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.
Your blog looks great! I too was impressed and a little intimidated by the East Campus Library when we visited in August 2008. I remember thinking that this library is definitely for a new generation of students and dramatically different than any library space I used in the past. I wasn't sure if I would fit in well there. The "treehouse" was certainly something new. I could see myself climbing into one of those spaces with a book though. As you noted, this space is very different from the sometimes dark and quite libraries crammed full with books in which I used to study. Actually, I liked those dark and quite libraries too. :)
ReplyDeleteThe "treehouse" sounds interesting! I like that some of this library is open 24 hours a day. Back in college I was a really late night studier so this would have been beneficial. I think my old university library just started staying open all night very recently. I also thought the whiteboards and movable furniture were great features. I think maybe you're right about that feeling of intimidation being unavoidable!
ReplyDeleteI love the title of your blog! Were you inspired by the Thomas Dolby song "She Blinded Me with Science?" (love that song :p ).
ReplyDeleteI actually visited the JMU campus and applied there when looking at colleges. I don't remember the library looking that nice back then. The space really does look very open.
Laura, I actually saw a flair from the Facebook application "Pieces of Flair" for the title. =P I imagine it's based off of that song. I thought it was cute.
ReplyDeleteJMU has two libraries. When I went there for 4 days for my cohort we were stuck in the old stodgy one. That one definitely looks like a standard library.
I actually can't stop but think, I want our LA cohort to do a large group tour of a library. We have done some but you're tour sounds cool and opens you to a new world. You're layout with the photos is great.
ReplyDeleteIt does look very airy, which I think is great. There's nothing worse than that stuffy and slightly claustraphobic feeling when you're trying to concentrate. Don't get me wrong...my dream is a bookstore with no customers, where all you smell is the leather and the pages (sigh)...that sounds so beautiful. But, study spaces that are well lit and provide tools (furniture, whiteboards, etc) are a great renovation.
ReplyDeleteIt's great that they offer a 24-hour section. I remember being kicked out numerous times because the library was closing - one nice advantage of doing everything online now, I can stay up as late as needed and still have access to what I need! I definitely would be in the 24-hour section!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful library. Love all of the glass. I wish I could see the "treehouse". I would want to snuggle up in there I think. I agree that as a freshman, not just the library, but every big building on campus is intimidating!
ReplyDeleteThe 24-hour section is a terrific idea. There is nothing worse than having to pack up everything and log off of your laptop when you are in the middle of completing an assignment!!
ReplyDeleteThis library is the complete opposite of Ohio State's Thompson library I wrote about, where the book stacks were not hidden off somewhere but were incorporated as a design statement.
This looks like a fantastic space. I really like the direction that library designs are taking recently. It is nice to see the focus being put on the user's comfort factor and the ability to incorporate new technology in a seamless manner.
ReplyDeleteI like the airy, spaciousness and that they are open 24 hours. It's great that they focused on user's needs.
ReplyDeleteI can understand why this building wins architectural awards - it looks beautiful. I'm a little puzzled, though, why a library would want to 'hide' its books. I would probably wander around a place like this a little confused if I came here to find a resource.
ReplyDeleteI am definitely one for the 24 hour library. I think there should be rooms available for rent for when you are on a major project, and just don't want to go home! Run to your room for a quick catnap when you just can't keep your eyes open anymore. There does seem to be a theme lately of "hiding" the books...I hope it is just a phase. I love the look of books, the smell and the feel. I hope it is not just my age speaking here!
ReplyDeleteI like seeing libraries modernize and not sticking to the traditional setting of libraries. Last year, we placed moveable whiteboards in our study areas and the students loved them. TAMUQ is now in the process of putting up digital signage (flat screen tvs) which will be nice.
ReplyDelete