Location: University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW)
Library: UNCW Library (Randall and Discovery Halls)
Key Contact: Laura Wiegand McBrayer, Associate Dean of the Library
Project Focus: New service desks for an expansion and renovation
The Location
The University of North Carolina Wilmington has seen rapid growth in enrolments in recent years, now serving more than 19,000 students. To meet this growing demand the UNCW Library has been dramatically transformed following a landmark $56 million renovation and expansion.
The project added 80,000 square feet of space with the construction of Discovery Hall, a three-story building built in the traditional style of the newly renovated Randall Hall. A modern, light-filled glass corridor named ‘The Link’ connects the two buildings to form a single, unified 266,000 square feet of library space.
The updated library comprises an impressive range of spaces to support student learning. These include a data visualization and analysis lab, a makerspace, a recording studio, a virtual reality space, an event space, a sensory-friendly study space, a game room and a reimagined walk-up service featuring YAKETY YAK desks. In the words of Associate Provost and Dean Lucy Holman, it all comes together beautifully to create “the intellectual heart of the campus.”
The Challenge
As part of the renovation the library sought to replace its service desks. The existing setup had become a barrier to effective service, as the circulation desk was too high for shorter staff, wheelchair users and children. There was insufficient space to accommodate new equipment, and the fixed height design could not adapt to different tasks or users.
The team needed a comprehensive service desk solution that would:
- Be fully ADA-compliant and accessible for all users.
- Provide clear, unobstructed sightlines for staff.
- Accommodate a full suite of technology, including: dual monitors, keyboards, barcode scanners, phones, POS terminals and credit card readers.
- Offer secure, lockable storage.
- Flex and reconfigure as service needs evolve.
- Complement the contemporary interiors of the newly renovated spaces.
Four distinct service points were planned: the main library help desk in Randall Hall, the library tech desk in Discovery Hall, and two security and help kiosks positioned at key points.
The Solution: YAKETY YAK service desks
The YAKETY YAK range offered the flexibility, accessibility, and modern aesthetics that the library required. The project team thoughtfully matched each product to the specific function of each service point. The chosen lineup included:
- Security and help kiosks: Two compact and highly visible YAKETY YAK 104 Pods + Drawer
- Front-of-house library help desk: Two generously sized YAKETY YAK 305 Radial Counters, 300 Cash Module (positioned between the counters) and a YAKETY YAK 203 Desk which provides an additional flexible workspace.
- Library tech desk: Two YAKETY YAK 305 Radial Counters.
- Storage: Each 305 Counter is supported by one of our 300 Under Counter Storage Modules
Why These Desk Designs Work
Accessible by design: All counters, desks and pods are height-adjustable and ADA compliant ensuring that staff can adjust their workstations to confidently interact with students of all levels of mobility.
Spacious and open: The curved profiles and generous worktops of the 305 Radial Counters and 203 Desk easily accommodate all required equipment while giving staff unobstructed views across the space.
Secure and self-sufficient: Locking Under Counter Storage Modules and worktop drawers ensure the workstations can be safely left unattended.
Integrated technology support: NODE Power Buttons on every desk give staff easy access to power and USB connections, while integrated cable management keeps cords neatly secured under the desk.
Welcoming presence: The LOLLIPOP Illuminated Sign Poles at three of the service points make them instantly visible and provide a simple but effective way to orient students in a large, newly reconfigured space.
Colors, Finishes and Options
DARK GREY Tarkett Optima Vinyl worktops provide a robust, heavy-duty surface well suited to high-traffic book processing and daily use.
- INFINITY BLUE upper desk frontages (Laminex Formica HPL) deliver a sleek, contemporary finish that coordinates seamlessly with UNCW’s teal and blue interior palette.
- BLACK lower desk frontages and kickers provide a grounding contrast that ties all service points together visually across both buildings.
- All service stations are equipped with NODE Power Buttons and three of the desks feature LOLLIPOP Illuminated Sign Poles.
Flexible and Future-Proof
The adaptability of the YAKETY YAK range is ideal for a project of this scale. Across Randall Hall and Discovery Hall, the desks provide function, style and a focal point for community connection in their different settings. The modular approach means the library can reconfigure, relocate, and repurpose individual units as services evolve, without the disruption or expense of a desk replacement. With a campus population that continues to grow rapidly, that kind of adaptability is essential.
We are proud to have played a part in one of the most significant library renovation projects in UNCW’s history, and we look forward to seeing these spaces continue to grow and serve the UNCW community for years to come.
Ready to Transform Your Library Space?
Get in touch with us to find the right YAKETY YAK configuration for your library.
Contact Us | Explore the YAKETY YAK Range
