News 21 Nov 2006 12:19 pm
New look for the library
By Katie Alfaro
Copy Reader
Canisius has started to take steps towards renovating the Andrew L. Bouwhuis Library in proposed plans that include extended library hours and a coffee shop. The proposal is the result of student and faculty collaboration.
While such plans have yet to be approved by the College, they are contingent upon a proposal in the process of being reviewed by Canisius’ vice presidents, along with the Budget Committee and the Board of Trustees. Dr. Joel Cohen, associate vice president for Library and Information Services, said that although the plans are in the process of being reviewed, they have been extremely well received by most of the College.
The proposed renovations are a result of issues that students have brought up for years in regards to the library services offered on campus.
In a National Library Assessment survey that students answered, issues such as more study space, extended hours and greater technology were raised.
Nicholas Borth, a Sophomore senator, helped spearhead a committee to address these concerns.
The committee is part of the sophomore senator’s class project and also includes Juniors Brittany Helpard and Haley Burakowski. Borth emphasizes the importance in getting the entire student body involved.
“The sophomore senate as a whole is excited about the project. Now it’s time to get all students excited about it,” Borth said.
He continued in saying that the coffeehouse especially could be in the near future.
“It is feasible to have this coffee house open by next fall. We’re confident this is going to get done,” said Borth.
Matt Mulville, Associate Dean and Director of Resident Life, lent his support in an informational meeting in which the proposal was discussed.
“I think we’re a little behind in the coffee house. Students have been asking for this since 1999,” Mulville said.
Cannon Design, a local architect firm, designed the proposed renovations after beating out three other firms in a competition to design the new library.
Ideally, the current proposal deals with creating an Information Commons on the main floor. The plans suggest turning this floor into a service area, bringing all critical service to the main floor.
In order to accommodate this move, service areas will be condensed. Bound periodicals, especially those available online, will be stored in the basement.
Additionally, if the plans for extended hours are approved, the library will then be open 24 hours, making it easier for students to access sources at any time of the day. After midnight, the other two floors of the library will be closed, thus allowing students to congregate and utilize the main service area of the library.
“The idea is to create an active learning space for students and faculty,” Cohen said.
Along with this idea comes the implementation of a new, built-in coffee shop.
The current reference service station on the left hand side would be knocked down, and the plaster walls along the outside corridor would be replaced by glass walls and doors. Making the coffeehouse more accessible, students would be allowed to enter from both the library as well as the corridor.
The renovations proposal also offers the suggestion of building a patio outside the library in the walkway near Churchill tower.
Cohen hopes the new look will help facilitate more conversation and discussion by creating an atmosphere that will stimulate interaction amongst students and faculty.
Although the coffee franchise is yet to be determined, Chartwells will manage whatever franchise the college decides to use. Possibilities include Starbucks or Seattle’s Best, a sub-section of Starbucks.