WCC Library Learning Commons

Latest Draft Schematics

2008-06-17T14:20:00.004-10:00

The iterative process of reviewing & refining our vision and schematics continues. Take a look at the PDF file of the most recent draft.

An Article on Learning Commons

2008-06-10T10:11:00.004-10:00

The magazine Campus Technology published an article about Ohio State University Library's renovation project. The article describes the trend toward creating Learning Commons spaces in academic libraries.

The Library Morphs via kwout

From the Library User Survey

2008-05-01T15:21:00.003-10:00

Over 50 people gave suggestions for the new building when filling out our Library User Survey. Here's a sample:

More colors.
Coffee shop, and a relaxing area much like the lounge, so that if we are on this side of campus we can study in comfort. Very comfy chairs too. Maybe a small book store like the public libraries have, that way we can get books cheap for entertainment, also have the old books (text) in case someone wants them there.
ADA Access to all materials. Viewing Room. Testing Room. Check out area for computer and multimedia equipment. Xerox machines in multiple areas. Couches and comfortable chairs in magazine/newspaper area. Event kiosk.
Keep it open and brightly lit. Lots of open spaces for reading and reflection. Likewise, places to congregate for group work or discussion. Display art.
Lap tops, a cafe, comfy couches, and fast working computers.
A gender-neutral restroom.
Areas where students can study together but don’t necessarily have to be super quiet.
Many tables and chairs so students can do research or homework at the library.
Very cushiony (word?), comfortable, user-friendly chairs/mini-couches, with small tables, all scattered around various areas. This may seem like a small detail, but it will make all the difference in the world. People will only use the space for academic (and social) purposes if they are physically comfortable sitting there for long periods of time.
Magazine area with couches, attached cafe, wifi access, small group study rooms, AV rooms, large windows.
An information/reception desk covering all resources.
Create areas that encourage greater usage of library materials. For example, magazines shelved near the coffee shop.
A lounge area for using laptops and socializing & a coffee bar.
Quiet study areas for lone students.Small areas for group brainstorming/studying. More desks and couches to sit and read. Microfilm of old local newspaper articles. More information about Hawaii.
Lots of natural light. Helps keep you awake, makes studying easier.
A coffee shop like Borders where students can get something to drink in an enclosed area away from the books but inside the library. Food items that don't cost a lot but where the library can also get a percentage of what it brings in.
I would say more computers and more lounge areas to relax and read, as well as study areas. We need more room.
Wireless Internet for personal laptops; small rooms for group study that won't disturb others; computer stations with table space for notes/papers.
More computers and printers.
A cafe, a quiet area, a lounge area & a bigger magazine & DVD collection.
Please have a room for low AC. I think it's difficult to study if it's too cold for some students.
Partitioned soundproof conference/study/meeting rooms.
Add more space so things don't look cluttered. More independent cubicles. Laptops with internet connection available throughout the building.
An alcove for students to study, similar to KCC's library. They can have desks with electric plugs for students with laptops etc. They can also have wireless internet.
More seating for students and a couple lounge type areas for reading.
Separate sections where students can rehearse their speeches and PowerPoint slides for different classes. Kind of like a mini-lab.
An atrium in the center, similar to Akoakoa. A simple waterfall/fountain with benches/couches around it to sit and relax/read/study. Indoor plants/small trees here and there. Recycling containers for cans/bottles, paper? Whole campus needs that.
Media center like the audio Wong center in Sinclair library.
Make the library the central area/forum of activity on campus. Build it and they will come. Also conference rooms for students and the public to sign out to use.
If you include the student lounge it would be nice, and leave the SAC for people who want to make noise and have fun.
Networking, wireless service throughout the entire library, wireless print services, board rooms for study groups, a lot of board rooms as not all study groups are studying the same subjects, A/V and presentation equipment available to students (white boards, easel boards, projectors and screens, etc.) to prepare for power point presentations in the class rooms, more computers (laptops or notebooks with wireless connectivity), hardline network hubs for students with older laptops without wireless, UH bookstore in the library as the current bookstore has very limited hours, a refreshment center or at least more vending machines that have more substantial foods other than candy and chips, a microwave for frozen or refrigerated vending machine snacks such as hotpockets or sandwiches, etc., recycling center for paper, plastic bottles and cans, the money collected from recycled cans and bottles could be used for student body activities.
A coffee distributor to offer low-cost coffee drinks to poor, broke students & staff to stimulate while we educate. A Hawaiian Wing for only Native Hawaiian research materials/papers/studies/archives/media/magazines, a place to come for Hawaiian things.
A designated area to strictly study (quiet & comfortable) where its NOT so cold.
A worm farm to link with the media center. Then we can all recycle all that stuff you shred with all the stuff we shred and all the food stuffs from the Cafeteria!
Computer for editing video etc. I can't afford to purchase the software that I have been learning this semester. it would be nice to use the computer on campus until I really get the hang of using the software.
Media stations for watching VHS and DVD videos, and a convenient copier station. Wireless Internet (goes without saying). Classrooms for tutoring and small group instruction which are relatively soundproof (reservations required unless not in use). Small theater for film viewing and instruction.
Cubicles. Sometimes when I’m studying by myself it's hard for me to be on the other side of the library when individuals are watching a video or using the headphones for their music. If there were a separate cubicle area just for reading where the tables are on the other side of the library, it would be perfect because of the lighting. Maybe more updated materials. I just think it’s fine as it is but just more study space and walking space between tables. Aloha.
Wheelchair accessible bathrooms with a large stall to be able to move my wheelchair/scooter around. Electric door openers to get into building and bathroom. Bathroom sinks that I can move my wheelchair under and wash my hands that are not too high for me to reach. The toilet should be 18' to 20' high. Not 17 or 17 1/2. Doors should be able to open out or both ways. Sinks must be accessible so even scooters can have access to sinks. What escape plan in case of fire etc. for disabled people using second floor facilities especially if TRIO and services for the disabled will be located on the second floor.

