Maroon Opinions

College Librarians at the Commons

If you've been over to Harper recently, you might have noticed certain essential library features (like books and a circulation desk) have disappeared. Harper Library has been transformed into the Harper Memorial Library Commons, with new carpeting, desk lamps, and the "Common Knowledge" Cafe.

While the books have disappeared, the librarians have not: we in the Suggestions Office are happy to announce the College Librarians at the Commons. Staffed by our amazing colleagues in Reference, the College Librarians are present 2pm-5pm, Monday-Friday. You should come visit.

To help promote this new service, the Suggestions Office staff will be holding OFFICE HOURS on Friday October 9, concurrent with the hours of the College Librarians (2pm-5pm..remember?). For a limited time, you can register your complaints in person! 

(If that's not enough incentive to haul yourself over to Harper, we also note that the College Librarians are offering a "Soup Up Your Laptop" promotion on Friday afternoon. Free food MAY be involved.)

More lamps in Harper?

I would strongly suggest that you add more lamps to the Harper Library Commons. They are fantastic and really foster an environment where you would actually want to sit and read and study, but there aren't enough. The middle of the room is dimly-lit, and if the lamps are all taken, it isn't very inviting to newly-arrived people. Having, then, one person at a 14-person table is extremely polarizing and isolating! Having two or three lamps per table will make Harper more communal, more inviting, and really capitalize on what the aims were for this study space. I hope to see these soon!

[Obligatory Bureaucratic Note: when the Harper space was renovated in summer 2009, the Library turned the 3rd floor over to the College -- this is why the circulation desk is now a cafe. So even though the space is the Harper Memorial Library Commons, and we do have a reference librarian working there certain hours, the Commons isn't managed by the Library. Clear?]

We forwarded your comment to Michael, the Director of the Commons, who had this to say:

Thank you for your suggestion. We've been planning to add a second lamp on each of the tables in Harper. They should hopefully be installed within a week.

UPDATE: The College folks managing Harper have their own suggestions and comments form as well.