LibraryLinks Fall 2006
The Science Library Transformed
By Alesia McManus
The Science Library was transformed this summer to create a new information
commons space that combines public computers with comfortable and flexible
study seating. The size of the reference collection was reduced to make room
for more computer seating. The number of computers on the first floor of
the Science Library will eventually increase from the original twenty-four
to forty-six computers. All of these computers have access to a large array
of library research tools and materials as well as software applications
including word processing, spreadsheets, and graphing.
The space has new carpeting and Herman Miller furniture in tones of muted blue, green and grey. The tables have wide, curved workspaces that enable students to work collaboratively side by side. Some of the workspaces are for laptop use. The highlight of the renovation is the atrium in the center of the first floor. In addition to new carpet, furniture, and soft seating, the skylight was replaced with a beautiful new design. The glass is now UV-coated which reduces glare, temperature and humidity. In addition, the ground floor study room (G-06) has new tables, chairs and a white board.