More than Mortar

Revitalizing the Academic Library as Space and Place

November 18, 2008
Wilfrid Laurier University, Senate and Board Chamber

This symposium was sponsored by Laurier Library and Laurier Learning Services, with the assistance of a University Special Initiative Grant and a Workshop Incentive Grant from the Canadian Association of College and University Libraries (CACUL).

Watch the sessions online!

Symposium Overview

Trends in technology and collaborative learning are impacting how academic libraries are used, renovated and built today. In recent years, libraries have tried to provide spaces where students can learn by interacting with their peers, consulting with library staff and other learning support services, and reflecting quietly.  Information or learning commons have been a common response; however, there is no one-size-fits-all plan for configuring library spaces.

This symposium will provide a forum for sharing perspectives on:

  • Emerging trends in use and design of library and learning spaces 
  • Collaboration between the library and student services that contribute to student learning
  • Faculty, student, and community engagement in library and learning spaces
  • What makes library and learning spaces successful
  • Next steps to revitalize our library and learning spaces
  • The potential of the library as a vital place for learning