University Leverages Cooperative to Redefine Library with AV Solutions

In explaining the concept of the library, York describes it as a technology sandbox for the campus, one able to support rare and experimental technologies that could be shared among the colleges.

AVI-SPL engineers and technicians transformed multiple library spaces into collaboration areas, including teams rooms, an auditorium, and conference rooms. In

many of these areas, Christie Digital projectors provide the video. Other solutions include cameras, speakers, microphone boxes, Sharp video displays and Cisco video conferencing – all to create spaces designed for ease of collaboration and presentation.

For a multipurpose space, AVI-SPL installed four screens and projectors, as well as wireless mics and speakers, and a portable capture workstation that records events and presentations and uploads them to the library’s media site for access by students and faculty.

“We designed to the cutting edge, to equipment that had just been announced. Put it in a 24/7 facility and you provide something that has an immense amount of value and redefines the library,” York said. 

By utilizing a cooperative contract that was competitively solicited and awarded by a lead public agency, York did not have to go through an arduous RFP process. He was able to reap the benefits of the contract’s nationally-leverage pricing to ensure that he was upgrading the library for the best available price.

The Hunt Library has already been profiled in numerous publications, including Time
magazine. As one learns about each area of the library, the reason for its popularity
quickly becomes clear: This is a versatile, empowering space.

York says this IP-based system supports the research and mission of the building, which is to work as an integrated whole that supports the lifecycle of research: brainstorming, critiquing, and the late phases that produce finished pieces.

Areas like the auditorium and multipurpose area are used for lectures, watching live events and distance learning. The Gaming Lab gave a home to N.C. State’s gaming research program, which is one of top 20 in the country. In the Creativity Studio, students and engineering faculty deliver presentations on surfaces like displays, the walls and floor. Everything – including the walls, projectors and displays — is moveable, and the design offers easy access to equipment.

“It’s a total industry changer and totally non-destructive,” says York. “To open up the hardware, networking, and interfaces — that was a radical idea. We’re not trying to train people how to use technology. We’re training engineers on building the next leading-edge technology.”

AVI-SPL partners with the most innovative communication technology providers so that our clients have access to advanced, secure, and effective AV and collaboration solutions. AVI-SPL products are available to participants of OMNIA Partners on a competitively solicited, publicly awarded cooperative contract.