Elkins School of Art is presenting a new vision for the Joan Brix Carter Library—one that redefines what a 21st-century learning environment should be. This new library is not simply a place that stores books; it is designed to become a space where students connect with one another, connect with knowledge, and connect with broader academic experiences in meaningful ways.
The library is the most inclusive space on campus, welcoming students from all backgrounds and providing resources essential for academic success. It serves as a daily meeting point, a hub of communication and collaboration, and a crossroads of academic, social, and cultural life. As a spatial and social connector, the library brings students together within a unified academic experience. Rooted in this philosophy, Elkins is envisioning a learning environment shaped by “Quiet Modernity”—a design language that supports calm focus, deep thinking, and natural human connection.
The future library is planned to accommodate more than 15,000 volumes, with approximately 5,000 donated books already secured. These materials will be organized and made available as foundational resources for research, coursework, and creative work. While honoring the strengths of a traditional collection-based library, Elkins aims to integrate technology and contemporary learning culture into a modern academic hub.
To support a seamless user experience, the entrance of the library will feature a kiosk-based self-service system. This system expands beyond basic catalog search to include book check-out and return, study-space search and reservation, and real-time location guidance. All kiosk functions will be designed for unmanned operation and will be fully synchronized with each student’s mobile device—sending notifications, managing personal reservations, and enhancing overall convenience. This unmanned, mobile-connected system reflects Elkins’ commitment to creating an efficient, user-centered library model for the future.
A key symbolic image of this future vision is a student browsing the shelves beside an AI-powered library robot. This robot goes far beyond simple book-finding assistance. It is being designed to:
- engage in natural AI conversation,
- understand the student’s assignment topics and interests,
- recommend relevant books instantly,
- offer research direction and resource pathways, and
- quietly support the student’s academic workflow in real time.
Rather than leading the learning process, technology stands beside the student as a supportive academic partner. This reflects the essence of the student-centered library—a structure in which students take the lead and technology reinforces their learning experiences.
The central reading area will feature light oak furniture and even lighting to ensure both individual and group study can occur comfortably. The window lounge, filled with natural light, is envisioned as a place for reading, reflection, and quiet rest—mirroring the modern educational emphasis on balancing focus with restoration.
Technology-Enhanced Collaboration Studio – A Future-Ready Learning Environment
The library’s vision includes not only traditional study spaces but also a technologically advanced environment designed for collaborative, practice-based learning. The proposed Collaboration Studio represents the type of future learning space Elkins plans to develop—one in which students work in ways that mirror real professional practice.
Emerging technologies such as wireless computing, touch interfaces, and interactive digital tools are transforming libraries into platforms where exploration, creation, and knowledge-sharing occur simultaneously. To meet these evolving needs, Elkins plans to integrate:
- large interactive digital screens
- hybrid teaching and remote collaboration systems
- smart furniture and flexible seating
- wireless presentation and group-work technology
- computing resources for digital drawing, 3D modeling, and programming
In this space, students will work alongside faculty and peers on design critiques, digital projects, media production, prototyping, and remote collaboration. The environment encourages team-based, real-world learning and supports the development of practical skills that align with industry expectations.
A 14,000 sq. ft. Library Vision Inside Penrose Hall
The future Joan Brix Carter Library is planned to occupy the entire first floor of Penrose Hall, a four-story academic building with approximately 14,000 sq. ft. per floor. This dedicated first-floor layout will create an integrated academic ecosystem supporting study, research, collaboration, and creative work.
According to the proposed floor plan, the first floor will include:
- Main Library: The Reading Room
- The Studio Commons
- The Archive Room
- The Media Lab
- The Seminar Room
These spaces are designed not as isolated units, but as interconnected zones that support the full academic cycle—exploration, research, collaboration, and creation. With 14,000 square feet devoted to the library and academic functions, Penrose Hall’s first floor is envisioned to become one of the most significant intellectual anchors of the entire Elkins campus.
The vision for the Joan Brix Carter Library reflects Elkins School of Art’s commitment to preserving the quiet order of a traditional library while integrating AI, robotics, collaborative technologies, digital learning tools, and unmanned systems.
It aims to build a 21st-century student-centered library in which learning and research are connected, expanded, and supported in real time.
Through this vision, the library will grow into a future-oriented knowledge platform—one that embodies the school’s educational mission and empowers students to take an active role in the new era of academic exploration and creative work.
