Janette Blackburn and Joe Rondinelli discuss the changing roles and forms of libraries in the March 2010 issue of Building Design & Construction. In the article, they discuss how, as readers needs change and libraries accommodate more diverse uses, space, flexibility, and acoustical control play increasingly important roles.

The Evolving Library – Building Design & Construction

Tuscaloosa, AL – The University of Alabama today announced plans for an “extreme makeover”, implementing recommendations from Shepley Bulfinch’s recent library study to create a collaborative technology-rich learning environment for Gorgas Library. The redesign will integrate flexible seating, new lighting, and the creation of variety of individual and group learning spaces as part of the new Gorgas Library Learning Commons.

“We’re creating a communal space in a library where students and faculty come together to work, to do research, to get help from librarians, to get coffee…” said Gary Wasdin, assistant dean for the Library’s access and information services.

The library’s first floor, which is currently closed for renovation, is expected to ...[more]

In early November I attended the Educause 2009 conference in Denver and a series of discussions about technology and higher education. I left with three takeaways that warrant further reflection and discussion:

- What’s the relationship between the current higher education budgetary crisis and shifts in IT/ Library organizational structures and service philosophies?

- Seventy percent of scholarly research in the humanities is now being published digitally. In the transition from print to digital library collections, are academic libraries at a tipping point?

- What does the word “library” mean today? As library facilities expand to include programs for student life, student success, teaching excellence, and technology support, does the building type need ...[more]

CINCINNATI, OH – Xavier University was cited as a Cincinnati success story in an article published Friday in the Business Courier.

In the article Maribeth Amyot, Xavier’s Vice President for Financial Administration, discusses the financial challenges of undertaking major construction at particularly volatile economic time, and the press in surging student enrollment. This fall the school saw a 26 percent increase in the size of the freshman class.

Shepley Bulfinch is transforming Xavier’s campus with the completion of a series of new buildings that were proposed in a master plan prepared by the firm in 2006. The first phase, the new Hoff Academic Quad, is now under construction. It includes the ...[more]

ST PAUL, MN – Hamline University has selected Shepley Bulfinch as the architect of its new University Center, to be sited on a prominent corner of Hamline’s campus in St. Paul, Minnesota.

The 75,000-85,000 s.f. center will give the University a new welcoming face to the St. Paul community and a campus crossroads for Hamline, with its large commuter student population. It will include a campus ‘living room’, casual dining facilities, event space, a bookstore, and offices for student organizations.

Shepley Bulfinch will work with Hamline to create a sustainable building that will meet the equivalent of LEED Silver standards.

The project is planned for completion in late 2011.