And The Results Are In!
Framing the Future
The University Libraries hosted "Framing the Future" this Spring to gather valuable feedback from students on the future of the libraries. The event aimed to explore how the Libraries can help students achieve academic success at UAlbany.
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Space to Relax, Connect with Friends and Get Creative
Students expressed interest in cozy café spaces, inviting outdoor spaces, and makerspaces/media labs.
Over half of the students indicated they would definitely use these features.
1st Place
OverallCozy Café
2nd Place
OverallOutdoor Seating
"3rd floor outdoor patio, hunt library, north carolina state university" by david silver is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0.
3rd Place
OverallTechnology Loans
Laptops Anytime. Texas A&M University-Commerce Marketing Communications Photography, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
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Students studying in the library's Compass Cafè at Smith College, as seen in the 'The New Neilson - Student Tour' video by Smith College.
Your Study Room Wish List
Here's what students said they would love to see in library study rooms:
Comfortable Seating
Everyone wanted comfortable seating for those long study sessions.Whiteboard or Chalkboard Wall
Over two-thirds would like a designated space for brainstorming and collaboration.Smartboard or Interactive Display
Having an interactive display would enhance presentations and group projects.Soundproofing for Quiet Studying
Students value a quiet environment for focused studying.Plenty of Power Outlets
Students need convenient access to power outlets for their devices.Large Monitor or Screen for Collaboration
A large screen would be great for group projects and presentations.Charging Stations for Devices
Dedicated charging stations would ensure devices stay powered up.Adjustable Lighting (Dim to Bright)
Adjustable lighting would allow students to create the perfect ambiance for studying.Noise-Canceling Headphones Available
Having noise-canceling headphones available would be helpful for focused studying.More study rooms would be nice.
Study Room 3214, James B. Hunt Jr. Library, North Carolina State University Libraries, designed for collaborative work. The room features whiteboard walls for brainstorming and ideation, a large monitor for sharing digital content and facilitating group discussions, and SAYL chairs for comfortable seating. Inspired suspension bridge architecture and 90% recyclable, SAYL chairs offer a movement friendly design that provides targeted support and flexibility for long study sessions. Photograph by NCSU Libraries.
Group study pod at Grand Valley State University Library, designed for collaborative work and discussions. Located in the Digital Creator Lab. Features include sound-dampening panels, comfortable seating, space for two, and natural light. Photograph by GVSU University Libraries.
Individual study pod at Grand Valley State University Libraries, perfect for quiet, focused study sessions. Equipped with comfortable seating, outlets, a personal workspace, and glass walls for an open feel while maintaining privacy. Photography by GVSU University Libraries.
Upper: Neilson Library Digital Media Hub at Smith College Libraries. Photograph by Smith College Libraries.
Lower: Creative Studio, Concordia University Library. Photograph by Ryan Clow, 2023. Used with permission.
Creative and Makerspace Studios
These are the types of projects our students want to work on in the library's creative studios:
Game Design
3D Modeling / VR
Photography
Music Production
Video Creation
More LEGOs
With a total of 112 votes, here are the top suggestions for the LEGO Creation Station:
- LEGO building guides, challenges and contests
- A wide variety of LEGO colors and pieces
- Group building activities
- Hand sanitizer
More Wayfinding Kiosks
Touchscreen directory is super easy or straightforward to use
This is really nice. I don't think it should replace the wall directories though. I noticed they [wall directories in stairwells] are out of date, it would be great to update those and have the kiosks available too.
More Room Booking Tablets
Very likely to use for reservations
New Furniture Options from the Chair Fair
The favorite offering at the event was the Chair Fair!
Here's what our students liked best:
Plex Lounge Modular
1st Place
OverallGood back support, comfortable, and aesthetically pleasing
Sprawling friendly for neurodivergent folks :D
About A Chair by HAY
2nd Place
OverallLooks modern, is comfortable, and suits a university library.
I prefer the slight cushion and ability to cross legs.
Steelcase Lounger
3rd Place
OverallComfortable, sturdy, movable, can sit for hours.
The softness but still firm has a little table to put stuff on.
Students study in the light-filled, quiet reading room at the Hunt Library at NCSU. The space features natural and controllable lighting, large reading tables and comfortable seating, including the iconic Wing Chair designed by Hans Wegner in 1960.
Hunt Library, NC State Univ. by Payton Chung is licensed under CC BY 2.0.
K. Lounge High Back Modular Seating
Very soft with ample space. They have backs and look pretty. No more old looking chairs!!
About A Stool by HAY and Bar-Style Tables
Comfortable, style, nice colors.
k. Lounges
1st Place
Brochure Chairs CategoryWhat is it?
Versatile, modular soft-seating that adapts to your needs, whether you're seeking a cozy refuge for focused work or a collaborative space for group projects.
Coact Lounges
2nd Place
Brochure Chairs CategoryWhat is it?
Modular, collaborative seating that offers a range of private and social settings, ideal for focused individual work and for lively group discussions.
About A Task Chair
3rd Place
New Vendor Chairs CategoryWhat is it?
Rolling task chair has a comfortable, adjustable design with functional features to support your productivity.
One Has Got To Go
Tablet Table Chair-Brown
Steelcase Kart Task Chair
Bernhardt Stacking Chair
Danko Bodyform Chair
1.76%
Total Votes
We are grateful for your continued feedback as we continue to improve upon and update our services, resources, and spaces to support student success.
Thank you!
Have ideas for the libraries?
We are always eager to hear from you.