Smith Library Updates Learning Spaces
Enhancements Include Desk Bikes, White Boards, TVs and Lamps
Students who want to slip some low-key exercise into their study hour will find some help at Smith Library.
The university has installed two bike desks on the second floor. The desks have cup holders, and students can read, write, or watch their device while they crush pretend mileage, according to Andrew Kulp, interim director of university libraries and the reference and information literacy librarian.
The desks are just some of the ways the library is moving into the fall school year with improved learning
and study spaces.
Smith Library is important to the Winchester campus and hasn’t seen much change in recent years. We want to continue to be a hospitable, welcoming place where learners can connect with each other or hunker down to get things done. We’ve tried to create comfortable and adaptable spaces, based on a study of how people use the building.”
Andrew Kulp, interim director of university libraries and the reference and information literacy librarian
Other additional upgrades include:
Updates in the social study spaces
- a redefinition of some of the wide-open spaces on the main floor
- rolling whiteboards that students can use wherever they need them (markers are provided at the front desk)
- movable gallery walls to display Shenandoah or other scholarly and creative work
Updates to private study spaces
- new whiteboards in most of the study rooms
- lamps in windowless study rooms to give these small spaces a warmer tone
- three TVs in group study rooms so students can connect with Airplay for group work or a second screen
New collections and learning opportunities
- new leisure reading collections, including print books and ebooks
- new or expanded online collections to support the university’s programs
- workshops, tutorials, and online research support
Kulp said he and staff would like to hear back from students, faculty and staff about what they would like to see at Smith Library.
“We’d love to hear your feedback,” Kulp said. “Tell us what you need or want from your library.”
