Study spots in the Dugan Library just got a little sweeter.
Brand new furniture pieces were delivered, assembled and are now ready for student use on the first floor of the Dugan Library.
The new furniture pieces include a stylish set of chairs and table nestled and concealed in a gray booth, two rounded gray chairs complete with USB ports and outlets, as well as four adjustable study tables.
A helpful investment
Jeanette Parker, reference and instruction librarian, said that she and Steve Hamersky, director of library services, were excited to put the South Central Kansas Library System’s grant dollars to good use.
“Each year we receive an amount of money through the grant that we can then use to enhance the space for students,” Parker explained.
Over the years, the grant has paid for items such as laptops, a poster printer, scanner, charging stations, tables and even cozy egg-shaped chairs. This year the library team purchased industrial-grade furniture through SOPA Inc. that is “made to last over years of regular use, wear and tear,” Parker said.
“Our goal is to have furniture that appeals to students,” Parker said. “Before we made our purchases, we read research studies that students tend to like chairs with higher backs for more privacy and shelter, so I’m curious to see how well the new furniture is used.”
The team also considered factors like fabric choices and tried to tie in colors from the already-established library spaces.
“The good thing is we aren’t limited to a certain color palette because there are lots of different colors in the carpet,” Parker said with a smile.
Cozying up to the new furniture
Senior Michelle Tong was happily surprised to see new furniture in the Dugan Library. When it became apparent that the round grey chairs had USB ports, she exclaimed, “I didn’t even notice those. That’s so smart!”
As far as studying at home versus studying in the library, Parker shared some food for thought.
“As a student myself, I know it’s really easy to be distracted at home,” she said. “It’s so easy to say ‘just one episode, just one study break,’ but at the library, I find it easier to be more intentional with studies.”
She added, “We hope that the space can offer students that place where they can find the focus they need to meet their goals.”
