The general meeting for the Staff Association was held on Tuesday, May 9, 2017. On the agenda for the meeting were updates from the subcommittees: Staff Relations, Work Environment, and Arts & Entertainment. Minutes for the meeting are available on the Fondren Library wiki.
Under new business, Staff Association Executive Committee (SAEC) Chair Davian Smith discussed the proposed changes to the Staff Lounge. Several staff members have commented on the outdated furniture and a desire for a fresh, more welcoming lounge.
Proposed layout
SAEC propose to replace the dining chairs and the arm chairs in the staff lounge.
Replacement chairs
The two Herman Miller Eames sofas can be reupholstered. The SAEC also suggest replacing the wall art with large full-color photographs of campus views depicting the natural beauty and architectural details of the campus. A discussion of the quiet space which includes a bed and screen was conducted. After the meeting several concerns were raised about the removal of the bed so it has been decided to keep the bed which is frequently used by staff for breaks.
The SAEC appreciates everyone who has expressed their concerns and suggestions regarding the Staff lounge makeover. To gather input regarding the wall art, Jeff Koffler has kindly created a selection of non-Rice images. Options for the staff lounge photos are in a low resolution contact sheet here: http://library.rice.edu/sites/default/files/staff_photos/StaffLounge.pdf. We have the full resolution files for printing which show much more detail. Staff can choose their top 12 photos on this form: https://goo.gl/forms/jERZdlW6pj3WlKvE3
Any original artwork that was in the lounge will find a permanent home as there is personal significance to many of the pieces.
The SAEC’s plans are to provide a relaxing and enjoyable space for everyone to enjoy. We continue to welcome your input and suggestions to create a welcoming space.
Just my two cents, as a regular staff lounge visitor– I’m inferring the committee wants to have the artwork “match,” thus the suggested theme of Rice campus shots or (more recently) non-Rice nature shots. The former indeed seems a bit too “rah rah” for the lounge, but the latter has a very impersonal feel, at least in the images that have been presented for vote. Would it be possible to solicit directly from the staff alternative suggestions for photo themes? Maybe library-related or food-related? Do we have any staff photographers who might want to share their work? Images from the library newsletter?