Students reimagine library

The Reimagine the Library initiative began more than two and a half years ago with an empty floor plan and some dry erase boards so students could draw and contribute ideas to the first floor remodel of the Sterling C. Evans Library.

Students were on the minds of those involved in the remodel. Student involvement in the project ranged from drawing the floor plans to testing furniture.

"This is my first project that collected that much data from students," said facilities coordinator Jim Smith.

Students requested designated rooms, such as a Quiet Zone and an area devoted to group study. Students rejected an idea that would have added video gaming into the library atmosphere.

The plan includes a makeover-like project of the first floor and new carpeting in parts of Evans. The projects include a coffee shop in West Campus Library, which will serve its first cup by the end of February. The first floor remodel will be completed by fall 2010.

Dennis Clark, head of public and research services said the first floor renovation has been designed around the new age of studying and learning.

"We analyzed the Barnes and Noble effect as they have re-envisioned the idea of a book as a social experience and looked to create a space with comfortable furnishings and an overall more restful area," Clark said.

Hoping to create an area that provides a more collaborative workspace that is more current with the applied learning pattern that students are utilizing today, additions to the first floor of the library include larger workstations with Open Access Lab computers and large spaces for group projects.

With a decrease in 95 percent of the displayed reference books, space will be available for 25 percent more seats and add 25 percent more computers, part of the initiative to update the space with more technology and power.

A café-style area connected to Poor Yorick's Coffee House and another study area similarly designed in the back of the first floor are still to come, expected to be completed by next fall.

The first phase of the remodel was finished over winter break and is open to students. It includes the designated Quiet Zone in the back of the first floor with circular seating featuring a "non-library white" color scheme that provides a calmer environment.

"It seems more spacious and a more relaxing environment that is more conducive to studying," said sophomore chemistry major Kelly Kilfoyle.

Space redesign Two entrance and exit points at Poor Yorick's Natural tones Live plants and large windows Couches, booths, aluminum stools Laptop hookups Tablet chairs