Cook Library renovations rev up this summer
When the next phase of renovation is completed at the start of the fall semester, one of the most anticipated new spaces in the library will be available: a 50-seat, 24/7 study zone.
If you recently visited Cook Library to check out a best-selling fiction book this semester, you may have been surprised to find the leisure reading materials gone from their usual cozy corner on the main floor of the library.
Rest assured that they are not gone from the building but moved to the second floor. This is just one of the changes being put into place as Cook Library works to modernize the space within its almost 50-year-old building to better meet the needs of today’s students.
For some time, the library has wanted to make changes to give students more space for studying and collaborative work. Last summer, in order to free up much-needed floor space on the upper floors, Cook librarians reduced the collection size of materials that were in poor condition or contained outdated information. By consolidating shelving, the library was able to add additional tables and chairs throughout the fourth and fifth floors for students to work either individually or in small groups.
During the fall and spring semesters, construction teams began to create space for a consolidation of service desks on the main floor. A combined help desk will go into the former leisure reading space, providing users with assistance in checking out/returning books, requesting AV materials, and picking up reserve and interlibrary loan items in one convenient spot. Eventually, the research help desk will also be located there for even greater streamlining of user assistance.
When the next phase of renovation is completed at the start of the fall semester, one of the most anticipated new spaces in the library will be available: a 50-seat 24/7 study zone. Located on the main floor of the library, the study zone will have an enlarged Starbucks, computer workstations, and tables for collaborative work.
Dean of Libraries Dr. Deborah A. Nolan has said that the renovations are much-needed to improve spaces for students. “We want to be a hub for the learning activities of the students,” noted Dr. Nolan.