The RFK Library has changed its environment to better help its students. However, students have mixed opinions regarding some of the changes.
The library is now designed into four zones, and these zones are ways students can gain information.
“The first zone is the active engagement zone,” said Monique Storie PhD, dean of the University Library. “This is where the students have the ability to interact with others and collaborate on different projects they may be working on.”
According to Storie, the second zone is for instructional services for large classes.
The third zone is for the library’s one-on-one interaction with patrons, where library staff teach research skills.
The last zone is the quiet study. It is located on the top floor of the library, is covered off, and has individual carols to create the sense of privacy and quiet.
Some students have voiced complaints on social media, suggesting they are not aware of the new zones.
Nathaniel Marquez, a student who tweeted his thoughts about the library said, “It shouldn’t be called a library anymore because of the environment. I wish I ran for student government and made changes to the students bothering me.”
Storie said: “They — the library — are aware that there are students who feel the noise level is louder than what is comfortable and that is why there is a designated quiet zone.”
At the beginning of the semester, Storie reached out to the Enrollment Management and Student Services dean to request assistance from the Student Government Association.
In doing so, she hopes to collaborate with SGA to figure out ways to have students help balance out different zones in the library.
Marc Bituin, SGA’s president, confirmed that Storie has reached out to SGA in terms of figuring out a solution for the concurrent problems happening in the library.
“Only until recently has she scheduled a meet with me to further discuss a solution for the library,” Bituin said.
The RFK library is now a place of learning diversity and is working on maintaining not only the expected learning zones found in an academic library, but also the quiet environment.