At a time when information is going electronic and people are questioning the need for brick and mortar libraries, Temple University has opened a library of the future, the Charles Library. Charles Library was born out of a unique vision of a library that is more than a home for book stacks, study spaces and research materials. The vision was a 21st century library that is a source of inspiration, an incubator for ideas, and a center for engagement and collaboration. As digital technology continues to change how we learn, research, communicate and create, students need to have places where they feel anything is possible. Every aspect of this library was designed for today’s world and students.
Charles’ incubator-like environment offers everything needed to push the boundaries of research, teaching and learning. The Scholars Studio offers a maker space with 3D printing capabilities, high-end computing and a virtual reality studio. Study and group workspaces are designed to adapt to student needs, from computer rentals and flexible furniture to technology that allows users to project digital content from personal devices.
The books are housed in the library by a robotic book retrieval system called DEMATIC. There are a total of four DEMATIC systems in the building, and students can check books out on their mobile devices and have one of the robots retrieve them.
Joe Lucia, Dean of Libraries at Temple University, will provide a short talk on the Future of Libraries. This will be followed by a tour of the Virtual Reality room, and a view of the impressive DEMATIC book bot system.
*NOTE: Please check-in in the lobby of the Charles Library (near Stella’s Cafe) to meet the tour group.