So for the assignment, I chose the newly created Matheson IGT Library of the University of Nevada Reno. I graduated before its completion in 2007, so I only recently stepped foot into it. The entire operation is light years beyond the older, antiquated Getchell library that I had to use for my undergraduate work. The original library had its collection mainly in the basement levels, along with its quiet study room and a meager excuse for a media center. The new building has 5 levels (all above ground ) with floor one being entirely comprised of media rooms, video conference rooms, and a computer lab. The ascending levels house the main collection, as well as a book store and cafe on level 2. Nice perks, but what of the materials that students need for research; the journals, the academic publications, and such? Well, rather than the minisucle section that the main library housed in a tiny corner of the main floor, this branch has made a point of devoting almost half of floor two to reference and research publications. They've also vastly improved their interface for electronic reserves and revamped their search system, making it much easier to locate an article that may be lodged in one of the other smaller libraries across campus.
I'd say this has all been a vast improvement and has greatly worked to the benefit of the users on and off campus. I have to concede that the original library was musty and rather uninviting, but the new one is stellar. Oh, on top of that, a substantial part of the the third floor is devoted specficially to graduate students, ergo you have an area where all sought after resources are there for you to call dibs on. I also believe that they have intergrated one of the smaller science libraries into the main one, because several fields of study that were housed across the way in the DeLaMare Library on the south end of campus are now available in the main library. I find it advantagous to have as many resources together as possible, so bully for them.
It sounds like this new library has managed to work out a good balance between providing additional academic resources and providing extras that students enjoy (such as a café in the library). I like the idea of a graduate student area. Graduate students have such specialized needs (compared to undergrads), that I think it would be most useful for grad students to have their own area dedicated to resources they use most frequently.
ReplyDeleteIt was interesting to read this overview of the University of Nevada-Reno library as seen through the eyes of a former student. It must be a real asset to the university as well as the city. The third floor being devoted to grad students is a great idea!
ReplyDeleteMusty vs stellar--very descriptive. Improving the search system and electronic interface and devoting half a floor to reference and research are important aspects of a user-centered library as much as the coffee shop in the corner.
ReplyDeleteA couple of different aspects to the Reno Library design you describe-a book store and a level dedicated to graduate students. Both seem like really good ideas that contribute to user services. It also enhances the value of on site education. With the new higher education model it will be important to have "knowledge centers" that provide extra services for onsite students as well as the online resources that users want off campus.
ReplyDeleteTo Matthew Galli
ReplyDeleteFrom Charlie Dean
You are obviously impressed with the new Matheson IGT Library. The idea of a media center (media rooms, video conference rooms, and a computer lab) is still new for me. I remember the old language laboratories that used reel to reel tapes. I remember at one college library using slides and a tape player which would beep when it was time for you to advance to the next slide. We thought we were walking in tall cotton. I still have not experienced all the new bells and whistles here at the Houston Public Library.
Charlie