Lightning Talks + Think & Do Experiential Learning Session

During the Think & Do Experiential Learning Session, attendees will engage with NC State University Libraries staff and student workers, as well as NC State faculty, to explore the wide range of hands-on, skill-building opportunities the Libraries offers its users, from gaming and esports, to citizen science, to AI, to ar/vr, to special collections.

Moderator

Sandra Varry, Head of Special Collections Research Center, NC State University

Lightning Talks Session A (1pm—1:50pm)

Architectural Design for Sensory Impact: Bobst Library Renovations

Lisa Gayhart - Director, User Experience at New York University Libraries

The first floor of NYU's flagship library was renovated in fall 2023. The space designs were informed by extensive student input, which highlighted belonging, sensory impact, and wayfinding as key blockers in using the first floor. This talk will discuss how we mitigated sensory impact throughout the renovation and address if the renovation appropriately addressed student's needs regarding the sensory impact after the project was completed.

A Future for Print in Academic Library Space Planning

Lorrie McAllister — Dean, University Library, Hofstra University

It is a well-known anecdote that visitors to newly-renovated libraries are likely to ask, “where are the books?” As academic libraries seek to meet the evolving needs of the communities that use their spaces, print collections continue to serve as signifiers for the purpose and use of spaces, as well as tools for research, exploration, and recreation. While this may seem contrary to current planning and space use trends to downsize the footprint of open stacks in favor of student services, the presenters will provide context, reasoning, and results of several experiments in print collection engagement. Presenters argue that in libraries where space is at a premium, there is opportunity to bring an intentional design approach to including print collections in library spaces. In addition, presenters will place this work within the context of broader shared print efforts, including serials and monographs, to preserve the scholarly record. Practical ideas and lessons learned will be shared, along with many ideas that academic libraries can use in either revitalizing their book stacks and displays, or in preparing for library renovation projects. There is still a future for print collections in academic libraries!

Paddles, Currents, Waves, and Wayfinding: Designing a Circulation Counter and Reference Desk Respectful of Pacific Voyaging

Vicky Lebbin - University of Hawai'i at Mānoa Hamilton Library (Interim Associate University Librarian)

The Hawaiian and Pacific Collections at the University of Hawai'i at Mānoa Hamilton Library are the world's foremost research collections of current and retrospective materials pertaining to Hawaiʻi and the Pacific Island countries and territories within the cultural areas of Polynesia, Micronesia, and Melanesia. These internationally recognized collections not only facilitate scholarship of University of Hawaiʻi students and faculty but also research by local, national and international users. The collections maintain their own circulation counter (as material is housed in staff-only stacks) and a reference desk for in-person research assistance. These service areas are where users frequently first connect with the staff and collections. In considering a replacement for the rundown counter and desk, it was decided custom-made furniture might enable the collections to design spaces that better reflect regional indigenous knowledge systems, support modern workflows, and anticipate future user needs. This lightning talk will take you through the library’s journey with local furniture designers and the university’s community design center to create custom-made service points that contribute to transforming the library into a Hawaiian learning space.

The Library as a Sanctuary: Should Libraries be Designed for Mental Wellness?

Tiffany Russell - North Carolina A&T State University, Budget and Collections Administrator

In today's fast-paced, digitally driven world, mental wellness is more crucial than ever. Our library is not just a hub for knowledge; it’s evolving into a sanctuary—a place where mental health is prioritized and nurtured. We are embarking on an ambitious initiative to secure funding for sleep pods and ambient rooms equipped with soundscapes, white noise, and adaptive lighting. These spaces are designed to provide a deep sense of calm and rejuvenation, offering a retreat from the relentless demands of academic life.

This initiative builds on our existing prayer and meditation space, extending our commitment to mental wellness across the campus. In tandem with our university’s groundbreaking decision to incorporate wellness days—where the entire campus takes a collective pause from the rigors of work and study—our library aims to be a leading example of how institutions can actively support the well-being of their communities.

But we are not stopping at rest and relaxation. Imagine a library where natural light floods quiet zones, greenery breathes life into every corner, and dedicated spaces for mindfulness and meditation invite you to unplug and center yourself. In this chaotic digital age, the library can—and should—be a sanctuary, a place where students and faculty can find peace amidst the noise.

As we push the boundaries of what a library can be, we challenge the conventional view. Shouldn’t libraries be more than repositories of books? Shouldn’t they be designed to heal, to restore, to offer refuge from the relentless pace of modern life? This vision isn’t just aspirational—it’s necessary. By embracing this holistic approach, we can transform the library into a beacon of wellness, a place where the pursuit of knowledge goes hand in hand with the care of the soul. This is the future of libraries: sanctuaries for the mind, body, and spirit in an increasingly chaotic world.

