Planning is under way for WCC’s new Library Learning Commons, but the complex will be much more than just a bunch of books. It will be a state-of-the-art facility where students can relax, study and learn. 


That’s why head librarian Nancy Heu wants suggestions for features students would like to see in what could become their home away from home.


The state legislature appropriated $41.6 million in spring 2007 for the construction of a new campus library to replace the current 80-year-old structure. 


March 13 marked the first of a series of meetings with architects to develop the initial plans for the new building.


This 21st century facility will combine technology with the current collection at Hale La‘akea, the campus computer labs, Media Center and TLC. It will “blend the virtual world with the physical world,” said Heu. 


In keeping with this notion, librarian Tara Severns has designed the WCC Library Learning Commons blog to post information and community suggestions. To keep up with the building’s progress, check out the blog at http://wccllc.blogspot.com/.


Drawing on the idea of the modern library as a “learning commons,” Heu envisions a space that is human-centered rather than information- or technology-based, “to provide a host of academic services to support, encourage and inspire both learning and teaching.


“It will be a place where traditional learning practices are merged with technology and collaborative learning,” she said.


Imagine intimate gathering spaces with comfortable furnishings for class groups to have discussions. 


According to Heu, the new Library Learning Commons will be “the place to be seen,” with a social network that nurtures the exchange of ideas and promotes both collaborative and individual learning.


Along with wireless Internet, private study areas and exhibit space, the building will also include a well-appointed coffee shop (because students study better with coffee, as Starbucks’ annual revenue demonstrates). 


Equipment will be available to produce media presentations, podcasts, and post information on blogs. “It will be a learning center that encourages the creation of resources,” said Heu, “not just store them.” 


Architects Hawaii is the firm tasked with the job of fitting this list of wishes into one building, without exceeding the budget. 


This could be an ongoing challenge because the college intends the building to be innovative in another way. WCC’s newest addition is to be a LEED-certified green building with a Silver rating.


The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System was developed by the U.S. Green Building Council in 1998 to standardize sustainable architectual design. (For more information on LEED, go to http://www.usgbc.org) 


The LEED rating system addresses the design and construction of buildings in areas such as use of sustainable materials, water efficiency, energy, and indoor environmental quality. 


Although building green costs more to construct, the higher initial price could be considered an investment in environmental consciousness. 


“All the features and functions of the building, including extended hours, impacts the design,” she said. “The trick will be balancing the building’s functionality with sustainability.”


The preliminary design phase will continue through the end of May, during which the library staff is inviting suggestions via their website at http://library.wcc.hawaii.edu/NewBuilding/.


“It’s just so exciting to be finally starting,” said Heu.


Construction funds were appropriated following a four-year saga that included project development reports, lobbying organized by WCC faculty and staff, a formal hearing (complete with student testimony) and a petition of more than 4,570 signatures from the Windward community.


“I want people to think of it as OUR building – a place where we can gather and enjoy learning together,” Heu said.