Big changes expected in Main Library

Last academic year, Main Library users logged on to computers a total of 609,545 times and printed 4,930,767 pages. It's safe to say demand is high for work space at the library. \nAs demand grows, so does the library with renovations underway on the new Information Commons 2 -- a compliment to the current Information Commons, which saw visits from 82 percent of undergraduate students last academic year. \nThe new Information Commons 2, or IC2, began construction in December after approval from the board of trustees. Final renovations are expected to be finished this February, including plush couches and other study luxuries for students.\n"We're trying to make the library a central work, study and collaboration place for students," Dean of University Libraries Suzanne Thorin said. "More collaborative work is going on in the classroom and we want the library to be the place where students come first."\nAnd slowly that's becoming a reality. New couches replaced old wooden desks and a functioning coffee bar has been added; the IC2 is making studying more and more comfortable and inviting for hard-working students. When finished, the IC2 will occupy nearly 9,700 square feet on the second floor of the west tower, directly above the current Information Commons. Additionally, the IC2 has 68 new workstations, which totals seating for 180, all that will overlook the grass and tree tops of the arboretum.\n"This began to provide students places to gather and study comfortably," said Eric Bartheld, IU Libraries associate director of Office of External Relations and Development. "We want to meet the needs of students in order for them to excel academically."\nBartheld said renovations have been steady on the IC2 and other portions of the library. Wednesday, 19 tables were installed outside the north and south entrances of the library and other additions were completed in the main lobby, where couches replaced the wooden desks. \nFunding for the renovations came from the IUB Libraries and University Information Technology Services. Other renovations and additional funding for the library is currently awaiting approval, Thorin said. \nThorin said students have begun to generate excitement about the new study areas. One student in particular, IUSA president senior Tyson Chastain, previewed the IC2 and future plans for the library and said students would only benefit from what's there and what's to come.\n"Being a student myself I'm really excited about the new renovations that are going on," Chastain said. "The administration is really taking the time with this to do things for students and make it right for us. (The future expected features) of the library sound amazing. It'll be a really awesome thing."\n-- Contact Senior Writer Katie Schoenbaechler at kmschoen@indiana.edu.