Student involvement in planning for the library renovation is helping to shape changes to the library space.
In early 2018, the McGoogan Library of Medicine surveyed UNMC students about the upcoming library renovation. The survey was created in cooperation with the architectural firm HDR, and consisted of questions about the physical space and the needs and preferences of students. HDR also hosted in-person sessions for students to provide further input.
Of 153 survey responses, the majority of students indicated that they come to the library to study. The prevailing theme from the survey data was a desire for closed individual spaces for study, rather than open group spaces. Students prefer to study in a single-user space (67 percent) and in smaller rooms (58 percent), rather than in large open spaces. Study rooms were preferred over study carrels, and most respondents preferred the use of frosted glass over clear glass.
Throughout campus, there are opportunities for students to study in larger rooms and areas; however, as noted in the survey results, the larger rooms are more conducive to group study. Students spend a great deal of time studying alone, with a need for silence and minimal distraction. To accommodate individual study needs, the library plans to increase the number of individual study rooms available for reservation and incorporate sound-reduction building elements and frosted glass for privacy.
Other survey questions focused on the study environment: whiteboards, technology usage and seating. Among the responses received through the survey, as well as during the student discussion session, students preferred using whiteboards (77 percent) versus other types of technology, such as smartboards or monitors. Students noted the need to write, draw and create diagrams to help them learn and study and a preference for wall-sized whiteboards.
Other study environment preferences include chairs without trays or attached tables (59 percent), and space to spread out, with functional areas for their books and laptops.
Better lighting (including natural light) and increased accessibility of the library also emerged as major themes. In the renovated library, removal of some exterior concrete plates on Wittson Hall’s upper floors (six through eight) will allow natural light to enter the building. The library also will offer 24/7 access after the renovation is complete. UNMC users will be able to access the library by using ID badge readers after 5 p.m. and during weekends.
The items above are only a few of the topics explored with students. Feedback on other topics, such as the preference for healthy food options, or social media notifications, was reviewed and will be revisited as work continues to improve the library’s space and service to students. Students will continue to have a voice in the library renovation throughout the design process. Further updates are forthcoming.