| << Front page | News | October 5, 2007 |
College Dedicates Library�s New Academic Commons
Students past and present enjoyed a gourmet buffet and bar as they listened to remarks from faculty, students and others, including
Oberlin President Marvin Krislov, as part of the dedication for Mudd�s new Academic Commons on Friday, Sept. 28.
�My impression is that the Commons was received extremely well by the donors and alumni,� said Hispanic Studies Professor and Chair of the General Faculty Library Committee Sebastiaan Faber.
�The people I talked to loved the new, open look of the workstation area and the design and social purpose of the caf�. Most alumni have a special relationship with Mudd, and they like what we are doing to make sure that future students can also have such a relationship with the building,� he said.
Director of Libraries Ray English agreed: �Many members of the Alumni Council were at the dedication and the big reception afterward. The feedback that I got was all very enthusiastic.�
However, when asked how she liked the Academic Commons, Alicia Jacobs, OC �77, hesitated before saying, �It�s okay.� She explained that the on-campus caf� in her time was �more friendly and artsy.�
Both English and Faber spoke of plans for the future inspired by student suggestions.
Faber sees the Commons as �a space that could also serve for book presentations, open mic poetry readings and the like. There�s also the possibility of small ensembles playing in the caf�. As far as wall decoration is concerned, I understand that Ray [English] and Alan [Boyd, associate director of the library] are brainstorming about different art exhibit possibilities, either rotating or permanent.�
Faber would also like to work on the Commons� operating hours, which he describes as �not ideal,� as well as its lighting and ambiance, and installing feedback mechanisms, such as surveys and suggestion boxes.
�There�s a lot that I�d like to see us do,� said English, �including additions to the caf� like plants and artwork, publicizing better what�s available and improving learning support services. We�ll be working on all of that and would welcome student input.�
He noted two student suggestions he�s already put into effect: the acquisition of more lounge furniture and a clock. Now students sipping latt�s in Azariah�s will have no excuse for missing that pesky chemistry class.
Oberlin President Marvin Krislov, as part of the dedication for Mudd�s new Academic Commons on Friday, Sept. 28.
�My impression is that the Commons was received extremely well by the donors and alumni,� said Hispanic Studies Professor and Chair of the General Faculty Library Committee Sebastiaan Faber.
�The people I talked to loved the new, open look of the workstation area and the design and social purpose of the caf�. Most alumni have a special relationship with Mudd, and they like what we are doing to make sure that future students can also have such a relationship with the building,� he said.
Director of Libraries Ray English agreed: �Many members of the Alumni Council were at the dedication and the big reception afterward. The feedback that I got was all very enthusiastic.�
However, when asked how she liked the Academic Commons, Alicia Jacobs, OC �77, hesitated before saying, �It�s okay.� She explained that the on-campus caf� in her time was �more friendly and artsy.�
Both English and Faber spoke of plans for the future inspired by student suggestions.
Faber sees the Commons as �a space that could also serve for book presentations, open mic poetry readings and the like. There�s also the possibility of small ensembles playing in the caf�. As far as wall decoration is concerned, I understand that Ray [English] and Alan [Boyd, associate director of the library] are brainstorming about different art exhibit possibilities, either rotating or permanent.�
Faber would also like to work on the Commons� operating hours, which he describes as �not ideal,� as well as its lighting and ambiance, and installing feedback mechanisms, such as surveys and suggestion boxes.
�There�s a lot that I�d like to see us do,� said English, �including additions to the caf� like plants and artwork, publicizing better what�s available and improving learning support services. We�ll be working on all of that and would welcome student input.�
He noted two student suggestions he�s already put into effect: the acquisition of more lounge furniture and a clock. Now students sipping latt�s in Azariah�s will have no excuse for missing that pesky chemistry class.
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