abstract:

The academic library has always held a central position as the heart of an institution - both symbolically and in terms of its physical placement. In today’s day and age, students have heightened expectations for academic libraries based on the increase of technology and new approaches to learning. 
 
This research involved theprimary users of the Fanshawe College Library; the students, library staff and college faculty. Through a qualitative investigation that involved environmental assessment and observation, interviews and surveys two distinct and strong ideas emerged.  The rework of spatial organization and aesthetics will effectively result in a space for students to collaborate, focus, socialize, create and challenge ideas and experience learning and discovery in a variety of meaningful ways.