Texas A&M University’s Sterling C. Evans Library has recently undergone a renovation.
The redesigned space is meant to take advantage of the natural light and open spaces and to set up cafe like seating areas throughout and more collaborative study areas.
Photo: Jud Haggard Photography
Another need was more electrical outlets for laptops and mobile phones which are also included in this upgrade.
The Sterling C. Evans Library and Library Annex has come further into the modern age by offering the following services:
Wireless internet access for laptop users and laptop computer available for checkout at circulation desk for in library use
Group study room reservations with on call pagers at circulation desk
Map and GIS Collections and Services with maps for check out, travel books and GIS services
Media and Reserves with access to movies, CDs, multimedia equipment and a presentation practice room.
Of particular interest are the new custom-designed research consultation workstations adjacent to the service desk to accommodate collaboration between librarians and users.
They have also established what they refer to as Community Living Rooms, welcoming spaces for users to relax while in the library.
I love the pictures! These look like great renovations. Lack of outlets is a common complaint among patrons during the busy times at UTA and something our library has been looking at improving. The use of natural lighting is wonderful; it’s always eerie to study in a place that feels like a dungeon. This makes the library look much more inviting. The consultation workstations seem very interesting and a great way to make service feel more personable. I need to visit this library the next time I’m in College Station!
ReplyDeleteI'm glad they thought of the outlets! When an area becomes full of people working and studying on laptops it can be difficult to find a free one. I love the circular seating area. It makes me think of a bunch of people coming together to create something wonderful out of all of their different ideas. It's a good metaphor for the library.
ReplyDelete- Alexis Reusser
What a great idea - a presentation practice room. I remember going up and down the halls back in my undergrad days looking for an empty classroom to practice in.
ReplyDeleteLove it! It seems that wireless access and comfortable seating with plenty of outlets are now become a requirement for renovations or new buildings. The presentation practice room is a great idea.
ReplyDeleteI was pleased to see the Stering C. Evans Library renovations complete with more electrical outlets, wireless access, comfortable seating, and group study rooms with pagers. Baylor University is in the process of updating its users spaces, so parts of the Jones Library where most of the science serials are located is more or less a blank canvas until the remodeling is complete. Perhaps the Bears were inspired by the College Station library refurbishing?
ReplyDeleteOne of my classrooms only has about five outlets that can be reached by students, but the room is meant to hold those large classes, the 100 student type. It's hard to bring a laptop to take notes. Applying the concept to a library, I can see how frustrating something so simple and small can be, so it's great to see that addressed.
ReplyDeleteI know it's a bit random to notice this, but I absolutely adore the modern overhead lights. So much of the time libraries can make what seems like a dramatic change, just by replacing the old lighting fixtures. These lights make the whole area appear more inviting.
ReplyDeleteI am curious about the desk in the first image, is it one of the custom designed workstations? If so, it seems to be poorly designed. When the librarian is seated there, they will have their back to their users, which might result in a reluctance to disturb the librarian, and fewer librarian/student interactions.
ReplyDeleteCool stuff! That's great that they have the beepers for the study rooms, though it seems to me like they could save the cost of those and just call somebody's cell phone. I like that they have a method for circulating the rooms, though, rather than letting one group have it all day or having a group waiting but someone slip in before you can grab it.
ReplyDeleteGreat comments, everyone. Even something as basic as lights make a big difference. I was also wondering about the workstation picture and the "consultations". Maybe we need a field trip!
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