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Case Western Reserve University looks to liven up its library

Karen Farkas, The Plain Dealer By Karen Farkas, The Plain Dealer cleveland.com
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on December 27, 2010 at 3:00 AM, updated December 27, 2010 at 11:15 AM

library.jpgView full sizeThe long service desk at the Kelvin Smith Library at Case Western Reserve University makes it difficult for staffers to help students, so it will likely be changed when students propose redesigns of the first floor to make it more inviting.

CLEVELAND, Ohio --You wouldn't expect a librarian to say his workplace is too staid and silent.

But Arnold Hirshon, associate provost and university librarian at Case Western Reserve University, says the Kelvin Smith Library should be more vibrant.

"We need to create more of an engaging atmosphere," he said. "It needs to be more inviting, intellectually viable and stimulating."

So Hirshon, on the job since mid-August, has undertaken a number of measures to turn the imposing structure, located next to Severance Hall, into a gathering spot for students and faculty.

A cafe , which will serve drinks and sandwiches, will open early next year in an area by the library's entrance.

And a student competition is underway to redesign the whole first floor, which currently contains study tables, individual study carrels, the service desk and seating areas. As of spring semester, a room on the second floor will be set aside for graduate students and faculty. Six study carrels for faculty will be located in the lower level.

"We are using this as a way of redefining the role of the library," Hirshon said of the redesign and pilot projects for faculty and graduate students.

While it draws student during finals and midterms and students and faculty seeking research documents, the library does not attract students working on projects or meeting with faculty, he said.

"I would like to see us as the intellectual and social center of the university and to provide more opportunities for student and faculty interaction," he said. "It should be the logical place on campus where people should meet."

On a recent morning during finals week, it was so quiet on the first floor that music could be heard from students' iPod earbuds.

Matthew Keller, 22, a senior biology major from Stow, believes the library should have more areas where students can gather and talk.

"It needs to be more welcoming and less fluorescent," he said of the first floor. "I never say, 'Let's meet at the library."

Laura Hurley, 21, a junior English major, said change is good as long as it doesn't create too much noise.

"I come here a lot," said Hurley, of Cleveland. "It's nice and quiet and a really comfortable atmosphere."

Hirshon said many quiet study areas will remain.

The three-story, 144,000 square-foot research library, built of Indiana limestone, opened in 1996. It incorporated what were at that time new technologies such as a wireless network and ethernet.

It was the first academic library to house its entire collection on compact movable shelving units. They can't be moved or removed because of the expense, Hirshon said.

Proposals for the redesign, which includes a $2,500 first prize to the winning student team, are due in March. Hirshon said informational meetings will be held in January and February. While students cannot recommend moving any walls, restrooms, elevators or compact shelves, they can suggest colors, artwork, furniture and anything else that could liven up the space.

To reach this Plain Dealer reporter: kfarkas@plaind.com, 216-999-5079
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