Dimond Library Looks for Student Feedback

A student pauses, noticing the easel placed in the lobby of Dimond Library. She reads the note-- “What do you like the most or least about this space?” Pen in hand and thoughtful look on her face, she begins to write.

If studying in the library within the past week, one has likely noticed the easels located throughout the space. According to Tracey Lauder, Assistant Dean for Library Administration, the easel project has many goals.

“To learn what students want in the library- how the space can be best used- what’s working, what’s not- what can be improved, what is fine the way it is—[essentially] to get feedback.”

The Library Administration is currently working with Gund Partners, an architectural firm in Cambridge on the Dimond Library Space Redesign Project. They have asked the architects for a plan that “can be implemented over time as resources allow and with minimal disruption.”

“I like the division of space—the separation of quiet and noisier areas. I dislike the lack of bathrooms,” comments student Kristy Pearce.

“I love the size of the library,” notes student Megan Yankowskas, as she pauses to write at an easel, “I can get lost in it.”

Other comments visible on the easels as of Tuesday afternoon included many requests for more couches, complaints over the low height of the coffee tables and lack of computers, and that not all students are quiet.

One amusing comment stated, “Some people like to open sodas. RUDE.” This was followed by a drawing of an angry smiley face.

Other suggestions pointed to the lack of electrical outlets and limited workspace around the computers.

Lauder states, “We hope that student feedback will help us best use the space and our limited resources to provide as much support as possible to ensure student academic success. Student suggestions are the crux to the project and will weigh heavily -- except the chocolate fountain and rain forest room suggested in the workshop.”

She stresses that the ultimate goal of the project is, “to help [students] manage their time and get the resources they need for academic success.”