for the students and the large windows that let in lots of light and showed off great views of the surrounding mountains. I really liked the amount of study rooms they had and that they came with whiteboards and monitors. I must admit though, it seemed a bit impersonal with all of the muted colors and vast open spaces. I liked that the library administration took such care in listening to what the students wanted, but I also believe that if I was a freshman going to the library for the first time I'd still be intimidated, just as I was when I first stepped into my dark, old school library in college. But maybe that feeling can't be helped, I don't know. Overall I'm quite impressed with the steps the library personell took to be more relevant and user friendly to their students.
