Northern Arizona University Library - Flagstaff

part of refdesk
Originally uploaded by J Semenza

There seems to be a trend in many libraries to reduce the number of service desks. I think they've done a very good job of this here at NAU. This horseshoe shaped desk includes Reference, Circulation and Reserves functions. Fewer places for students to be sent for help is a good idea to me. It's also a handy place for reference staff to ask the ever important question: did you find everything you need? -- Jenny

For more photos of this library see: http://www.flickr.com/photos/jsemenza/sets/72157604328549608/

University of New Mexico Library - Albuquerque

donor wall
Originally uploaded by J Semenza

UNM has lots of cool things happening, but this wall really intrigued me. To find out the other cool things, you'll just have to attend one of my lectures/workshops. I'll post my tentative lecture itinerary in another blog enry. In any case, you should definitely take a look at this very cool wall of honor. -- Jenny

For more photos of the library see: http://www.flickr.com/photos/jsemenza/sets/72157604331781201/

New Mexico State University Library - Las Cruces

moveable whiteboard
Originally uploaded by J Semenza

This may not seem to be a fascinating photo, but look closer. That is a moveable whiteboard. They are going to allow students to check-out and use these whiteboards in the library. A very cool idea if you ask me. -- Jenny

Go see the fabulous photos of this library at: http://www.flickr.com/photos/jsemenza/sets/72157604122180011/

Tucson Public Library

tp signage flags
Originally uploaded by J Semenza

Okay, these are some of the coolest signs ever! -- Jenny
For more photos of the library see: http://www.flickr.com/photos/jsemenza/sets/72157604113314788/

University of Arizona - Tucson

poster04
Originally uploaded by J Semenza

Another university with too many things to blog about. I chose this one cause I think it's wonderful. Patrons can fill out a form online and the library retrieves the items. There is a room full of held items. So the patron can retrieve it themselves and then use self-check out and voila, done. For a library as large and complex as this one, it's genius. -- Jenny

For more fascinating photos see: http://www.flickr.com/photos/jsemenza/sets/72157604113438130/

Arizona State University - Tempe

instruction lab05
Originally uploaded by J Semenza

Here's a great idea for an instruction room. Put the computers together in clusters to facilitate group work. It also makes walking around very easy. Only problem is that you need more floor space than when you have the class arranged in rows. Other libraries in my sabbatical pool are doing this, but this was the first time I had seen this kind of arrangement. I also really loved the palm tree lined, wide sidewalk through campus. -- Jenny

For more photos of the libraries see: http://www.flickr.com/photos/jsemenza/sets/72157604111640972/

Phoenix Public Library

audiobooks
Originally uploaded by J Semenza

Okay, so I pay attention to the oddest things. While the collection of audiobooks is really impressive, what caught my eye was the shelving. The lights are attached to the shelving. This means, when you move the shelving, the lights go with them. We have some really dark areas in our library stacks. This would totally solve that problem. -- Jenny

To see more pictures, including the totally fabulous teen space, go to: http://www.flickr.com/photos/jsemenza/sets/72157604077244253/

Clark County Public Library - Las Vegas

bookstore
Originally uploaded by J Semenza

On my way out of town I stopped at the Clark County Public Library. They have the cutest used bookstore in the basement. It is run by the Friends of the Library group and proceeds go to the library. They sell weeded and donated materials. Other public and a few academic libraries are doing this too. -- Jenny

For more pictures of the library see:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/jsemenza/sets/72157604073291123/

University of Nevada Las Vegas

unlv exterior
Originally uploaded by J Semenza

This is a gorgeous building with lots of open spaces, computers, and study supporting ambiance. They are part of the trend where service points are being consolidated. The idea is that fewer may be better, that way students aren't sent from one service point to another looking for answers.

More pictures at: http://www.flickr.com/photos/jsemenza/sets/72157604073262313/