On Wednesday, April 30, Stockton’s Alliance Heritage Center invited our Access and Engagement Coordinator, Jess Martorano, and our Student Engagement Aid, Luke O’Connor, to present “Future-Proofing the Library” as part of their Mellon lecture series. This engaging talk offered the campus community a closer look at the evolving role of academic libraries and how Stockton is preparing to meet future needs. Jess and Luke shared key insights from their research following more than 20 visits to university libraries across the region. Their goal: to help shape Stockton’s vision of a “Library of the Future.” Through photos, anecdotes, and comparative examples, they highlighted trends in library design and services that prioritize adaptability, student-centered learning, and innovation. Topics included the integration of emerging technologies to support research and creativity, the reimagining of traditional study areas into flexible, multi-use learning environments, and the growing role of Special Collections in preserving institutional identity and supporting unique learning opportunities.
To explore their findings in more detail and see examples from their visits, click here to view the presentation slides and discover what the future of Bjork Library could look like.