The library is in the initial stages of evaluating print journal and reference materials on the main floor to determine what is needed, and what can be moved or discarded. This may free up space, in which case the layout will be assessed to better fit students’ needs.

“That first floor isn’t meant to be a quiet study space,” University Librarian Pam Gladis said. “We envision it as a more interactive area. But it’s hard because the journal collection in particular takes up most of that main floor.”

Before deciding what to do with a journal, data must be collected. This includes what years are available in print, how much space they take up on the shelves, what other colleges owns the journal, and which databases have the journals in full text.

The same process will be done with the reference collection.

Once it’s determined that the space can be reconfigured, student focus groups will be formed to brainstorm ideas. These would likely form next fall, provided that enough journal and reference materials can be moved.

“We want to make sure the student viewpoint is included in this because they are the ones who are going to use it,” Gladis said.

The print journal collection was previously split between two floors, but with the last major redesign in 2005, these were all moved to the main floor. As time passed and more journals were moved online, print journals were being used less.

Gladis estimates that nine times out of ten, students will use online journals over print journals.

“We’re trying to think about the space, and how students five or ten years from now will be using the library,” Gladis said.

A similar project is being done to the government documents on the third floor.

Recent additions to the library include scheduled research consultations, and added databases.

“These things are regular parts of libraries,” Gladis said. “We’re pretty excited. I want students to know that this is your library, and we want to make it work for you.”