The document summarizes the phased construction and renovation of the library at Abilene Christian University from 2004-2014. It discusses conducting user surveys to understand student needs and implementing three phases of construction including a learning commons, learning studio, and maker lab. Each phase aimed to create technology-enabled, flexible spaces that supported collaborative and individual work. The renovation process highlighted lessons about having a clear plan, consistency in vision, prioritizing spending, and allowing user behaviors to drive the design rather than the other way around. The overall goal was to transform learning by transforming the library space and user relationships.

1. Library Construction &
Renovation: It’s About More
Than Space
TLA 2015
Laura Baker

2. Abilene Christian University
• Comprehensive
Masters I
classification
• 5,000 student
FTE; mostly
residential
• One campus
library

3. Phased Construction
Phase 1
 2004-2006 Learning Commons
Graduate Research Room
Phase 2
 2010-2011 Learning Studio (AV creation)
 2013 Maker Lab
Phase 3
 2014 Compact Shelving

5. Ask the User
User survey and focus
groups
Goal: A space supportive of how
people really work

6. • Technology enabled spaces
• Pod design to facilitate group use
Phase 1

7. Inspiring work
environment

8. Graduate
Research
Room
2006-
2007
Deep quiet
zones for
serious study
Attractive
furniture
Technology
friendly

9. Flexible Space:
Moveable furniture
Reconfigurable

10. Proactive Service Model
Old research desk New research desk

11. Learning
Studio
2010-11
Audio/Video
creation
Maker
Lab
2012-13
Prototyping
Fabricating

12. Specialized
tech:
AV editing lab
Podcasting
studio

13. Group rooms
Tech embedded
in furniture

14. Design confusion:
Quiet rooms mixed
with social space
booths
What is this
space for?

16. Books to
Compact
Shelving
2014
Concentration
zone
Mixed reviews

17. Lessons Learned
• Have a clearly articulated master plan.
• Consistency
• Adherence to vision
• Priorities for spending money
• Behaviors drive the plan, not the other way
around.

18. Lessons Learned
• It’s about more than space.
• Renovation Learning
• Transform learning by transforming relationships
• It’s worth it.

19. Contact Information
www.flickr.com/photos/aculibrary/sets/
Laura Baker
Librarian for Digital Research and Learning
laura.baker@acu.edu