On Friday, Dean of River Campus Libraries Ronald Dow held a reception to celebrate the opening of the Gleason Library. Located on the east end of Rush Rhees Library above the IT Center, the Gleason Library is being billed as a collaborative workspace for students.
Dow opened the ceremony by describing the changes that Rush Rhees Library has undergone over time. He then turned his attention to the Gleason Library, which he described as “the library for the 21st century.” He noted that anthropologist Nancy Foster was hired to study how students acted in the libraries, and this information was ultimately used in the library’s design stages.
Dow also spoke about the importance of including direct student input in the designs. Last year, students were invited to draw plans for their ideal study area, and the designers used this information to shape the final product.
“When we talked to [students], what they wanted was a space where they could work together, learn from each other,” he said. “They wanted a space where they could do that kind of work 24 hours a day, seven days a week.”
A number of these student sketches were on display during the reception. Senior Susan Barnish, whose design was among those displayed, spoke about her thought process at the event.
“I have tended to avoid studying in the library, finding spaces to be either too gloomy or too quiet,” she said. “What I wanted was something that would be useful for any purpose.”
Barnish expressed appreciation for the chance for her and other students to provide input.
“I’m delighted that we were included in this process,” she said. “We’re the ones who are going to make the most use of this space and, by including our opinions, it has really been designed to account for increasing group work among students and the increasing need for more space for students on campus.”
Dow gave examples of specific student comments that were translated into features of the library. Many students said that lighting was imperative, and Dow noted that this is reflected in both the large windows and numerous styles of lighting in the library. Another concern that was raised was that students didn’t have access to enough local and national news. This led to the creation of the “airport lounge,” an area that boasts a long, winding couch and two flat panel televisions that will show a variety of news channels.
Provost Ralph Kuncl recognized a number of individuals associated with the Gleason Foundation by giving them coffee mugs, which he said were a symbol of the modern library. Receiving mugs were Janis Gleason, a director of the foundation, Chairman Jim Gleason, President Tracy Gleason and board members Ed Atwater and Ralph Harper. Janis Gleason then spoke briefly about her impressions of the space.
“Now we can say with honesty that Rush Rhees Library has finally lived up to its physical position on campus as the hub of the University,” she said.
The Gleason Foundation donated $5 million – approximately one-third of the total cost – to the development of the east end of the library in 2002. Before that, the foundation had donated $500,000 to assist in the renovation of the Great Hall in Rush Rhees Library.
After the ceremony ended at 6 p.m. on Friday, the library officially opened for student use. The space is open at all times because there is no need for any staff to be present while it is open. The library is monitored by cameras to avoid theft.
In addition to the airport lounge, there are a number of features that are unique to the Gleason Library on River Campus. There is an enclosed 20-plus-seat theater, which can be reserved as well as used recreationally. There are four studio areas, each of which sits six to 10 people in a partially enclosed space and includes a flat panel screen that students can hook up to their computer. The north side of the library is partitioned into quieter study areas that, according to Dow, are designed to provide a calming, quiet study environment, something students had specifically requested during the feedback sessions.
The library staff has recently set up two easels at the entrance to Gleason on which students are encouraged to write what they like about the space and what still needs work. Student reaction has been positive since the opening.
“I think it’s pretty cool,” sophomore Blair Germain said. “It has just about the right amount of white noise, because I don’t like working in completely silent places. I feel awkward in Carlson making any noise whatsoever, and here I don’t feel that way at all. I just wish I could find my way around it better.”
She also noted the comfy chairs and bright colors that adorn the library.
“They make me happy when I’m studying for tests.”
Moeller is a member of the class of 2009.
