Technology and a host of social and academic forces are changing the ways in which patrons use our libraries. Architects and librarians are reconsidering the way our buildings are designed to accommodate and encourage meaningful use of the library space. Come to listen to how some members of our community are embracing these changes and rethinking their spaces.

1. WiLSWorld July 29, 2014
Madison, Wisconsin
Innovative Ways to Use Library
Space: The Mulva Studio
Kristin Vogel & Kimberly Boldt
St. Norbert College
Miriam B. & James J. Mulva Library

2. St. Norbert College
• Private, liberal arts, four year college founded by the Norbertine Order
• Located on picturesque Fox River in De Pere, Wisconsin
• 2,200 students, 4-year graduation guarantee, 14:1 student-faculty ratio,
average GPA 3.5, strong retention rates
• New partnerships with Medical College of Wisconsin and Schneider School
of Business & Economics
• Gehl-Mulva Science Center (GMS) to open this fall!

3. Concept & Design
• Library is College’s “Intellectual Heart of Campus”
• Desire to push boundaries of traditional library spaces to create new
knowledge and environment
• 1st Intentionally designed learning environment on campus, quickly
followed by Cassandra Voss Center
• Commitment for space to be highly flexible, student study space
• Design decisions heavily influenced by student input
• Strong design partnerships between college committee, graphic
artists and architects.
• “Studio” chosen to evoke spaces of artist, engineer & architect
• Included use of natural light, color palette from whole of building
• Steelcase designs showed great mix of social & solitary open spaces
• Incorporation of TV Studio strategic choice, “Conversations with St.
Norbert” program

4. The Mulva Studio
• Completed August 2013
• Variable types of seating &
table heights
• Writable surfaces/boards
• New Technologies –
media:scapes & digital table
• Includes Video Production
Area (TV/Audio)
• “Meet the Mulva Studio”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0
HDr8smZrbM
From…
To…

5. How Has SNC Used This Space? • Makers @ the
Mulva
• Collaborations
• Meetings
• Special Events

6. Makers @ the Mulva
• Variety of events for
different ages and interests
held on Saturdays from
November 2013 – May
2014.
• Showcase local talent of
professors and librarians.
• Engage community, bring
people into building to
learn & create!
• Used various types of
spaces in Mulva Studio for
different events, including;
media:scape units, marker
board tables, counter
height tables, writable
surfaces, movable
furnishings.

7. BIG Ideas Competition
• Ten teams presented
their BIG ideas to
transform the College on
February 8, 2014 in the
Mulva Studio.
• Two teams presented
remotely via Google +
• Hockey team on the road
• Student studying in
France.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v
=otacttizPxM&feature=youtu.be
https://plus.google.com/photos/10082795800712049
3832/albums/5979636431158689713

8. Undergraduate Research Forum
https://plus.google.com/photos/1008279580071
20493832/albums/5997483158549009505

9. Classes. Meetings. Collaborations.

10. Questions? Contact Us.
Kristin Vogel
Library Director
kristin.vogel@snc.edu
920-403-3290
Mulva Library
St. Norbert College
100 Grant St.
De Pere, WI 54115
Kimberly Boldt
Systems Librarian
kimberly.boldt@snc.edu
920-403-3282
Mulva Library
St. Norbert College
100 Grant St.
De Pere, WI 54115