@NMSU
Branson and Zuhl Libraries updated to benefit students' studying
Last spring an initiative was set by the New Mexico State University Library to gather data and to utilize it to plan facility changes in an effort to help students succeed more. The task force learned students wanted quiet study spaces, comfortable furniture, more electrical outlets and networking for laptop use, collaborative study spaces and more computers.
"The task force took the suggestions and worked through the spring and summer with the NMSU Facilities Planning and Construction Department, as well as Library Dean Elizabeth Titus, to oversee changes on the first floors of Zuhl and Branson Libraries.
The Branson Library's first floor now features new paint, carpeting and furniture to bring more color and warmth to the building, built in 1952. A new service desk and security gates were installed, and the lobby area was given new life with color and carpeting, making the historic Tom Lea murals more prominent. Lesser used collections of microfilms were also moved, and new collaborative computer workspaces were added.
The Zuhl Library's first floor also received new carpeting, paint and furniture, while new signs were installed throughout the building to improve way-finding. Study spaces were reconfigured to accommodate both quiet and group study, and furniture was repurposed, reupholstered and rearranged to meet the collaborative and independent study needs. Lesser-used collections were also moved in order to create more computer work spaces, more study cubicles and group learning spaces.
The library's task force will continue to assess how the new facilities are being used and whether they effectively meet student needs, and will present a description of the entire process at a national Access Services conference this November in Atlanta, Ga.
For more information contact the NMSU Library at (575) 646-7492.
Written by Bryant Million.