"Make it hip, make it cool, make it inviting. "

2008-04-21T19:09:00.007-10:00

We've gotten more great suggestions for the new building:

It should be used as efficiently as possible. I see classrooms and other larger spaces in Hale Akoakoa usually empty! I hope that does not happen in the new library. Make room for any services that provide students with a reason to stay on campus rather then going to starbucks or borders. Also make space available to the TRIO program to make sure that students with 4 year college prospects are encouraged and provided the special attention they require, such as tutoring services and counseling. What a waste it would be if this library is left empty most hours with the exception of the few. Make it hip, make it cool, make it inviting. Have you been to starbucks when its crowded? That is what you want to see here on campus--an overflow of all people/students. Have abundant seating outside with ample water-resistant furniture (hopefully with shade). Honestly, what is the purpose of having an empty courtyard? Stupid, on such a vast campus with lots of "yard" space.
Coffee stand, comfy couches.
It would be great if the building could have a small room for the resource teacher at The Learning Center. Right now the resource teacher sits in the lobby and some of my students have said they feel uncomfortable being helped in such an open space. They feel ashamed of the fact that they need extra help (even though I tell them not to feel this way of course!) and instead of focusing on the resource teacher’s instructions, their eyes dart back and forth watching who is coming into the lobby or exiting The Learning Center.
At least 5 chess game stations in the library.

Please feel free to leave a comment with your suggestions.

New Concept Drawings - April 10, 2008

2008-04-14T19:22:00.005-10:00

Architects Hawaii presented their concept drawings, showing the possible shape of the building and the placement of functional areas within it.

Site Plan
Site Map/Form Study
S ectional Floor Plan
Main Level Floor Plan
Lower Level Floor Plan
Upper Level Floor Plan

Please feel free to post comments or suggestions on any of these.

Section Concept Drawing - April 10, 2008

2008-04-14T19:19:00.004-10:00

Click here for hi-res PDF.

Campus Site Map Form Study - April 10, 2008

2008-04-14T19:17:00.003-10:00

Click here for hi-res PDF.

Site Plan Concept Drawing - April 10, 2008

2008-04-14T19:10:00.003-10:00

Click here for hi-res PDF.

Upper Level Concept Drawing - April 10, 2008

2008-04-14T18:54:00.002-10:00

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Main Level Concept Drawing - April 10, 2008

2008-04-14T18:49:00.004-10:00

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Lower Level Concept Drawing - April 10, 2008

2008-04-14T18:13:00.006-10:00

Click here for hi-res PDF

Learning Commons Resources

2008-04-04T12:56:00.010-10:00

The following have helped in our planning efforts. We'll add to the list as we find other useful resources.

