Brooke Schmill
ASUW discussed extensive Coe Library space changes during its weekly meeting on Tuesday.
Associate Dean of Libraries Cass Kvenild updated the senate about the status of Coe Library.
Coe Library is in the hiring process of a new dean. Two candidates have visited the campus so far, and two more will this following week. Kvenild predicts a dean will be hired by fall semester.
“As many of you might have noticed, shelving and spacing have been moving around,” Kvenild said. “Old dusty references books are being moved out of the main space, and into… less prime real estate.”
More student study space and seating will be added by moving books and the DVDS.
Coe is working with the College of Engineering and College of Education to create a more functional, educational layout.
“We want to see what works, what students like—it’s a bit of an experiment,” Kvenild continued.
A presentation practice room is being developed. There will be equipment like a camera to record oneself and a green screen.
“Planning is still in the works for fall semester,” Kvenild said.
During the summer the study rooms will be refreshed.
“The study rooms are used heavily and frequently,” Kvenild said. “We are going to renovate them to make them more comfortable.”
There is also a mystery group of students moving tables around the library, including the large oak tables switching floors.
“If a table is missing where you like to study, tell us,” Kvenild said. “We are actively tracking them down.”
Other items addressed at the meeting include:
- Director of institutional development Tyler Julian encouraged the senate to promote use of WyoVocal.
- Director of Governmental Affairs Grant Rogers announced the Service Learning Exchange Scholarship (SLES) application is live and open on Academic Works. The website allows students to find and apply for relevant scholarships. UW requires all scholarships to be listed for convenience and accessibility.
- Rogers announced the legislative trip is February 11, 2016. “We plan and coordinate ASUW representatives to attend a full day at the Wyoming Legislature.” Rogers said.
Issues will be discussed at the states capital, such as drafted House Bill 13 (HB 13). This bill, if passed, would change the definition of public records in Wyoming to specify that student emails would not be public record.
“Currently, any attending student of UW can have their University email searched by a third party, public records request. The legislative trip this year will provide an excellent opportunity to discuss this issue with legislators and really affect change for the students of the UW.” Rogers said.
