THE LYONS LIBRARY
re-imagining the design library
caitlin soboslay & Taylor norman
THE HARRYE B. LYONS
DESIGN LIBRARY
An important resource for the College of Design, but underutilized.
Library feels traditional and outdated, struggles with usability, comfort, and awareness. Goal is to make it an inviting hub that reflects design culture.
INTRODUCTION 01
OVERVIEW
Historically
NC State’s first library and renamed for librarian, Harrye B. Lyons.
Resources
150k+ image collection, designfocused tech + tools.
Focus
Specialized in architecture, design, and visual disciplines.
Identity
Combines historic setting with creative, design-specific support.
CURRENT SPACE
Strengths
Natural light
Calm, architectural character
Physical book collection
Limitations
Minimal and rigid seating
Tech gaps
Lack of brand identity
USERS 02
USER DATA
Collected from 2025 survey
Target Audience
Current Usage Patterns
PAIN POINTS
Space & Comfort
Lack of seating, uncomfortable furniture, outdated layout
Technology Access
Insufficient outlets, printers, scanners, collaboration tools
Engagement
Library isn’t a preferred hub compared to home, studio, or other libraries
Awareness + Identity
Resources underused, students don’t know what’s available, library lacks brand presence
USER SENTIMENTS
Café and social areas + supply store
Improved technology access (printers, power, etc.)
Combination of quiet and social study spaces + meeting/workshop rooms
OUR VISION 03
OUR GOAL
Establish the Harrye B. Lyons Design Library as an hub that by providing comfortable, resource-rich spaces that inspire discovery, support diverse learning needs, and encourage lifelong learning. inclusive, invitingnurtures creativity, collaboration, and community
ADDRESSING PAIN POINTS
Space & Comfort
Modular seating, flexible layouts, quiet + collaborative balance
Technology Access
Printers, scanners, reservable rooms, outlets
Engagement
Café, events, exhibitions, supply store
Awareness + Identity
Branding, signage, interactive tools, murals
SERVICE DESIGN
Comfortable, modular seating
Clear wayfinding + branded signage
Reservable meeting rooms, supply store, print/scan technology
Café in reception area
INTERACTION DESIGN
Interactive map (for easier wayfinding)
Informative graphics (available supplies, rentable items, archives, events)
BRANDING
Library
identity Café identity
Supply store
Visual system (color palette, typography)
OUR PROPOSAL 04
PROPOSED SPATIAL FEATURES
Modular layouts with various comfy seating styles
Balance of quiet and secluded spaces and collaborative areas
Natural light + open bookshelves that don’t block windows
NEW LAYOUT
Wayfinding Technology
Reservable Rooms Quiet Zone
Collab Area
Bookshelves
Seating Tables
Plants
Quiet Zone
LIBRARY BRAND IDENTITY
LOGO USE
Logomark Color Variations
Variations on Colored Backgrounds
CAFE + SUPPLY STORE BRAND
IDENTITY
COFFEE + BITES
Lyons Den
LOGO USE
Logo Color Variations
Logo Color Variations
Logomark
Social Media
Social Media
COFFEE + BITES
Lyons Den
COFFEE + BITES Lyons Den
BRANDING
Roboto
Espiritu Script display headings body subheadings
Reynolds Red Yarbrough Yellow Carmichael Aqua Pullen Pink Bio-indigo
Roboto Bold
Slab Regular
Roboto Slab Black
Roboto Regular
WAYFINDING
Library wayfinding Interactive map
Zone Signage
Book wayfinding
Outdoor signage
WAYFINDING
Library wayfinding
Interactive map
Zone Signage
Book wayfinding
Outdoor signage
WAYFINDING
Library wayfinding
Interactive map
Zone Signage
Book wayfinding
Outdoor signage
WAYFINDING
Library wayfinding
Interactive map
Zone Signage
Book wayfinding
Outdoor signage
WAYFINDING
Library wayfinding Interactive map
Book wayfinding Outdoor signage Zone Signage
WAYFINDING
Library wayfinding Interactive map
Zone Signage
Book wayfinding Outdoor signage
WAYFINDING
Library wayfinding
Interactive map
Zone Signage
Book wayfinding
Outdoor signage
WAYFINDING
Library wayfinding
Interactive map
Zone
Signage
Book wayfinding
Outdoor signage
Brooks Hall
50 Pullen Road
Lyons Library
Supply Stacks
Lyons Den
INFORMATIONAL MATERIALS
Library and amenity hours Infographic for rentable items
Room reservation instructions
Cafe menu
INFORMATIONAL MATERIALS
Library and amenity hours Infographic for rentable items Room reservation instructions
Cafe menu
8:00am - 5:00pm 8:00am - 2:00pm 1:00pm - 5:00pm 1:00pm - 7:00pm
7:30am - 10:00pm 7:30am - 6:00pm 1:00pm - 7:00pm 1:00pm - 10:00pm
www.lib.ncsu.edu/design
INFORMATIONAL MATERIALS
Library and amenity hours
Infographic for rentable items
Room reservation instructions
Cafe menu
www.lib.ncsu.edu/design
Blind Date with a Book
Don’t See What You Need?
Don’t See What You Need?
Head down the hall to the design lab for more printer and technology options!
Head down the hall to the design lab for more printer and technology options!
INFORMATIONAL MATERIALS
Library and amenity hours
Infographic for rentable items Room reservation instructions
Cafe menu
Lyons Den Lyons Den
COFFEE + BITES
Welcome screen for reception
Flyers for events
Instagram flyer with logo
Merchandise
Social Media
PROMOTIONAL MATERIALS
Welcome screen for reception
Flyers for events
Instagram flyer with logo
Merchandise
Social Media
PROMOTIONAL MATERIALS
Welcome screen for reception
Flyers for events Instagram flyer with logo
Merchandise Social Media
Blind Date with a Book
Blind Date with a ThursdayBook October 16, 2025 at Lyons Library
Join us for a night of suprise and fun with a new book and fellow students! Resgister here: www.lib.ncsu.edu/design
PROMOTIONAL MATERIALS
Welcome screen for reception
Flyers for events
Instagram flyer with logo
Merchandise
Social Media
PROMOTIONAL MATERIALS
Welcome screen for reception
Flyers for events
Instagram flyer with logo
Merchandise
Social Media
CONCLUSION
Reimagining the library to inspire collaboration, comfort, and discovery while preserving the history and essence of the College of Design.
A library that reflects design culture and the people who shape it.
thank you!