The Campbell Library has been undergoing a renovation project to grow the space and improve student amenities.
After 30 years, it looks to be upgrading the building and adding items that will help students with their schoolwork.
The new facilities will feature a dedicated quiet study floor and a range of seating options and spaces, including independent carrels.
Group study spaces that students can book in advance will also be available.
The Campbell Library aims to fit the place with more tech resources, rather than just providing students with books and seating.
Elliot Brandow is the director of the Campbell Library.
“One piece of technology that we tested last year to pretty good results was a recording booth,” Brandow said. “We’re moving it into the library post renovation but we’ve gotten pretty good feedback from students about that.”
Library and campus officials are trying to make the library a more attractive place for students on campus to take advantage of. They also hope quiet spaces will make the area more welcoming and the tech will aid in advanced academic needs.
The Technology Assistance Center is going to be moving into the library from Memorial Hall, which the administration hopes will be a reliable resource for students.
Brody Schneider is the Student Government Association’s AVP for facilities.
“A lot of these spaces will really just be updated so whatever you may have been used to in the past, picture that, just more of a modern sleek version,” said Schneider.
In the process of renovating the library, students have limited access to available resources.
The Services During Renovation page breaks down renovation plans and the progress being made on each detail.
As of right now, the renovation is in the first phase, which includes floors four through six. Some of the spaces are closed and there are no books on shelves. The books are located at an off-campus site. The library staff are using that site for students to check out their books.
The planned Dreamscape Learn Center on the renovated fourth floor will open later on in the semester.
After that is done, the renovation will move to floors one through three and at that point, the library will close. Faculty offices on the fifth floor will still be accessible.
“They’re looking at wrapping up phase one right now sometime around winter break,” Schneider said. “Starting the rest of the building at the beginning of next semester.”
The university hopes that expanded tech resources will give students better opportunities to help themselves in their academic careers and personal interests.
Alexis Breining is the director of planning and design services.
“The need to create this library of the future where maybe the focus isn’t so much on books, but resources, and how we can better serve our students,” said Breining.
The process of the renovations is expected to take some time. The goal date for completion is 2026.
As for now, students can still use the library.
“The idea is that you’re going to be walking into something like an iPhone store where there is tech service everywhere,” Breining said. “If you have an issue with your laptop, your cell phone, any kind of connection issues, you’re there.”
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