$3.7M revamping of University of Toledo library gets high marks
Computers, data easier to access
Jason Mason, in the foreground, doesn't have to hike so far to use a computer. The sophomore can find one on the first floor at the William S. Carlson Library at UT.
(
THE BLADE/JEREMY WADSWORTH
)
Ben Hoff no longer trudges up to the fourth or fifth floor of the University of Toledo's library to find a nice place to study.
These days, the chemical engineering junior walks through the new entrance to the William S. Carlson Library and quickly finds a place among the new computer stations and study areas on the spacious first floor.
"It's nice to come into the first floor, and it's right here," Mr. Hoff said. "Before it was kind of dreary, but now it's a great place to come in between classes."
Completion of the $3.7 million Information Commons project will be celebrated during a grand opening ceremony today.
Students have been using the completed facility since last month. John Gaboury, UT's dean of libraries, said he's heard a number of them say the reno-vated library is fantastic.
The university took great care in designing it for students while keeping in mind UT's mission of learning, discovery, and engagement, Mr. Gaboury said.
"It turned out better than I thought and hoped," he said.
The brick hallway leading into the library is gone, replaced with an open area with high cafe-style tables, lounge chairs, and a circular reference desk.
"If you're walking to class, you can stop and get reference information," Mr. Gaboury said.
About 10,000 students a week pass through that hallway in the heart of the main campus. The reference desk is a way to reach out to them, Mr. Gaboury said.
By incorporating more electronic reference materials and moving the staff to the lower level, the first floor was opened up to become a student-centered learning space.
Instead of rows of computers like in a lab, the state-of-the art machines are circled around the support columns. About 130 computers and 100 wireless laptops are available for students.
The large Rand McNally geo-physical globe that once stood prominently near the circulation desk was moved to the third floor with the map collections. Library staff "moved the world" by carrying each of the 160-pound hemispheres up the stairs because the 75-inch diameter globe was too large to fit in the elevators.
At the back of the library's first floor is a student-run technology help desk. Students also can get lessons from librarians in information literacy.
It's a good thing students like Mr. Hoff are using the renovated library - they're paying for it.
Students were interested in a renovation, and when the university went to the student government and proposed students put money toward it, representatives agreed.
Starting this semester, students are charged a student facilities fee of 90 cents per credit hour. For a full-time student, that's $20.60 an academic year.
The university put up the funds and will be repaid the project's cost by the fees.
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