Not only is it OK, but it is encouraged to talk out loud, write on the walls (selectively) and do other things that were previously considered un-library-like in the renovated first floor of Ohio Northern University’s Heterick Memorial Library.
In fact, you can even check out a smoothie along with that reference material.
“In many ways, we are breaking the rules of traditional college libraries,” said Kathleen Baril, director of ONU’s Heterick Memorial Library. “Library research on a university campus is not what it used to be, and our new library space reflects that. The focus is on best utilizing the library space to meet the needs of today’s college students.”
“For example, some college students now like to study with friends, and they indicate they actually study better with a little more noise, so the first-floor renovations have a more open look with more flexibility and collaborative spaces. There also are fewer reference books since more students do their research online,” Baril said. Changes in the University’s curriculum also have brought an increase in the number of group projects assigned and, therefore, a need for different spaces to accomplish this work.
The furnishings reflect a more student-focused approach. “We have flexible furniture of every kind, such as booths, tall tables, lounge chairs, whiteboards and modern study carrels. The old spaces were not set up for how students currently study, and we addressed that. For example, many of the previous study carrels were not large enough for both a computer laptop and textbook.”
The renovated space also includes a café with fare such as smoothies, coffee and light snacks. “Most students get hungry or thirsty in the midst of their studying” Baril explained. “When we asked students what they were looking for, smoothies were near the top of the list.” Whenever the library surveyed students in the past five years, they also asked for food and drink options in the library.
The changes were made from the students’ perspective. “We had lots of focus groups, research and talks with students,” Baril said. Several students also were members of the library’s official first-floor revitalization committee.
A focal point of the new library space, which was renovated this summer in time for fall semester, is the Oscar J. and Judith D. Mifsud Collaborative Learning Center. The center includes space and technology to allow students of various academic pursuits to work together.
Further, most of the books previously housed on the first floor have been moved to other areas of the library, and the floor has a more open spaces, increased natural light and less of an “institutional” look.
While the emphasis is on change, some things have not changed.
“This is a new vision of a college library, but it has the same goals as before: providing study spaces, providing high-quality research resources, highly qualified librarians to teach students how to find good resources and a friendly service-oriented atmosphere,” Baril said. “We still have quiet zones and many of the traditional trappings.”
The early reviews have been positive.
“It has been exciting to see upper-class students who are shocked at the new look when they have returned to campus,” Baril said.
“I think the space is inviting to students to actually meet as a group and study. The furniture provides students more space to comfortably study. The colors and lighting of the first floor make studying less daunting or perhaps more relaxing,” said Alexandra Seda, a senior electrical engineering major from Columbiana, Ala., who was part of the student advisory board for the renovation project. “The new environment feels colorful, bright and encouraging of collaborative and independent learning. The space feels light and inviting.”
Faculty members appreciate how the reconfigured space supports an active learning environment.
“Collaborative learning is becoming increasingly popular, which requires students to have well-defined roles in groups that lead to interdependence among the members,” said Heath LeBlanc, assistant professor of electrical and computer engineering. “The renovated library provides several different kinds of spaces that are conducive to collaborative learning and allow students to organize their ideas and innovate. The open space is ideal for brain-storming.”
Melissa Eddings-Mancuso, professor of art, said, “It was important to create a relaxed and casual atmosphere that translates into conversation and dialogue, and not the hushed, quiet atmosphere that previously existed. The flexible furnishings translate into flexible thinking.”
