Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons^™

Brave New World: Redesigning Lehman College Library’S Website, Stefanie Havelka, David Stevens

Publications and Research

Since today’s students are digital natives, they naturally expect more from an academic library website. Well-designed websites, virtual games, social networking as well as search engines are an integral part of their daily digital lives. Consequently, challenges faced during redesign of a library’s website are two-fold:

• Concepts of web usability must be applied. The website needs to be well organized and present its information and content in a user-friendly manner.
• The website needs to be visually appealing since it serves both as the virtual extension of the physical library, as well as a significant outreach tool promoting the Library’s and …

Creating 21st Century Libraries, Elise Valoe, Tod Stevens, Lynell De Wind

Lynell J. De Wind

Steelcase Corporation, SHW Group and GVSU presented "Creating 21st Century Libraries" at Neocon in Chciago, IL. Steelcase’s most recent research on education libraries was presented. Participants found out about the key business drivers impacting how libraries are designed and what activities must be supported in the 21st century. They learned to develop and use a human-centered design method to develop solutions and aid the shift from information-centered libraries to social centered ones Presenters: Elise Valoe, senior human-centered design researcher for Steelcase Inc., Grand Rapids, MI; Tod Stevens, AIA, LEED AP, principal designer for SHW Group, Berkeley, MI; Lynell De Wind, …

"Blacks Deserve Bodies Too!" Design And Discussion About Diversity And Race In A Tween Virtual World, Y. B. Kafai, M. S. Cook, Deborah A. Fields

Instructional Technology and Learning Sciences Faculty Publications

In this paper, we investigate racial diversity in avatar design and public discussions about race within a large-scale tween virtual world called Whyville.net, with more than 1.5 million registered players of ages 8—16. One unique feature of Whyville is the player’s ability to customize their avatars with various face parts and accessories, all designed and sold by other players in Whyville. Our findings report on the racial diversity of available resources for avatar construction and online postings about the role of race in avatar design and social interactions in the community. With the growing interest in player-generated content for online …

Construction To Begin On Uga Special Collections Library Building

Georgia Library Quarterly

The article reports on the start of the construction for the University of Georgia Special Collections Library in Athens in January 2010. It will reportedly house the Hargrett Rare Book and Manuscript Library on Georgia history and culture, the Walter J. Brown Media Archive and Peabody Awards Collection, which has more than 100,000 audio and video recordings and the Richard B. Russell Library for Political Research and Studies. The building's use of state-of-the-art storage and security is also discussed.

Leadership, Libraries, Leed For The Future, Kathryn S. Ames, Greg Heid

Georgia Library Quarterly

The article discusses the use of Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) principles in the design of the modern public library. It is stated that an LEED-certified library will have lower costs in energy, systems replacement and maintenance through the use of light-emitting diode (LED) lighting and efficient heating and air conditioning, but that due to special materials, the up-front expense is higher. The inspection of the facility throughout its construction is also noted.

Cherokee Regional Library System Enters Building Mode

Georgia Library Quarterly

The article features the plan for building the Lafayette-Walker County Public Library in Georgia in which citizens were consulted. It is stated that a gap exists in programming and services for the young adult population and that a coffee shop is welcomed within the library. The design will reportedly focus on the increase of programming areas, the reforming of shelving and public reading areas and the expansion of teen and children's spaces.

Moultrie Tech To Renovate, Add Library

Georgia Library Quarterly

The article features the renovation plan for Moultrie Technical College's Turner County Campus in Georgia. The present break room will reportedly be reformed into areas for coffee break and vending systems and a computer-equipped library. It is stated that books on business administrative technology, early childhood care and education and industrial electrical construction will be made available in the library to students and community members.

Newnan's Original Public Library Celebrates Grand Reopening

Georgia Library Quarterly

The article features the reopening of the Carnegie Library in Newnan, Georgia in 2009. The original facility in 1904 reportedly epitomized early 20th century neoclassical architecture which is marked by symmetrical paired brick pilasters across the facade and evenly-spaced, paneled and stained columns in the interior. It is stated that the new library will offer popular and current printed material, computer stations, an art gallery and meeting rooms.