Renovations to the main floor study room of the Rockefeller Library are underway and slated to be done in April, according to University Librarian Harriette Hemmasi.
The goal of this renovation - which is part of a broader plan to improve the Rock - is to open up most of the first floor to students.
The space previously housed some of the library's microfilm and microfilm readers. Now, the space will be completely opened up and converted into a unstaffed student space.
The main priority is to make the space comfortable for students, Hemmasi said.
The wall facing College Street has been converted into a wall of windows looking out over downtown Providence. Three small study rooms will line this wall, making the space especially attractive for study groups, Hemmasi said.
"We know that the Rock gets a lot of use, and it is important for students to have space to study in which they feel comfortable," she said.
The space on the main floor has been walled off since before winter break. But with major construction now completed, the library is just awaiting new furniture so that the area can be officially opened.
Hemmasi, who oversaw much of the project, said she is open to suggestions on furniture from students. There will be couches, chairs, desks and lamps in the renovated area, but she is willing to make changes based on student input.
Hemmasi said she would love to see improvements in the lobby, reading room and work stations, but there are currently no set plans for future renovations.
The Friedman Study Center influenced the project, Hemmasi said, since students were able to have input to the design of the space. Hemmasi said she believes there have been no complaints from students concerning the renovations because most of the noisy construction was done during winter break.
In fact, complaints seem far from some students' minds when they hear of plans for the new study room.
"If it's going to be like the Friedman Study Center, I think it will be really cool," said Eunice Kim '11.
"I feel like most people go to the SciLi now because of that," she said. "It will be popular here too."
The project was made possible by an anonymous donation, Hemmasi said.
