For Future Reference

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Author: Faryn Borella

As many are probably aware, there are currently plans in motion to transform our library into what the administration deems an “academic commons.” Unfortunately, this term has never actually been defined for the student body, causing disillusionment and disinterest in the project.

Unhappy with the overall lack of definitive information, I spoke with Head Librarian Robert Kieft this past week to clarify the subject. He cited President Veitch as the initial proponent of the idea. “Jonathan Veitch arrived in the summer of 2009, and one of the first things he articulated about campus was wanting to redevelop this whole building into something that was a more coherent set of offerings in terms of student support services and faculty support services,” Kieft said.

So what exactly is the plan for this completely revamped academic commons? Well, the college’s overall goal is to offer a wider array of student services and programs that focus on the necessity of incorporating technology into our everyday academic ventures. An architectural firm has been hired to work in cooperation with our own academic commons task force, made up of students, faculty and staff.

The project remains in the very early stages of development, and therefore all ideas are still being considered. As Kieft put it, “All of these plans are open to a lot of revision.” The current proposition is to renovate the new wing of the library, redecorate it and create a space that is much more user-friendly. In addition to the new services, more student work spaces will be created, along with public spaces that can house guest speakers, small performances, art exhibits and other campus events.

So what are my hopes for the new library? Well, to start, the atmosphere created should foster the scholarly attitude that Oxy students should have. Sometimes it seems as if attending Occidental is more like being on vacation than being at college. Something about the weather and the beauty of the campus trick my mind into believing that I am not actually at an academic institution for higher learning as much as I am at summer camp in paradise.

So let’s make the library a true collegiate gathering center on campus, maybe even by simply making the entire library better resemble the old wing. Beauty shouldn’t matter – certain environments can either enhance or diminish one’s thirst for knowledge, and we should all be striving for enhancement.

Secondly, more services should be offered that provide for intellectual discourse. Discussion is not only the best way to gain knowledge, but it is also the best way to keep one interested in what one is learning. Therefore, the library should be split into sections based on subject, such as “philosophy” or “sociology.”

In addition, a back porch ought to be built. This is a novel idea that (as of yet) hasn’t been proposed to the task force. The porch would give students the best of both worlds: a place to enjoy the weather while still remaining in an academic environment. In addition, it would be far removed from the hubbub that occurs on the front porch, allowing students to really concentrate on their studies.

Finally, the library should house its own coffee shop as a venue for students to recharge and unwind. Students spending long hours in the library don’t want to have to walk all the way to the Green Bean to grab a coffee. Instead, students could simply go to the library coffee shop, grab a quick drink and take a little time to relax.

These ideas are just some of those floating around the campus, and, as students, we are entitled to have opinions on the subject. Fortunately, the administration is “asking for quite a bit of student input.” So students, have your voices heard! This is your library, and you deserve to have a say in what the end result should be. E-mail the library or the administration. Just do something! In order to have a say in our campus, we need to take the initiative ourselves!

Faryn Borella is an undeclared first-year. She can be reached at borella@oxy.edu.

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