It is a time of change for Concordia University Library (Montreal, Canada). A major renovation and expansion project of the Webster Library (17,300 m2) is underway and scheduled to finish in 2017. This major project is one objective from the Library's strategic plan "Inspiring Success", part of the overall University's strategic directions. Since the inception of the space program and throughout its development, a clear vision had been communicated and reinforced for all decisions that were made. It can be summarized by the following: Creating an intellectually inspiring space, bringing more natural light and transparency in the building, making visible activities held in the library, expressing with architecture choices how the library is a community space, as well as bringing joy and beauty in the daily life of our students. In order to create a coherent technology program, we adopted a similar approach used for the development of the space program. It was designed in collaboration with consultants, technology specialists, librarians, architects and an anthropologist. The technology program, among other elements, consists of hardware and software specifically developed to make visible and audible our digital collections in the library spaces, digital and interactive signage, a technology sandbox, a visualization and virtual reality studio. The two programs together provide students with a choice of 22 different types of study and learning environments. Consultation, observation, communications and input from students and faculty were part of an on-going process throughout the project. This presentation will focus on the spectrum of study environments and the consultation process that ensured the relevancy of the renovated library for the university community.
