By: Sierra Miller
Coming back after summer break, returning PLU students were more than a little surprised to see that their beloved library is currently going under some serious construction. If you haven’t made your way into the library yet this semester, nearly half of the first floor is being remodeled.
Accorded to Francesca Rasmus, the Library Director since 2006, construction began in August as soon as the funds pulled through, and is projected to finish around J-Term. The project has long been in the works though. Director Rasmus recalled surveying students as far back as 2009 to what sort of improvements they’d like to see in the campus library. One of the most requested improvements was more natural light – which the staff plan to provide.
“The new space will be organized to make the most use out of the windows. We’re putting the study areas right next to them,” Director Rasmus said.
Director Rasmus said she is excited about the easier access to academic assistance and the integrated Help and iTech desk. A new digital design center and reservable conference rooms are also in the works.
All of these additions are a part of phase two of the library construction. Phase one, which was completed last year, included the construction of the bathroom on the first floor and the new carpet and furniture by Academic Assistance. Although phase two is larger and more ambitious, they share the common goal of making the library a more comfortable learning place for the students at PLU.
“The most important thing to know is that this project is all about the students,” said head of the facilities department at PLU, Raymond Orr. “A lot of time and effort has gone into making sure that the end result is as flexible of a space as possible.”
In Academic Assistance, for example, the advising offices will be reservable for students after 5 p.m. during weekdays.
Students will also have the opportunity to become involved in the decision-making process of choosing which furniture will be included in the new space. Currently, potential fur niture and chairs are available in the library for students to test and vote on, in the event ‘Be Seated’.
Although efforts have been made to keep noise to a minimum, it is hard for some students to get work done during the construction period.
“It will be worth it when done,” said Allie VanBenschoten, Junior and student employee at iTech, “but right now, it’s a big thorn in [our] side.”
Director Rasmus apologizes for any trouble, but says that it has “encouraged students to make better use of the second and third floors and to explore the library a little more.”
The construction is set to be finished sometime before Christmas, with the finishing touches done during J-term. This is also when the furniture will likely be moved in. Construction and moving will be halted during dead and finals week, to give students the best environment to work and study.