Exploring XR Technologies in Academic Libraries to Support Education and Research

Michael Carter-Arlt - Immersive Technology Specialist, Toronto Metropolitan University Libraries

This presentation will explore how Extended Reality (XR) technology can enhance engagement with educational content within academic libraries and educational institutions. It will focus particularly on the efforts of the Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) Library—formerly Ryerson University—to support Scholarly, Research, and Creative (SRC) projects. Examples will be provided that highlight how XR technologies have been integrated into educational and research activities within academic libraries and will discuss emerging trends for the use of these technologies in academic settings. Additionally, the presentation will showcase examples of the TMU Library’s collaborations with the Aga Khan Museum to demonstrate the effectiveness of XR technologies in education.

The TMU Library has also recently introduced the Immersion Studio, a 360-degree Virtual Reality (VR) projection environment designed for shared and collaborative VR experiences. The presentation will provide concrete examples to illustrate the benefits of this technology for higher education and its applications in research. It will also explore the enhancements made to the VR projection environment to optimize user interactions, including the use of motion controls and haptic feedback. The presentation will conclude with a discussion on the challenges facing technology and education, such as accessibility, interoperability, and the digital divide, and how these issues have evolved over time and will continue to impact the future.

Lightning Talks Session B (2pm—2:50pm)

Paris Nanterre, France : Translating a Library’s Identity into its Spaces, Furnishings and Graphic Choices

Swiatek Cassafieres - University Librarian, Library Director

How do you convey the spirit and personality of a library in its buildings, spaces, facilities and reception areas? How do you express the spirit and philosophy of a service in a graphic charter? Libraries have personalities that distinguish and characterize them. In France, after ten years of modernization of its spaces and services, and following building renovations, the central library of the Université Paris Nanterre and its network have developed their own spirit, which is guided by the library's strategic orientations. This “spirit” of the University Library of Paris Nanterre is expressed in its spaces through the choice of atmospheres, the layout of document areas, reading rooms, work and training rooms, welcoming areas, furniture and equipment, including in professional areas. I would like to show you how this strategic approach to openings and welcoming publics has gone far in its communication: the spirit of the university library is reflected right down to the choices made for the graphic charter and palette and its new directional signage, which takes up the identity of the library building (central library with contemporary architecture label; specialized network libraries). It also has an impact on the way in which the public is welcomed, which is at the heart of the library teams' thinking.

What Happens When the Makerspace Closes: Learning Happens at All Intersections of the Library

Kaitlin Kehnemuyi - North Carolina State University, Associate Head of Access Services
Adebola Fabiku - North Carolina State University, Head of Access Services

When designing libraries, people often think of instructional or experiential spaces and how to ensure these spaces are designed well to maximize learning opportunities. However, learning happens in many places in the library. These spaces are often not considered ‘instructional spaces’, such as at the circulation or reference desk, print stations, or study rooms. When designing libraries it is important to consider these locations as they can affect if students are able or willing to engage with staff. It is also important to consider spaces outside of experiential learning spaces, as when these spaces close, students have to seek help at desks that are not equipped to handle this type of learning. These considerations often require looking at the small details of a location - visibility, sound considerations, a place to put a bag/laptop, accessibility, and a space to comfortably get help with the item they are experiencing and learning from. Learning happens at all intersections of the library, no longer is the help desk just a place to quickly get a question answered, it is a place where learning happens and needs to be considered when designing experiential learning spaces.

Introducing User-Driven Noise Norms to an Architectural Challenge

Mandy Rizki - University of Virginia Library, Reference Librarian

This multi-modal study improved user satisfaction with an architecturally challenging library by embracing a ‘flipped norms’ model. UVA’s Science and Engineering Library shares space with faculty offices near the main entrance and service desk, necessitating quiet study on the first floor; two floors below contain stacks, staff offices, and study areas. Routine space assessment showed broad dissatisfaction with noise levels throughout the building.

Using interviews and written feedback from students and staff, we assigned noise norms to each study space – which didn’t previously exist in any campus library. Based on additional interviews and surveys, we elected to create a ‘flipped’ model, where noise levels are quietest at the entrance and louder as users move further into the building. Through collaboration with other Library departments over the summer, we rearranged furniture to better support this ‘flipped’ model. Currently, we’re gauging use of and response to these updates via observational assessments and interviews. We will have about two months of findings to share by the conference.

Designing Holistic Libraries: Making Space for Taking Breaks

Elan Sandler - Libraries Fellow Research Engagement - Learning Spaces & Services NC State University Libraries

In response to the challenges highlighted by the recent campus mental health crisis across our country, our Libraries joined together to develop new methods for supporting students holistically. Following this call to action, we began developing a dedicated break space within the James B. Hunt Jr. Library, named "The Landing".

In this space, students can relax on lounge furniture, engage with board games, puzzles, Legos, and other tactile materials, attend programming related to mental health, and connect with university counselors. Throughout the creation of The Landing, we collaborated with university counselors to ensure that the space is grounded in evidence-based practices. The objective of creating this new space was to establish a more destigmatized and accessible model of library-directed support for mental health on campus. By attending this session, participants will gain insight into how to effectively utilize limited space and resources to address student needs related to their overall well-being in real time.