University of Alberta - Edmonton

suggestions
Originally uploaded by J Semenza

I got to visit 4 different libraries on this campus it was fascinating. They are doing a bit (understatement) of construction in the Cameron Science library. The big pad of paper is by the reference desk and it asks the question: What should the sign over this desk say? Students and other patrons are then able make suggestions on the paper. I believe they have used this method to solicit all kinds of input from their patrons. - Jenny

For more photos see: http://www.flickr.com/photos/jsemenza/sets/72157605334655700/

University of Calgary - Alberta

info commons4
Originally uploaded by J Semenza

The information commons area included desks with power strips and no computer so that people with laptops could just plug in. The reference desk also had instructions to help students access the wireless network.

This is a very large campus. On the road trip through Canada to Alaska I brought my husband Nick. For this campus I'm really glad I had him along. Someone here at the University of Calgary Library had input the coordinates for the library into Google Earth. Nick used his handy GPS gadget to get us right to the door. I really think more libraries may want to do this!

-- Jenny

For more photos see: http://www.flickr.com/photos/jsemenza/sets/72157605339231939/

Colorado School of Mines - Golden

vault display1
Originally uploaded by J Semenza

There are a lot of different art displays and installations at the libraries I visited, but none had the size, weight or impact of this one. It is a large, very heavy vault and with displays on mining and gold. Um, wow. Only problem is, that this display was put in before library real estate became a premium and now they'd like to move it, but it is just too heavy.

Additionally they have created signage for power outlets. We know that everyone with a laptop is searching for one of these. -- Jenny
For more photos see: http://www.flickr.com/photos/jsemenza/sets/72157604987869998/

University of Colorado - Denver

kite competition
Originally uploaded by J Semenza

UC Denver, or rather the Auraria Library is actually the library for three institutions of higher education, UC Denver (of course) Metropolitan State College of Denver and Community College of Denver. As such this library has many interesting challenges such as tracking reference statistics for each institution. I don't even want to think about Information Literacy.

I was really taken by the art display of kites in the library and found out more about it. The kites are all part of a juried art show, which is a fundraiser for the library. The kites will be auctioned off at the end of the display period and the money will be split by the student artist and the library. They have a flickr set at: http://www.flickr.com/photos/aurarialibrary/sets/72157603987993027/

-- Jenny

For more of my pictures of the library see: http://www.flickr.com/photos/jsemenza/sets/72157604987220408/

University of Colorado - Boulder

donor1
Originally uploaded by J Semenza

Now this was an interesting wall of honor for donors. The Top Drawer Society. This apparent card catalog has been modified so it isn't very deep and the drawers don't open. I though this was one of the most appropriate donor recognition devices. -- Jenny

For more photos from UC Boulder see: http://www.flickr.com/photos/jsemenza/sets/72157604914584281/

Colorado State University - Fort Collins

signage
Originally uploaded by J Semenza

Like my library here at ISU, Colo State allows food in the library. But they too want a few places free of food. I thought this sign was genius. They have over 300 computers available in various groupings and areas. This grouping of approx 10 come equipped with scanners. An additional 200 laptops are available for checkout, and are heavily used.

For more photos see: http://www.flickr.com/photos/jsemenza/sets/72157604886506205/

-- Jenny

University of Northern Colorado - Greeley

instruction lab1
Originally uploaded by J Semenza

UNC may have the poshest library instruction classroom I've ever been in. Check out the other photos in the set http://www.flickr.com/photos/jsemenza/2457582461/. This is where I was introduced to the Interwrite Pad. The Interwrite Pad is a wireless pad that can be used anywhere in the classroom. It works with the instructor station, acting as an interactive, portable whiteboard.

University of Wyoming - Laramie

const sign
Originally uploaded by J Semenza

I got to University of Wyoming while they were building new library opened. Darn it, I'll just have to go back Anyway, I loved the idea of the whiteboards as changeable signage. Take a look at: http://digitalcollections.uwyo.edu/blogs/ILLC/ for information on the new "addition." -- Jenny

For more photos of the old library see: http://www.flickr.com/photos/jsemenza/sets/72157604832297920/