American Libraries Magazine | The magazine of the American Library Association

Photo: Howard County (Md.) Library, Charles E. Miller Branch and Historical Center

The Shape of Things: Diamonds of light provide accents in several sections of the Miller Branch, including the children’s section and the café. New Construction Architect: Grimm + Parker Size: 63,000 sq. ft. Cost: $29...

Posted March 14, 2012 | Comments: | Read More

Photo: Oregon State University Libraries, Valley Library, Corvallis

Collaborative Learning: The Valley Library dismantled its reference stacks in 2009, making room for collaborative workspaces on the main floor adjacent to the learning commons. Amenities include more than 160,000 square inches of fixed...

Posted March 14, 2012 | Comments: | Read More

Photo: Palo Alto (Calif.) Library, Downtown Library

Finding Your Way: When Palo Alto Library renovated its downtown branch, most staff offices were moved to another facility, freeing space for public services. Key zones, such as the computer area, children’s collection, community...

Posted March 14, 2012 | Comments: | Read More

Photo: Sacramento Public Library, Colonial Heights Library

Collaborative Learning: The remodeling of the Colonial Heights branch focused on expanding area for teen and children’s services and supporting a new homework coach program for youth. Two glassed-in study rooms serve the coach...

Posted March 14, 2012 | Comments: | Read More

Photo: Old Dominion University, Patricia W. and J. Douglas Perry Library, Norfolk, Virginia

Collaborative Learning: The learning commons at the Perry Library has six collaboration rooms, each designed to accommodate four to six people, with flat panel monitors, laptop hookups, and computer, as well as one larger room for up to...

Posted March 14, 2012 | Comments: | Read More

Photo: Suffolk County (N.Y.) Community College, Eastern Campus Library

Collaborative Learning: Flexible options throughout the Eastern Campus Library support different learning styles. The library boasts both group study rooms and individual study carrels, as well as group work tables with multiple seating...

Posted March 14, 2012 | Comments: | Read More

Photo: Pierce College Library, Lakewood, Washington

Collaborative Learning: Different zones at Pierce College Library encourage different types of usage. The Collaborate Zone promotes group work, while the Flex Zone allows students to reconfigure tables and chairs and the Design Studio...

Posted March 14, 2012 | Comments: | Read More

Photo: Plano (Tex.) Independent School District, C.A. McMillen High School

Collaborative Learning: McMillen High School’s library includes a conference room for small team assignments and a production room for group projects. One of the conference room walls is coated with Idea Paint, which turns the...

Posted March 14, 2012 | Comments: | Read More