New study carrels enhance learning at Lewis Library

February 13, 2015

Backpack, textbooks, phone, laptop, headphones, coffee, water bottle, snacks: study-time necessities.

Space for all that? Not a problem in the Lewis Library’s spacious yet private study carrels. They’re drawing raves since their mid-January installation.

“I love it. It’s like a cubicle but larger and not claustrophobic,” said second-year medical student Rumsha Hafeez while studying for an exam.

Students “test-drove” a sample carrel last semester. Perfect – except the spiral fabric pattern was dizzy-making and had to go.

With light-colored wraparound partitions and write-board, multilevel desk surfaces, partial canopies and plenty of electrical outlets, they’re a departure from traditional table-style carrels.

“We gained a lot more seats by installing 28 of these, but it feels more private,” said Library Director Daniel Burgard, MSLIS. “And traditional carrels are still available, because some students prefer them.”

The Library’s fourth floor is a “quiet study” area available to students 24/7.

Suiting the environment to students’ needs is a tradition at the Library, where staff continually seek student input, then modify services and study/collaboration space accordingly.

“Watch the students, and you’ll see that when they arrive, first they unpack,” Burgard said. “They don’t travel light when they come to the Library.”

Preparing to study in one of the new carrels, first-year TCOM student Kyle Wentz agreed: “Look at all this desk space; I have room for everything!”