{"id":807,"date":"2017-11-20T20:10:03","date_gmt":"2017-11-20T20:10:03","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/blog.siuf.org\/?p=807"},"modified":"2017-11-17T20:11:27","modified_gmt":"2017-11-17T20:11:27","slug":"library-improvements-would-benefit-recruitment-retention","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.siuf.org\/?p=807","title":{"rendered":"Library improvements would benefit recruitment, retention"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"SIU<\/p>\n

By Jeff Wilson<\/p>\n

Morris Library is a bastion of SIU\u2019s campus.<\/p>\n

For students, its value is obvious, but it\u2019s much more than just a library. In fact, the word \u201clibrary\u201d doesn\u2019t mean what it once did.<\/p>\n

The library is much more than just books \u2013 although there are more than three million of those. Students are looking for high-end technology, spaces to gather and study and opportunities to enrich their experience.<\/p>\n

After undergoing major construction about a decade ago, the building accommodates more students and has more things to offer. Still, it lacks some of the upgrades and details students are seeking.<\/p>\n

\u201cThey redid the building, and they did a fantastic job,\u201d Karen Wolf, Morris Library events coordinator, said. \u201cBut there are many other important things the library needs to better accommodate students.\u201d<\/p>\n

A robust library is a selling point for potential students. While many see all the great things Morris Library has to offer, it\u2019s also clear some areas need to be upgraded, refurbished or repaired.<\/p>\n

There is a major need for new computers. After 10 years, computers are decommissioned for security purposes. Last year, the library lost 20 computers and will lose at least 40 this year.<\/p>\n

Computers are missing in areas on the first, third and fifth floors. All of the empty spots are outfitted with power and Ethernet. Furthermore, the library hopes to offer the full complement of Adobe creative programs on at least four computers on the first floor.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis software would give students from many colleges, with many majors the ability to work with this important creative software in a centralized location on campus,\u201d Wolf said.<\/p>\n

There is also hope to add touchscreen monitors at the library\u2019s entrances. These monitors would share information about library and campus events.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe library is one of the most frequently visited buildings on campus,\u201d Wolf said. \u201cThese touchscreen monitors would be helpful for people looking for the location of an event or more information on where to look for information that they may need.\u201d<\/p>\n

There are also specific areas in need of upgrades. Room 174, which needs to be reconfigured with front-facing tables to accommodate its many users, is one such area.<\/p>\n

\u201cStudents and instructors would both benefit from this project, as this is the largest computer lab we have in the building that is open for instructor use throughout the semester,\u201d Wolf said.<\/p>\n

The library also offers two living room-style study spaces, Rooms 550A and 580A.<\/p>\n

\u201cStudents use these study room extensively throughout the semester and especially during finals week to study,\u201d Wolf said. \u201cThese particular rooms offer a great place for group work and study sessions.\u201d<\/p>\n

Unfortunately, the furniture is worn and tearing from so much use, and the walls need to be painted.<\/p>\n

The list of needs goes on:<\/p>\n