Developing Technologically Enhanced Learning Spaces for New Millennia Academic Libraries

Abstract

As a third place of community and learning, university academic libraries are shifting from quiet study spaces for reflection and inspiration to spaces of creation, technology and interdisciplinarity. Information technologies, media technologies and learning technologies are rapidly expanding in academic libraries. Spaces such as digital media centers, digitization and 3D printing labs, and technology-centric digital literacy labs are now regular features in university libraries. Makerspaces and research data visualization walls have also become more common. These new types of integrated social and technology enhanced spaces enable new forms of literacy (digital, algorithmic, information-based) and learning for wider communities. This research overviews larger considerations and conceptual ideas towards envisioning and creating these types of spaces in our new millennia. It utilizes material from early-stage and completed projects to discuss conceptual synthetic ideas for development. Challenges of possibilities for integrating existing traditional library spaces in an existing structure with new spaces of technology will be discussed. Innovative antecedent and recent models of current technology enhanced learning commons including Texas State University Libraries (2014-2020), the University of West Florida (2011, Skylab), University of Miami Information Commons (2006) and early-stage projects (Mississippi State University, 2023) are referenced to reflect on new technology/architectural possibilities. Challenges towards reconfiguring the 19th century classroom grid towards 21st century learning technology possibilities are reflected upon. Pragmatic realities and visionary necessities of creative re-envisioning space possibilities will be emphasized to better create technologically enhanced libraries suitable for the 21st century.

Keywords: academic libraries, architectural spaces, information technology, digital literacy, innovation.