The Johnson Center Library at George Mason University

Abstract

Purpose -This article sets out to discuss the Johnson Center Library, a gateway library in a multipurpose academic commons building first opened in 1996 at George Mason University, to identify the successes and limitations of this type of library concept, particularly in the context of more recent thinking about various types of information commons in libraries.Design/methodology/approach -Descriptive information is provided about the architecture and layout of the library, its collections and services. The final part of the article uses a lessons learned approach to identify key experiential and consensus-based observations of library staff, library administrators, and others about the changing mission of the library over a decade (1996)(1997)(1998)(1999)(2000)(2001)(2002)(2003)(2004)(2005)(2006).Findings -The key findings of the authors focus on the need to revitalize the mission of the Johnson Center Library in order to move beyond the original gateway library concept. The findings also focus on the need to develop programmatic linkages with other stakeholders when a library facility is located in a multipurpose building; to create better architecturally defined spaces in order to enhance collection security; to design more flexible spaces that can be repurposed for changing needs in the networked environment.Originality/value -The paper discusses a different approach to library services, a variation on the information commons concept, and shows how library-as-place is still very significant because of the blending of the social and the academic lives of students, when a library is part of a blended social and academic student center such as the Johnson Center itself.

The Relationship between Academic Library Design and Library Anxiety in Students

“…The planning committee aimed to design a building with "space for collections but not dominated by its collections." 50 As a result, the library's planners focused on creating spaces for students with different learning styles to succeed, including a mix of carrels, tables, and lounge seating. 51 Georgia Tech (Georgia Institute of Technology) in Atlanta took flexibility to an even higher level with the renovation of its Library East Commons.…”

“…Students can see into library areas from all floors of the University Center, thereby creating the illusion that the entire building is a space dedicated to learning. 93 Students draw on their previous experiences to create expectations of what an academic library is and should be. 94 Most students' library experiences prior to entering college take place in a public library or an often small and ill-equipped K-12 school library.…”

Participatory action research in learning commons design planning

“…They then performed focus groups and gave surveys to help focus their plans on their own users' needs. The final list of user priorities is as follows (Freund and Seale, 2007):desire for more work space;the need for a mix of individualized and group work space;easier printing;comfort;friendlier signage; less restrictive language (do not start every sign with “NO”);knowledgeable assistance available 24/7;approachable, friendly staff at the information desks; andcoffee.Gibson and Lockaby (2007) of George Mason University discuss another library renovation. They discuss modern students' wishes for a combination of learning commons‐style spaces, with technology and space for collaboration, and a “traditional” portion of the library with books and little noise.…”

“…coffee. Gibson and Lockaby (2007) of George Mason University discuss another library renovation. They discuss modern students' wishes for a combination of learning commons-style spaces, with technology and space for collaboration, and a "traditional" portion of the library with books and little noise.…”