Study In Progress

Leah Harris

A grand staircase, improved lighting and a library commons are just a few of the changes revealed in February as the university opened the first and second floors of Library North and moved into the next phase of the library's $20 million renovation.

"The construction is ahead of schedule and we're very pleased," said Charlene Hurt, dean of libraries. "With the opening of the Library North entrance we will have to close the Library South entrance, so people are going to have to adjust again, but we're confident our visitors will find the difference in their environment well worth it." When the renovation project is complete, the library will have several collaborative work spaces, including approximately 55 study rooms and carrels designed for collaborative work. The Learning Commons integrates technology, writing and English as a second language (ESL) expert assistance.

The Quiet Study Room was the first of the improvements that opened for students in September on the fifth floor of Library South. The room, which was designed in response to student requests for a quiet study area, contains 52 carrels with high walls. The room also has power connections along the walls and a wireless Internet network.

The bulk of the remaining renovation work is on the top three floors of Library North and on the bridges that will connect the north and south library buildings, Hurt said. The renovations, funded by private contributions and a $35-per-semester student fee, are projected to be complete in October.