The Designing Libraries XI conference took place at the NC State University’s James B. Hunt Library, from October 27 to October 29. The scope of this conference centered around the achievements, challenges, and trends associated with the allocation, design, and distribution of library spaces. Each session was presented by professionals from multiple disciplines, including architects, designers, library administrators, and librarians. We were pleased to have the opportunity to attend and to see the Hunt Library, which recently celebrated its 10th anniversary.

Highlights Included:

Designing for Inclusivity and Engagement: In this session, Jennifer Nichols, Associate Librarian and Director of CATalyst Studios at University of Arizona Libraries, and Marian Fragola, Director of Community Engagement at NC State University, discussed the development and implementation of the University of Arizona Libraries’ makerspace CATalyst Studios. Some interesting topics covered in this session included the application of a user-centered approach to designing library spaces, with an emphasis on universal design and design justice. The presenters touched upon methodologies to partner with library users to identify needs and aspirations, and to produce recommendations to develop and implement low-cost, high-impact initiatives in the area of space planning.

Designing for Interdisciplinary Research: Tom Hickerson, founder of the Designing Libraries Conference, moderated this session. The speakers, Julien Roche, Director of Libraries and Learning Center at University of Lille, and Dan Cohen, Vice Provost for Information Collaboration and Dean of the University Library at Northeastern University, discussed the need for libraries to develop an expand a range of collaborative, interdisciplinary services and activities in support of the research lifecycle. To this end, both presenters argued that library spaces should be categorized in three major areas: architectural, programmatic, and social. A very interesting concept explored in this session was the reframing of library spaces from a “backyard” perspective (inward view), to a “front-porch neighborhood” perspective (outward view); The difference between these approaches is that while the “backyard” perspective aims at designing welcoming library spaces to attract users, the “front-porch neighborhood” perspective aims at building spaces with other units on campus to create a truly collaborative environment.

Roche and Cohen also spoke about designing for interdisciplinary research and how collaborative research can serve as a point for concept and architectural planning. Some points each speaker made:

• Roche:
  • Integrating technology with the environment is key
  • Tactility of the library can ensure its relevance
  • Bridging the past with the future is important
  • Knowledge sharing hub is core—experience, event, access
• Cohen:
  • Northeastern’s library is important for intellectual and social life
  • Each floor is identified as a part of way finding
  • Removed 75% of the books and increased seating from 1200 to 3000 seats
  • Focus on community archives/research collaboration spaces

Community-Centered Design: A Current Framing: In this session, Patrick Deaton, Associate Director of Learning Spaces and Capital Management at NC State University, moderated a presentation with Karen Fairbanks, Architect and founding partner of Marble Fairbanks; and Greg Raschke, Senior Vice Provost and Director of Libraries at NC State University, about the evolution of “community-informed” library transformation to “community-centered” library design. The panelists discussed strategies for developing partnerships to design libraries that are fully integrated in the community they serve. The discussion addressed topics such as sustainable design, space configuration and repurposing, and the role of design and architecture in developing a sense of belonging and ownership in the community.

Libraries As Social Infrastructure: Community Building and Student Success: This session was moderated by Greg Raschke, Director of Libraries at NC State University, and featured Amber Shaverdi Huston, Executive of the National Association for Campus Activities and Educator Foundation; Gretchen Holy, Principal and Higher Education Interior Design Leader with the DLR Group; and Alex Valencia, Student Success Librarian at NC State University Libraries. These panelists discussed the role libraries play in providing a social infrastructure to the communities they serve through services, spaces, and programs from the perspectives of student services, architecture, and academic library administration.

Participants were also invited to speak with Gwen Emery, NC State’s Director of Libraries Environments, who selected all the furniture for the Hunt Library, where the conference was held. She curated over 200,000 sq. ft. with iconic furniture from the 20^th and 21^st centuries and also created CHAIRHUNT: The Chairs of the James B. Hunt Library, a book which serves as a scavenger hunt and catalog for all of the chairs.

The presentation slides are now available.