Time recently published an article on the future of libraries, describing them as more tech centers and maker spaces than repositories of books and print journals. We certainly see our own Langsdale providing more digital content (whether it be in the form of e-books, journal articles or digitized archival materials) and making more space for gaming labs, collaborative learning and multimedia production. Students increasingly demand more and varied group learning spaces, with software and equipment to produce their own new content.
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| Hunt Library |
A recent example of such a 21st century academic library design is the new James B. Hunt Jr. Library at North Carolina State University. The Hunt library has won numerous accolades, including the prestigious American Institute of Architects/American Library Association Award and one of Complex Media’s Art & Design 25 coolest college libraries. NCSU for years has been a leader in academic library technology and innovation, and its new signature library demonstrates that commitment to innovation and design.
Langsdale will be moving into the former Law Center in June 2014 in order to undergo a major renovation in 2014-2015. We would love to hear your thoughts as to user needs in the 21st century library. Please send us your comments.