"Campus architecture." Chronicle of Higher Eduction.

Carlson, Scott. "An Anthropologist in the library: The University of Rochester takes a close look at students in the stacks." Chronicle of Higher Education. 17 Aug. 2007. (login required)

Casey, Michael E. and Laura C. Savastinuk. “Library 2.0: Service for the next-generation library.” Library Journal. 1 Sept. 2006.

McVay, Mark. "Embracing the millennials' seamless embrace of technology." Buildings & Grounds. Chronicle of Higher Education. 1 April 2008.

Oblinger, Diana. Learning spaces. Washington, D.C.: Educause, 2006.

Sinclair, Bryan. “Commons 2.0: Library spaces designed for collaborative learning.” Educause Quarterly 30.4 (2007).

Waters, John K. "The Library morphs." Campus Technology, 1 April 2008.

Suggestions from Mar. 14 - Apr. 2

2008-04-03T13:50:00.005-10:00

Longer TLC hours for those of us who work and cannot come during the day. With only two nights per week that the TLC is open, it's hard to take proctored exams.

A large stained glass window would make for an aesthetic component of the Library with the added value of bringing in filtered natural light into the interior.

[Computers] should be set apart so the person using the computer won’t disturb the other person on the computer especially when you have to write a paper.

Lots of chairs and tables.

Romantic lighting.

Black lights.

As always, we're interested in your feedback. Post a comment, or use the form on at http://library.wcc.hawaii.edu/NewBuilding/

Library Learning Commons Concept Map

2008-03-17T17:51:00.007-10:00

Click here for PDF

This concept map (or "meme map" - make your own here) presents ideas about what we think our Library Learning Commons should be. It incorporates some key concepts and language Bryan Sinclair wrote so succinctly about in his EduCause article "Commons 2.0".

As always, we're interested in your feedback. Post a comment, or use the form on at http://library.wcc.hawaii.edu/NewBuilding/

Suggestions so far (more wanted)!

2008-03-14T08:24:00.005-10:00

We asked for suggestions about designing the new building, and we've gotten some great ideas. Here are many of the suggestions we've received so far:

1. The flooring should be mildew resistant, be able to handle the heavy traffic, easily maintained, and quiet. Leeward CC recently did a reflooring project using recycled material (rubber?) in their Library that might be something to consider.

2. Focus on energy self sufficiency.

3. The Media Center might be positioned so that it has a separate entrance, to avoid congestion with the other library traffic.

4. Coffee Shop and or Cafe is a good idea.

5. The only suggestion that comes to mind right now is that will there be an exhibit area. I don't necessarily mean a gallery, but a place where photos, art, or other programs could be exhibited. I'm thinking of when we had the "Love Makes a Family" exhibit many years ago. Although the facilities were not ideal, at least the exhibit was in a place where it could be seen by many. Hopefully, the new library will be much better.

6. I would like one or two rooms, where students could scan material and listen to it; alternatively, human readers accompanying their students could read to them. The room(s) would have good soundproofing, but it would be larger than the typical booth, since sometimes more than one person would be using the space. The room would have a computer station and scanner and Kurzweil 1000 and Kurzweil 3000 software. When not in use by print-disabled students, the room could be a quiet study area or, alternatively, it could be a small sound studio for persons recording podcasts or other small media projects.

7. Aloha! One thing I've heard students asking for is more places where they can study in groups. (Or maybe that's what the "View and Listen" rooms on the first floor are for?)

8. Any plans to include the exterior amphitheater between the new Library/Learning Resource Center and Hokulani Imaginarium. It would provide an aesthetic and attractive setting for students to congregate informally, for outdoor events, such as poetry reading sessions and for night sky viewing of the stars.

9. It may be a mistake to put the courtyard on the mauka side of the bldg. This is the side that will get minimal sunlight during the winter, thus in shadow for that half of the year when the campus is in full session. Minimal sunlight means mold and damp - that will not make it an inviting location. Perhaps consider moving the wing now in a makai position (the wing in the foreground in the illustration on the webpage, oriented approx. NE-SW), inland to mauka, and place the courtyard on the makai side? That way it opens into the central great lawn and mall of the campus, embellishing that openness, rather than disrupting openness and continuity as the current placement of the wing does.

