Construction for a new design studio began on the top floor of the library for students and faculty to experience a creative and collaborative atmosphere.
Plans for the Design Studio began in September 2014 and construction is underway.
The Design Studio will be a space for students to get advice in research design, data analysis, data visualization, digital publishing, web development, data duration and digital learning.
The studio is expected to be available to students, faculty and staff by the end of January.
Dr. John Weaver, dean of library services and educational technology, said the studio will give students instruction and coaching about the experience and creative practice of digital scholarship.
“For faculty and staff, the space will also be an ‘innovation sandbox’ for testing technology that significantly advances student and faculty research through enhancement of information discovery and knowledge sharing,” Weaver said.
This new project started during winter break while students were away for the holidays.
“We’ve tried to minimize the annoyance, but the delayed start to construction resulted in more noise during the semester than we planned,” Weaver said.
However, noise still remains an issue for students.
Kate Hegi, sophomore marketing major from Fort Worth, said on a scale from 1-10 the noise in the library has reached 11.
“The other day I was in the library and they were using a power saw, hammering and vacuuming, and I stared at them for five minutes,” Hegi said. “It was annoying.”
For some student the noise sends them back to their dorm or house for studying.
“I actually saw someone get up and leave one time when they started drilling,” said Macy McAlister, sophomore health promotions major from Abilene.
The thought of more construction in the library upsets students.
“I would be extremely upset if they would continue on to the window space,” McAlister said. “That’s everyone’s favorite part.”
Plans to further furnish the third floor for student use are set for the upcoming summer.
