Next year's alternative study rooms finalized

By Kathryn Walters, Staff Writer -- walters14@up.edu

After much consideration, the University has finalized a list of alternative study spaces for students to use during the 14-month Wilson W. Clark Memorial Library renovation.

A committee came together to confront the issue of student study space. The committee was made up of Dean of the Library Drew Harrington, Vice President for University Operations Jim Ravelli, Vice President of Student Affairs Fr. Gerry Olinger, Associate Vice President for Student Development Fr. John Donato and several other UP deans.

"We are acknowledging that the Library serves a really important space on campus, and understanding that there are individual needs as well as community needs," Olinger said.

The list includes spaces that are already accessible, such as The Bauccio Commons and the Pilot House Lounge, but also adds new areas that will only be available next year, like Franz Hall classrooms, The Cove dining area and the Holy Cross Lounge on the third floor of Franz Hall.

"I think it is a very workable interim solution," Harrington said. "We'll have all the Library services. The only thing that we won't have is a main study space."

Due to evening and night classes in Franz Hall, only some classrooms will be available before 10 p.m. on weekdays. After classes conclude for the night, all classrooms will be available for students to study in until midnight.

"I'm a big fan of the classrooms," sophomore Hannah Robinson said. "It's a good way to use them."

The Cove dining area will be open to students. According to Harrington, after food service is finished for the day, a gate will block off the cash registers and food area, which will allow students to use the eating area for studying.

Olinger said The Cove dining area, with its many tables and chairs, is sure to provide students with a viable study space.

"Part of the use of the Library was some of that group use of table tops," Olinger said.

Sophomore Erin Cowles has doubts about the effectiveness of studying in The Cove.

"I feel like The Cove is going to be a lot louder than they want it to be," Cowles said. "I feel it will still be more social, but for people meeting with group projects, that would be best for them."

Some study spaces will feature extended hours. Shiley Hall's computer lab and computer classroom will be open until 2 a.m., in addition to the Vollum Study Center. The study center's upper floor will be designated as a "quiet" study room.

However, due to University policy, emergency phones must be installed in the Vollum Study Center before it can be open until 2 a.m., according to Gerald Gregg, assistant director of the Office of Public Safety.

"It's for enhanced safety to keep a space open during hours beyond the normal operating hours of the building," Gregg said. "It's just a precautionary thing. We don't anticipate a problem."

"It's a large building with lots of nooks and crannies, so I just think they want everyone to be safe," Harrington said.

Although students will have many options from which to choose their study areas, Olinger said it comes down to where students feel the most comfortable.

"In the end, people will make decisions about where they want to study, whether it is in the Pilot House or in their dorm room," Olinger said. "We're making an effort to identify places for people."

Robinson does not often use the Library as a study space, but said it is still an important part of the University.

"I don't study in the Library all the time, but it is a good resource to use when I need it," Robinson said. "I feel that the proposals will accommodate a lot of different study styles."

Existing study areas

-The Commons.

-Residence Hall Study Areas with 24/7 access for residents and guests.

-St. Mary's Hall

-Franz Hall Computer Lab.

-Shiley Hall Computer Lab, Room 208 with access until 2. a.m.

-Pilot House Lounge with 24/7 access.

Additional study areas

-Shiley Hall Computer Classroom, Room 206 with access until 2 a.m.

-Franz Hall classrooms, with all rooms available between 10 p.m. and midnight.

-The Cove dining area, available evenings until midnight.

-Holy Cross Lounge, Franz Hall Third Floor.

+ The additional study spaces are for the 2012-2013 year only.