10. All outdoor lamp posts should be designed to shine light directly down towards the ground. Horizontally directed light is wasteful; vertically emitted light is not only energy inefficient, but also pollutes the nighttime sky, and, in particular, hinders astronomical seeing conditions for both naked-eye viewing and telescopic observations at WCC's nearby Lanihuli Observatory.

11. Do you still have plans for a place for "archiving" some of the history of the college?

12. Semi-private places for students to study in small groups (i.e. small group study rooms).

13. A room that holds around 40 for hosting community events or Upward Bound Saturday Academies (would be great to meet in the same building as the computer lab).

14. Definitely the coffee bar area w/ casual seating & wireless Internet to give students a place to hang out between classes. Stay open at least until 7:00 PM classes begin.

15. Executive-style conference room for staff meetings or student group meetings. Capacity around 12-15.

16. Outdoor shaded eating spaces such as picnic tables or patio tables.

17. Expanded tutorial services available for ALL students, not just TRIO qualified.

18. At least 4 small study rooms accommodating 6 students each. Secured rooms, available via reservation and issued key access.

19. Study Rooms: For group study or tutoring

20. Lecture Room: For guest speakers for the College

21. Movie Room: For WCC movie viewing both for education and leisure

22. Coffee Bar Lighting: Warm ambiance, similar to Starbuck's and Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf

23. Elevators: If its 2-story. For handicap and transport

24. Media equipment and software: Macs, Final Cut Pro, Adobe, HD cameras.

25. Sufficient shelf space for an expanded Hawaiian collection.

26. Display space: wall and cabinets for rotating exhibits, special/topical exhibits.

27. Testing room where questions can be read aloud or totally free of distractions.

We want more suggestions. Got an idea? Please leave a comment below, use the web form at http://library.wcc.hawaii.edu/NewBuilding/, or drop off written comments in the library.

Site Analysis Drawing March 2008

2008-03-14T08:16:00.001-10:00

(Click for PDF)

This drawing from Architects Hawaii shows the construction zone on campus. Hale Manaleo, current home to The Learning Center, TRiO, and several classrooms and faculty offices, will get torn down to make way for the new building.

To honor the historical importance of the campus and its buildings as the original location of the Hawaii State Hospital (first called the Territorial Hospital, which opened its doors in 1930), we'll place a commemorative plaque with archival photos of Manaleo and the other campus structures in the new building.

Launch Meeting with Architects Hawaii

2008-03-13T17:54:00.006-10:00

We met Thursday with the team from Architects Hawaii. We described our vision of the Learning Commons, and they described their "integrated design" approach to planning. Interestingly enough, these have much in common: more about that later.

We're still looking for your comments and suggestions. Come on in and tell us what you think, or leave suggestions in a comment below, or use the comment form at http://library.wcc.hawaii.edu/NewBuilding/.

Give us your suggestions!

2008-03-10T19:28:00.005-10:00

In the library, you can now look at the conceptual floor plans drawn during preliminary planning (the architects will create new floor plans based on our evolved vision and the suggestions from students, faculty, staff and community members).

We've placed envelopes next to the drawings to receive your suggestions about study rooms, lighting, chairs media equipment, the coffee shop, computing spaces, study spaces, the Hawaiian Collections room, new services, and more.

Come on in and tell us what you think, or leave suggestions in a comment below, or use the comment form at http://library.wcc.hawaii.edu/NewBuilding/ .

Your Input Wanted!

2008-03-06T17:47:00.007-10:00

What features and services would you like in the new building? Post a public comment below, or use the web form here.

2004 Project Development Report

2008-02-06T15:31:00.004-10:00

In 2004, Leo A. Daly completed a Project Development Report, here in two parts:

I: Concept Development

II: Program Planning

2004 Concept Drawings

2008-02-06T13:09:00.000-10:00

Floor Plan: Third

2008-02-06T12:00:00.009-10:00

Click here for hi-res PDF

Floor Plan: Second

2008-02-06T12:00:00.008-10:00

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Floor Plan: First

2008-02-06T12:00:00.007-10:00

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North View

2008-02-06T12:00:00.006-10:00

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