The Fondren Library Ambassadors wrapped up the year with a final meeting in April. Several student ambassadors will be continuing for 2017-2018:
*Meghana Gaur (Lovett), Rakesh Vijayakumar (Brown), Kseniya Anishchenko (Sid Rich), Reagan Hahn (Will Rice), and Anirudh Kunaparaju (Jones). The Fondren Library Ambassador facilitators, Debra Kolah, Norie Guthrie and Amanda Thomas, are actively recruiting for students that can represent the remaining colleges: Weiss, Martell, Duncan, McMurtry, Hanzen, and the Graduate Student Association.
This past year the students helped to market and promote multiple events, including study breaks, pet therapy, the research awards, and Fondren 101. One big project for the year involved compiling a photo diary–students were given 20 prompts, and asked to photograph areas in the library that answered the prompt. (Your favorite place to study in Fondren Library. A place in the library where you feel lost. Where you go in the library to ask questions?) The UX Office will present the photo diaries for interested library staff in mid-June in the Collaboration space.
Another important Ambassador project was getting student input into how some of the KRTU funds could be spent. When KTRU was sold, an endowment was set up for the following purpose “To support student-centered improvements in Fondren Library as determined by the University Librarian.” In the past, the fund was used to supplement technology in the study rooms, purchase the portable charging stations, and purchase lounge furniture on the 4th floor. The students had a spreadsheet that they contributed ideas to all year, and they solicited feedback from students across campus. They were encouraged to identify needs which included: collections support, furniture, or technology.
A report was prepared and presented to Sara in April, and after discussions of feasibility, the following improvements will be made over the summer:
The area outside of Room 156 will be made into a casual, beverage allowed area, with improved lighting and innovative seating/furniture that includes standing tables.
(First floor area outside of Room 156 will be improved this summer, with new seating, lamps, and standing desks.)
4th floor cubicle areas will be repainted and improved with new seating and cafe-style tables.
Attention will be given to the 4th floor study cubicles along the West side of the building, especially paint, electrical improvements, new chairs, and cafe style seating.
Improved access and more office supplies near printers on the first floor, in the basement, and at the Access Services desk, including: staplers, paper cutters, paper.
More rolling white boards will be purchased.
Ambassadors suggested a few different variations on the theme of standing/active desks. It is clear that Rice students are interested in staying active and healthy while they study, and would like their furniture in the library to reflect that need. Specific items requested include: standing desks, stationary bike desks, cycling chairs, and treadmill desks.
We will experiment with having a few computer monitors that allow for a laptop to be plugged in directly.
A subscription to the New York Times online will be acquired.
A full-length white board wall will be provided in several study rooms.
Additionally, we are exploring ways to accommodate longer borrowing times for lockers; increased signage (inside and outside the library); providing color printing in the library; new window film/coverings for the study carrels, increased access to several computer programs, including MATLAB; and better options in the vending machine.
A special thank you to Sara Lowman for her support of the Library Ambassadors, and to Jeff Koffler for the design work that will improve the spaces identified by the students.