SEMO's Kent Library showcases upgrades

Last year, Daniel Johnson rarely went to the library at Southeast Missouri State University. But for the past three weeks, he's been there nearly every day.

The extra library time is not just cramming before the end of the semester. Johnson is drawn to the so-called "information commons" because of recent renovations.

On Thursday, the university held an open house to showcase upgrades, which include new meeting rooms, a future multimedia center and additional computers.

"In the past it just seemed outdated, I guess. It seemed older," said Alex Schneider, a senior who was working on a PowerPoint presentation on one of the computers. He comes to the library mainly for the computers, which are faster than the one he has at home, and to avoid distractions.

The third floor of the library saw the most dramatic change from the latest renovations. Besides 100 new computers and a relocated reference section, several meeting rooms were constructed. Previously, students needing to meet with group members sat at metal tables scattered between book shelves, and the 30 computers throughout the library only allowed access to the library catalog or certain periodicals.

Now the library offers wireless Internet access, an enclosed quiet reading room and several rooms with large wooden tables to facilitate group gatherings. Equipment for a multimedia room has been ordered and is intended to be in place for the fall semester. The technology includes a PC, a 40-inch LCD screen, a wireless keyboard and mouse, two video cameras, a printer, a scanner and a digital camera. Students will eventually be able to check out laptops and cameras.

Aesthetic changes occurred as well: New carpeting was installed, walls were painted pale yellow, and accent walls sectioning off the meeting rooms were painted shades of blue. Sofas and lounge chairs are spread throughout the space.

"I usually do a lot of my work in the meeting rooms. It's definitely been a nice addition," junior Jenna Frederking said.

In the first phase of construction, completed about two years ago, a coffee shop and lounge area featuring shelves with new books and magazines and newspapers, were added to the main floor. No books were removed to make way for the meeting rooms; they were moved to the fourth floor. Work still to be completed on the third floor includes construction on a large conference room and offices for reference staff.

"This is my very favorite of every project we've had on campus the eight years I've been here. That includes the River Campus, the Alumni Center and the Aquatic Center," said provost Dr. Jane Stephens, who added that the other projects generally target a particular part of the student body. "The biggest issue we are confronted with today is information literacy."

lbavolek@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 123

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