Plans to restructure The University of Memphis' McWherter library are moving forward.
"We are converting our library from a traditional library to a Learning Commons," said Sylverna Ford, dean of libraries.
"The goal is to enhance students' experiences by making it easier for them to take advantage of and utilize the library's resources."
The Commons introduces more computers, peripheral equipment and group workstations in clusters of five or six computers.
According to John Evans, head of the library's systems department, it would remove the "sardine can environment" found in typical computer labs.
Students would also have more access to online databases, including the Web of Knowledge. An extensive database, it will replace many of the large, multivolume indexes and cover 41 years of information on sciences, arts and humanities.
However, the current reference section would thin out, as many of the workstations would be placed in that space. Rearrangement and the potential elimination of the majority of the reference section bother some of The University's faculty and students.
"I don't like it," said Bob Masters, history-teaching assistant. "Taking the reference section to the stacks is a bad idea. It needs to be in a separate section.
"It would be better to put (the Commons) someplace else."
But the potential gains from the Commons outweigh the losses for some library users.
"The library needs more computers," said Anna Parrish, junior history major. "I also think it'd be good to work next to friends or classmates."
The introduction of a large database also drew approval from some.
"Your other option is to go through all the books in the library," said Sankha Ganguli, a summer student from Vanderbilt. "We're doing something like that at my college, too."
The Commons project plans to evolve the structure of third and fourth floors as well.
Group stations of computers, printers and projection equipment will also be placed in the study rooms. The number of computers currently on the floors will bounce from 18 to 130.
For now, the TigerLAN lab will remain the same, but it will evolve in the future. It may become a public space for presentations and exhibits, a café or a used bookstore.
Many of the details are still being ironed out, but the library is working in a huge time crunch. Fall semester will soon begin and much work needs to be done.
A primary concern is securing the library and the area surrounding it.
"There will be a lot more people there late at night," Evans said. "There must be good security, lighting and better access to the parking lots."
The importance of keeping the students and the library materials safe will prevent the library from opening more of itself to a 24-hour schedule. Although, extended hours in the rest of the building could be a possibility in the future.
"We'll have to see how many we have to chase out at midnight," Evans said.
The library will also have to ensure a minimum amount of noise in the library.
"Groups of people could get really loud, especially if they're just hanging out, not studying," said Wende Wagner, senior English major.
Distractions to students during the transition are another problem. Required construction will be pushed to breaks in classes. However, by expanding the laptop rental program, new wiring of the library will not be necessary.
Currently, 16 laptops can be checked out at the library. As part of the Commons project, 60 more will be made available.
"We hope to create a space that will be comfortably inviting to students," Ford said.
The next walk through and information meetings about the Commons are on Aug. 2 at 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. in the library.
