Redesigning a Comfortable Library for the Students - Research Essay

Long Island University, Brooklyn Campus - Research

Table of Contents

- Purpose of Report
- Background of Problem
- Research Methods and Results
- Conclusions and Recommendations
- Useful Resources
- Work Cited
- Appendix

Summary

According to its mission statement, one of the goals of Long Island University's Brooklyn campus library is "to maintain a welcoming environment which is safe, attractive, and reliable for library users and staff." While there is a need to ensure adequate access to book collections, online services, and on-campus research databases, there is also a need to make the library an inspiring, welcoming, and attractive place for students who wish to study there. The reality is that in order for students to study for long periods in a particular environment they need to be made comfortable. Hence, this requires a more comfortable and adaptable library furniture set.

Based on some recent surveys which were taken of students who generally use the library, it was found that students feel more comfortable to study in environments that are attractive to the eye, and that are relaxing enough that they may study with their utmost concentration. Many students claim that the library bears an outdated look and that it needs to be more innovative in order for it to be a study center for others.

It is no secret that our library needs some major renovations. The old wooden cubicles and tables, which bear the engraved or penned signatures and 'artworks' of former and present students, gives the library an unpleasant and outdated look. At a time when students are paying more than ever to finance their education, it is important that the school seek to make its atmosphere not simply inviting, but comfortable and beautiful as well (we are, by nature, attracted to beautiful things). To do this, would require the school to enhance the furniture setting of the library, making it more appealing to the eyes. This report will first highlight the condition of L.I.U.'s library as it stands today, and then the need for renovating it. It will lastly include a few useful resources (websites).

Background to Library Problem

Comfortablility is a necessary factor to consider in terms of understanding why enough students are not taking advantage of one of the most important and useful academic centers of the school. While the library provides a variety of computing and research tools to assist students on campus, it does not seem to provide a comfort zone for students who simply wish to use the library to do their homework in. At Long Island University, it is a common thing to find students studying outside of the library. Often you will find them studying in empty classrooms, in the main lobby of the Health Science building, Quizznos, or even on the sofas out in the hallways. One contributor for students choosing to study outside the library rather than inside is the discomfort of physical space and design. After a long day of classes, most students would like to 'crash' in a quiet and comfy library.

Problem

The problem with Long Island University's library is that it does not offer the option of studying in a comfy and spacious area. Moreover, since the library seems to be clustered with cubicles and tables it does not provide the privacy that students need for quiet study. While arrangements should not be made to accommodate the likes and dislikes of individual students, "to maximize patrons' comfort... a variety of seating including tables, carrels, and lounge seating, depending on the library's purpose" should be made. Having a variety of tables and chairs, uniquely arranged to provide space where needed, in addition to the colors and quality of the furniture, will help to make the library an inviting place for students.

Analysis

One thing that is noticeably different between Long Island University's Brooklyn campus library and other libraries, namely Brooklyn College, is the lack of accessibility to laptop workplaces. Although some of the L.I.U's library cubicles feature plug-ins for which one may plug in their laptop, most of them do not work. Investing in carrels equipped with proper electrical and internet wiring would give students the comfortability and space that they need while doing independent study or research. The unique thing about carrels is that they provide larger work places than most cubicles. On my last visit to Brooklyn College's library, I noticed that carrels were set alongside the walls of the 2nd and 3rd floors of the library, leaving easy access to the book shelves which were placed in the back. The carrels were used for independent studies while the tables were used for both independent and group studies. In addition to the placements of tables, chairs, and carrels, I noticed that the polished wooden tables and chairs were nicely matched with the beige colored walls. Furthermore, the burgundy couches situated throughout the library matched well with the burgundy carpet. The polished wooden furniture in contrast to the burgundy couches and white walls, seem to give the library a very vibrant and modern look. Hence, simply investing in carrels, and new tables and chairs, is not the key to an attractive and comfortable library. The new library furniture has to be vibrant in color, modern in look, and comfy. My research points out that students favor a library consisting not simply of a variety of academic resources, but one that has "comfortable chairs and couches, large study tables and more color and design of furniture to add to the look of the library." A sense of the problem which L.I.U's library faces can be better understood through my research.

