Creating the library of the future at NC State Hunt Library
In 2013, North Carolina State University opened its new, state-of-the-art James B. Hunt Jr. Library on its Centennial Campus, a signature building that reflects NCSU’s vision as a preeminent technological research university. Often referred to as a “library of the future,” the LEED Silver certified Hunt Library won the prestigious AIA / ALA Library of the Year Award in 2013 and was named a “New Landmark Library” by Library Journal in 2015.
“We had a wonderful experience working with brightspot. They helped us overcome challenges and stimulate thinking about alternative futures by being impartial experts, being good listeners and making everyone part of the process.”
– Susan Nutter, former Vice-Provost and Dean of Libraries, NC State University
Elliot Felix led the vision and programming process while at DEGW. Then, in the years leading up to the library’s opening in 2013, NCSU commissioned brightspot to develop the service, staffing, and organizational strategy for its operations to be as innovative as its architecture.
In collaboration with architecture firms Snøhetta and Clark Nexsen, and cost consultants Davis Langdon, we developed the vision and space program based on a great deal of quantitative and qualitative research as well as lessons from precedents beyond libraries.
Together, we developed a strategy to use a robotic storage and retrieval system for collections that freed up valuable space for students. We also planned a variety of technology-rich learning spaces and a single, integrated service point. Beyond all it’s accolades, we’re most proud that the building achieved 93% student satisfaction and the library experienced a 10% rise in research questions at a time when they’re often decreasing elsewhere.
