Computer lab / classroom

A computer lab designed for technology instruction features support for digital and analog content presentation, plenty of worksurface for printed materials and comfortable ergonomic seating.

The Train table routes power and data, supports ergonomic tools such as monitor arms and provides users with a generous worksurface.

Use the eno interactive whiteboard to display digital content, annotate it on the board, save notes and instantly send content to the class.

Monitor arm provides precise height adjustment and viewing distance, thus reducing eye strain and facilitating more comfortable posture. It also frees up space on the worksurface.

library: beyond books.

what we observed

The library remains a popular location with students.

Group learning activities, including project work, are finding their way to the library.

Libraries can become the social, collaborative hub of the campus and still maintain their role as a place for intense study.

The central role of computer hardware and software has resulted in a demand for more library computer labs.

Anywhere/anytime information access has lessened the need to reference books, so book stacks are being reduced and moved to less prominent locations.

Librarian roles are changing: they’re instructors, technology advisors, research assistants and collaborators with students and faculty.

The library evolves.

The library is the academic soul of a campus, yet its role is changing dramatically. Students can put their hands on information from virtually anywhere, so housing books is no longer a library’s main purpose. However, it remains the one place on campus where traditional and new knowledge resources, the latest

information technology and skilled instructors as well as fellow students converge in an ongoing process of learning, teaching and research. To better understand the trends, Steelcase Education

Solutions initiated a major study of libraries at 13 public and private colleges and universities across the U.S. The research revealed that the library is becoming a key location outside the classroom

where the constructivist pedagogy plays out as students learn to analyze information and create new

information, often working in a group. This change represents a great shift for the library from a reading

and storage site to a center of interactive learning.

“Colleges and universities have tried different approaches to meet the new demands placed on the library, often creating space adjacencies that hinder rather than help the learning process,” notes

Elise Valoe, principal researcher with Steelcase.

For example, growing computer use led many libraries to install computer stations into any available space. However, people disliked having their backs to walkways and screens open for anyone to view.

Group work areas in libraries are often located near individual spaces for quiet study. This frustrates quiet-seeking students working alone, while student teams can’t find the right space and tools for effective collaboration. A better approach might include providing dedicated spaces for both individual and team work in a range of settings spread throughout the library, progressing from free-ranging team spaces to private study spaces.

Our research showed that students tend to work in the library in groups in the evenings (outside of class and work time) and individually or with one other person during mornings and afternoons. Spaces that work for solo work early in the day have to be flexible enough for teams later on.

When books were precious, library space was designed for readers and scholars. As printed books became commonplace, collections grew and the library became synonymous with books: an information storehouse. Today, information is digital and the library is a site for teaching, mentoring and collaborative learning, and librarians are active instructors. Students work together on team projects. The library has evolved into a place for all these important social activities.

why students still love libraries

In an age of tablet computers and wi-fi, it may be surprising that today’s technology-loving students still love libraries. Steelcase research shows that students love the library because it offers much to the engaged learner:

• a convenient spot between classes

• a place to socialize with others

and to be motivated by them

• a site to collaborate on group work

• a space close to many resources

• collections that are on reserve

• the place for computing software,

copying, printing scanning

• a great atmosphere

what we heard.

“We have to look at our information in the library and rethink the ways we provide it to people.” librarian

“It’s really hard to focus when you’re in an enormous room that has noise going all over the place and you’re trying to read things off of a screen. Our library has a ‘state-of-the-art computer area,’ but the entire floor is open. Everyone who’s walking to the other end of the library has to come through.” student

tips for a new library ecosystem.

Most existing college libraries were designed and built for finding books and checking them out. As today’s library transcends that limited role, three zones have emerged, each with different types of activity. Across these zones, new library spaces must support student collaboration and group work; private study space; computing equipment; access to reserved material; content-creation tools; and support for the varied roles of the new librarian, from content expert to IT service provider and collaborator with students and faculty.

Whether in a new space or a renovation, adjacencies are crucial, including planning for technology use in

practically every setting, from team collaborative spaces to social zones to individual study spaces. Visual

and acoustical privacy require careful planning.

collaborative ZO NE

Design this zone to support active learning, with tools for sharing analog and digital content.

Support cocreation of content on computer screens, in print materials, on whiteboards and in other analog material.

Provide tools to capture and distribute analog and digital notes, information, and ideas.

Support the librarian’s expanded role.

social ZO NE

Accommodate group work and the expansion of teams over time.

Build welcoming reception areas, visual displays and clear paths to library services to help students understand and use the library.

Provide tools to share both digital and analog resources.

Provide appropriate worksurfaces for lounge settings.

focus ed ZO NE

Provide for individual comfort, concentration and security.

Provide ample worksurface space with easy access to power.

Consider visual and acoustical privacy for individual work.

Provide for temporary ownership of space.