Research Methods and Results

While my research is heavily based on the opinions of students, it is important to remember that students make up the core of the school. If the school fails to serve the students as it has promised it loses its reputation as a school that cares about and supports each and every member.

In order to gather information for this research, I took pictures of L.I.U's Brooklyn Campus library and that of Brooklyn College (to see pictures, refer to the last page). These pictures helped to illustrate the difference between both school, but mainly the work that L.I.U needs to do in order to have a library that is attractive to students. In addition, I also took both formal and informal surveys of students who generally use the library. I began the survey with general questions about the library, mainly questions which referred to the overall function of the library as a whole (these questions can be found in the appendix). My questions then became more specific, focusing on the aesthetics of the library, and comfortability.

The following are statements taken from three students concerning L.I.U's library:

Aggee Moncher, a third year student at Long Island University, described the furniture setting of the library as being "not attractive at all. I think they [the furniture] definitely need to be replaced. They're old, and sometimes you find bugs on them, says Moncher."

Stephanie Isidore, a fourth year student, agreed that the library needed to be improved in certain areas. "About the couches, I can say that they have too much gunk and bacteria. It doesn't feel comfortable...After 3 hrs of class it would be nice to sit on some comfortable couches," says Isidore.

Another student, Collete, a second year student, stated that while she often uses the library she wished that it could be "upgraded" in some way. "I do think the library would look much better if there were more colors added, and new furniture. The tables and chairs are real old and dirty... Maybe they could rearrange the tables and chairs so that things wouldn't feel so bunched up in there," says Collete.

From these statements, we see that there is a general discomfort with the way the library presently looks. Students desire and need a library with a comfortable studying atmosphere. They need a library that is inspiring, welcoming, and attractive. Therefore, renovating the library seems like something that will attract more students to the library.

Conclusion and Recommendations

Long Island University's library is no form of way obligated to accommodate to the likes and dislikes of individual students. However, as a library which has promised to maintain a safe, welcoming, and attractive environment for its users and staff, it seems only right that the library be redesigned in such a way that school members feel comfortable with it. As stated earlier, one way in which the library may enhance their furniture settings is by investing in a variety of seating including tables, carrels, and lounge seating,. Having a variety of tables and chairs, uniquely arranged to provide space where needed, in addition to the colors and quality of the furniture, will help to make the library an inviting place for students. An estimated figure for this kind of renovation would probably fall in a range from $100, 000 to $200,000. However, while the cost of renovating the library may seem relatively high, the result of taking the initiative to spend on such a cause will surely help to create a better name for the school. It will also help for students, as well as faculty/staff members, to gain more confidence and respect for their school. This problem can be realistically solved only if the campus is willing to spend money on needed resources. If the school will recognize the improvement that such a simple renovation of the library might have on students, then they will also be able to see how the renovation of the library might help promote the school for its dedication to higher learning. I have listed on the following page a few websites of library furniture sets at reasonably low prices.

I look forward to your approval so that we may proceed to solve this problem.

Works Cited

Mohanty, Suchi. "Physical Comfort in Library Study Environments: Observations in Three Undergraduate Settings."

Wang, I. "Vision Statement: Mission Statement."

Appendix (copy of survey)

Research Questions:

- What can L.I.U do to better improve their library?

- If there was one thing that you would like to see updated in the library, what would it be?

- What affect does the library's setting (or look) have on you wanting to study there? Do you think that other students feel the same?

- What affect will a change in the library's appeal have on students wishing to study on campus rather than at some other location?
How will this change help to promote L.I.U in a better/positive light?

- Do you feel like L.I.U would make a wise financial move in improving the aesthetic features of the library? What affect would a renovation of the library have on students?

- What do you think about L.I.U's library furniture setting? Do you find them comfortable? Does it feel/look outdated?

- Would adding color to the library's furniture set give the library a more inviting, attractive, and modern look?

- What observations have you made between the library furniture set at L.I.U and other libraries?