Students and Faculty Benefit from Recent Updates to the Architecture Library

Thanks to several recent updates, the Architecture Library boasts a new look, which includes a new circulation desk and flooring. Students, faculty and staff members say they appreciate studying, researching, and preparing assignments in the space.

Over spring break 2007, carpet tiles in muted neutral tones were installed in the stacks. New carpet was added and bright bamboo wood flooring was installed around the entrance and circulation desk where there is heavy foot traffic.

Ball State University carpenters designed and constructed the new circulation desk, which more efficiently uses the library’s space, provides more storage than the former counter, and offers a lower table-top section for easy wheelchair access. The new desk is angled to match the flow of traffic into the library and is positioned so that this important service point is more accessible to library users.

Comments from College of Architecture and Planning students and faculty have been favorable. Professor Glen Sweitzer says that the library entrance has been pleasantly brightened by the new light wood floor. He also says that the new angled counter is more user-friendly.

Professor Karen Keddy agrees. “This small renovation illustrates how a few simple changes can improve the experience of being in the space for both the library users and the library staff,” she said.

Dr. Arthur W. Hafner, Dean of University Libraries, said that improvements in the Architecture Library began in 2004 when more tables, chairs, and computer workstations were installed to facilitate access to the Architecture Library’s online resources. A year later, tall tables and stools were added to take advantage of the library’s north windows.

Some additional enhancements are expected this summer, such as changes to the ceiling lighting, upgrading of the public computers with faster and more powerful units to handle the more demanding applications used by architecture students and faculty, and completion of the carpet installation.

Architecture student Jake Keirn said, “The improvements to the [Architecture Library] over the years have been impressive.” Historic preservation graduate student, Chad Slider, who logged in many hours in the Architecture Library working on his thesis, had a similar reaction, adding, “The Architecture Library is a really pleasant place to spend time. The recent improvements … make it that much nicer.”

For more information, contact Amy E. Trendler, Ball State University Libraries’ Architecture Librarian, AETrendler@bsu.edu, (765) 285-5858.

This newsletter article first appeared in The Library Insider 5(5): 1; May 2007.