Designing Academic Libraries for Student Success

Sponsored by Occuspace
Recorded on 05/28/2025

Posted in Library Leadership and Management, Library Technology and IT

A deep dive into Georgia Tech’s journey

Access the presentation slides.

Summary:

How can real-time data and inclusive engagement transform your library into a more innovative, student-centered space? Join Jason Wright, Communications Manager at Georgia Tech; Nic Halverson, CEO of Occuspace; and Elliot Felix, Partner at Buro Happold, for a practical look at how Georgia Tech is using space utilization data and student feedback to shape the future of its library.

Learn how the university selected, funded, and implemented occupancy technology to inform planning, support accreditation, and drive student-led projects. Gain actionable strategies to optimize your library for retention, collaboration, and long-term growth—while aligning design with your institution’s mission and student success goals.

This Georgia Tech case study will cover:

  • Tech selection: key criteria and decision process
  • Funding: secured through student technology fees
  • Communication: stakeholder engagement and rollout strategy
  • Results: informed planning, supported accreditation, enabled student-led projects
  • Outcome: a shift from “Stop Guessing” to “Start Knowing” with data-driven insights

Speakers:

  • Image of Jason Wright

    Jason Wright

    Communications Director and Content DeveloperGeorgia Tech Library

    Jason Wright is the Communications Director and Content Developer at the Georgia Tech Library, where he leads strategic storytelling and branding efforts during a transformative era for the institution. With expertise in aesthetic branding, internal and external communications, and digital engagement, Jason has helped position the library as a national model for innovation and student-centered design. Prior to Georgia Tech, he led award-winning communications for the City of Milton and contributed regularly to the Georgia Municipal Association.

  • Image of Nic Halverson

    Nic Halverson

    CEO and Co-FounderOccuspace

    Nic Halverson is the CEO and co-founder of Occuspace, a leading occupancy monitoring platform for the built environment. Launched after Nic was unable to find study space at his college library, Occuspace now provides real-time, AI-driven space utilization data to higher education, corporate, and government clients across North America and Europe. Using easy-to-install monitoring technology that guarantees complete privacy, clients get advanced insights for improving efficiency, cutting costs, and enhancing visitor experiences. Providing strong ROI, Occuspace already measures more than 40 million square feet of building space.

     

  • Image of Elliot Felix

    Elliot Felix

    PartnerBuro Happold

    Elliot Felix is a student success author, speaker, and consultant who has worked with over 100 colleges and universities to improve how students live, learn, and connect. With a background in design, he helps institutions enhance their spaces, services, and technology—impacting more than a million students. Felix founded brightspot in 2011, which was acquired by Buro Happold in 2020, where he now leads the higher ed advisory practice. His work has been featured in Fast Company, Forbes, and The Chronicle of Higher Education. His latest book, The Connected College, arrives in summer 2025.

All Choice webinars offer Zoom’s auto-generated AI captioning. If you have any questions, please contact: scofer@ala.org.

This webinar will be recorded. All registrants should receive a follow-up email with a link to the recording. Webinar recordings are also available on Choice’s YouTube channel.

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