Merriam-Webster Online (http://www.m-w.com)
Main Entry: re·mod·el
Pronunciation: \rē-’mä-dəl\
Function: transitive verb
Date: 1789
: to alter the structure of : remake
Merriam-Webster Online (http://www.m-w.com/)
You told us emphatically you wanted more quiet space, better study areas away from distractions, improved access to facilities and services, new carpet and better lighting. Well, Phase I of the Law Library remodel, just completed, was designed to address all these concerns and more.
Better Use of Space
No longer need you find your way to the back stairs or the hidden elevator to access the Law Library. Simply go straight in through the beautiful windowed main entrance of the University Library and take either the elevator across from Circulation or the main stairs to the third floor.
Once on the third floor, you may walk in either direction to access all areas of the Law Library, as the Balcony is now easily accessible from either side. This means you can get to study areas more quickly and efficiently. You may also study on any floor and carry materials between the University and Law Libraries without restriction.
More, Better and Quieter Study Space
Study spaces have been broken up and moved from high traffic areas as much as possible. Carrels have been split up into small groups of 3 to 10 each to create a more secluded study environment, while the stacks have been rearranged around study areas to create physical barriers against audible and visual distractions.
The Law Library is now divided into two sides, with two functions. The Quiet, Individual Study Side on the north side contains the carrels, some comfortable seating, law periodicals and the general law collection. As the name suggests, conversation and noise producing devices are strictly limited in this area. The Conversational, Group Study Side occupies the south wing of the Law Library houses the primary U.S. and state legal source materials, and is dotted with tables ideal for individual or group study. Conversation moderate in volume and tone is permitted. More vigorous conversation should be held on the Balcony or in a Study Room.
More Study Rooms
Well, we did the best we could considering that the Law Library has no more square feet than before, but we were able nonetheless to add a seventh study room. Please see the map below for precise location.
Better Access to Librarians and Library Services
A single Service Desk, immediately at the head of the stairs and central to all study areas, now provides you with a one-stop point of access for all Law Library Services. Whether you need help using a database, finding a resource, checking out a video or getting an ILL, you can find the assistance you need at the Service Desk.
Better Lighting, Carpet and Paint
Lights and ceiling tiles have been replaced, walls and trim painted, and new carpet is everywhere, giving proper setting to the new Law Library layout.
Open Up the “Stairway to Nowhere”
Of course the ‘stairway to nowhere’ is now the heart of our beautiful main entrance. We rejoiced in the demise of the offending wall in May with a ‘Jericho Project’ wall bashing ceremony , featuring Dean Brauch and others with hardhat and sledge hammer in hand. Video of this celebration may be found at http://www.regent.edu/acad/schlaw/library/Jericho.mov.
Still More to Come: PHASE II
So with all this accomplished, what left to look forward to? Phase II, that’s what. As funding becomes available, plans are in place to further enhance the study environment in the following ways:
· Upgrade library seating with fully ergonomic models.
· Widen carrels to provide at least 50 inches width of study space, to better accommodate books and laptops.
· Create a number of individual study rooms in addition to the present group study rooms.
· Build an environmentally controlled special collections room to better protect and display the law library special collections, with a reading room to contain additional carrels and tables for study space.
