Subscribe to RSSRenovations at Cline Library to incorporate learning spaces, energy efficiency
By Caleb McClure
Abraham Rola and James Richman apply carpet squares to the new Mac Lab Media Studio in the Cline Library on Oct 12. (Photo by Kelli Tresgallo)
During the past semester, construction has been a normal aspect of the Cline Library during a renovation project called the Learning Spaces Project.
The project was approved spring of this past year and construction started in April. The project’s main goals are to create a new experiential classroom, more space for students and better technology, as well as enact general maintenance and fixes through the library.
So far, the first floor is nearly done. Collections have been moved to the first floor in attempts to make resources accesible for students.
“Most items that were shifted circulate where they didn’t circulate before, so it’s kind of a nice bonus for students; they can check out stuff we used to have only available in the library,” said Kathleen Schmand, Coordinator of Grants & Development and Associate University Librarian.
They have also created a 15-minute express station of computers hooked up to printers for quick printing. Five new study rooms are awaiting finishing touches in the downstairs area and new flooring has been installed.
“I love that there’s more space, and it’s much quieter,” said senior Ami Fiero. “You can choose exactly where to be now and you’re not up against people.”
Jose Guerrero, James Richman, Abraham Rola, John Richman, Noah Niemanb, and Rocky Dewane work hard to get the carpeting done in the new Mac Lab Media Studio in the Cline Library on Oct 12. (Photo by Kelli Tresgallo)
Media Services is also attempting to become more user-friendly.
“We’re going to be working on modifying the program in that space to make it more of a Mac lab environment, converting any of the PCs into Macs so it will be more student friendly,” Schmand said.
A new practice presentation studio and a viewing studio with an LCD screen will also be added.
On the second floor, a 50-60 seat experimental classroom has been added.
Many of the new renovations are geared to make the library more energy efficient.
“We’ve tried to incorporate green fixes in as many places as we can.” Schmand said. “We’re trying to do this through energy efficient computers and new flooring.”
Construction for the project will allegedly be done by the end of spring semester 2013, but the Learning Spaces Project will continue as the library staff discovers new and better ways to accommodate students.
