Library makeover: photos, more

As reported in an earlier edition of the LOG e-news, the Cofrin Library spent the summer transforming the 3rd floor into a better learning environment for students. If you have not made your way to see it for yourself, we offer these “before and after” photos.

Cofrin Library, 3rd floor, pre-fall 2009

“In today’s ‘Google World,’ libraries are no longer the ‘gate keepers’ of information they once were,” says Paula Ganyard, library director. “But that doesn’t mean that we are no longer relevant. In fact, the opposite is true. Students are interested in flexible study areas. They want a place to study individually or as a group, and the library is just the place. The transformation of the 3rd floor gives the students a bright, inviting place to work that allows them to study in a big comfy chair with a great view, or plug in a laptop at a study carrel or get together with fellow students to work on a project. The best part of all is that it can all be done within easy reach of a librarian who can help them with any of their information needs.”

Cofrin Library, 3rd floor, fall semester 2009

How long and how many people did it take to do complete this transformation? The physical transformation took four days and about 15 library, facilities, and student staff. The entire project took about four months and over 25 people. By the amount of use the first few days this semester the hard work has paid off!

“This is only the beginning,” says Ganyard. “Watch for more exciting changes at the library.”