The Library Council will help plan renovations to the second floor of Clemons Library as the space is converted into an advising center, the Council clarified Monday.
The University announced the planned renovations in early November, prompting student backlash in the form of a petition. Students have expressed concern primarily over the loss of group study spaces.
The advising center will only take up about half of the second floor of Clemons between the hours of 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. on weekdays, Librarian for Undergraduate Services Kathy Soules said. During the rest of the library’s operating hours, students are free to use the whole space.
“During the day...there’s going to be dedicated space for [advisors] to meet,” she said. “At night when staff is gone home, the whole floor opens up to the study space.”
The Library Council, which is composed of University students, will be involved in the renovations by providing a student perspective on the designs of the group study spaces, including picking out tables and other furniture.
Jackie Morrogh, co-chair of the Library Council and a fourth-year College student, said the group was approached with the plans to renovate the second floor after arrangements had been mostly finalized, and will contribute student perspective during planning.
"I think that people are very quick to get frustrated with changes but theres a lot of unused space in Clemons right now," Morrogh said.
Morrogh said the Library Council will continue to advocate for open space and long tables.
Another concern is how the construction will affect students’ studying habits. The University may control when exactly construction takes place as to not disturb students during peak studying hours.
“We can say, ‘You have to start at 6 a.m. and be done by 2 or 3 [p.m.] or something like that,’” Soules said. “When the majority of students are coming into the library, work will be done for the day and there won’t be the noise.”
The University will continually consider student feedback on how the construction and design affect study habits throughout the renovation process, Soules said.
“We are very aware that we need to be getting information out and getting feedback from students at every point of this construction project, so that is a high priority for us,” she said.
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