The old Olin Library had its charms: an almost museum-like quality to the mismatched Sixties furniture, generations of bathroom graffiti, a lack of study spaces that made one revel in claiming one. This semester has brought the premiere of the new Olin Library, and-even though some of the paradoxical joys of the old Olin are long gone-the University Libraries deserve praise for the redesign. Though I did plenty of grumbling about books at West Campus, that awful plywood construction wall, and the absurdity of ear plugs in a library, the inconvenience was understandable given the magnitude of the project. Indeed, the new Olin was well worth the wait.
While some students have complained that Olin looks no different on the outside, that’s really not the case: while the building still is an architectural anomaly given Washington University’s “collegiate gothic” aesthetic, the new windows, entry plaza, and roofing represent a significant improvement over the old exterior. Plus, the upcoming attention of George Washington’s statue will hopefully clear up our name’s origin.
Inside, Olin is now among the most pleasing buildings on campus. The design is consistent floor-to-floor, and a coherent “look” has been created from floor to ceiling, shelving to furniture. The additions of windows to levels 2 and 3 have considerably brightened the library, making it a pleasing place to spend an hour or two reading in between classes.
Most impressive, however, is the attention to student needs that is evident in the renovation’s results. In this regard, Olin’s renovation should serve as a model for future renovations on campus. Thoughtful elements include numerous types of seating (tables, individual carrels, plush chairs and ottomans); group study rooms; seating at computer stations; lights, power outlets and Ethernet connections on tables; copiers in well-planned spaces instead of randomly placed in lobbies. And the Arc, the new technology center, has numerous thoughtful features, from adjustable computer tables to the booths with swinging monitors that facilitate group work (the only thing that mystifies me is why the University invested in two plasma screens simply to explain that the Arc’s name comes from its curved wall). Additionally, the relocation of library services-circulation, the help-desk, ILL, etc.-to one central counter on the first floor makes understanding and navigating library resources easier. As administrators and student leaders know, ascertaining the needs and wants of students is not an easy task; the University Libraries deserve praise for seeking and incorporating sensible student feedback.
Hopefully, Olin’s renovation will not only serve to make it a nice place to be, but a place to be used: evident in the redesign are elements that should increase the use of Olin’s resources. The new signage, both directional and on the stacks, is an enormous aid in finding resources. The “new books” shelving on the first floor easily alerts students to new holdings that may meet their needs. The journals-now shelved so patrons can easily see their cover and flip through them-are more accessible. The Arc’s technology training resources are an important addition to an increasingly-wired campus. Individual offices for subject librarians should facilitate student contact with these knowledgeable stuff members. Most importantly, the relocation of the special collections unit, and the addition of classroom space within the unit, should encourage professors to take advantage of some of Olin’s unique holdings.
Now that Olin is renovated, the University Libraries should play careful attention to maintaining the facilities. Part of the problem with the old Olin, it seemed, was that everyone decided quite early that the building was weird and ugly, and treated it as such. Already, I’ve seen some troubling signs in the new Olin, especially dirty restrooms (although, since ABM left campus over break, dirty restrooms seem to be a trend across campus). As the improved conditions bring more students to Olin, the upkeep needs to match the rise in traffic: light bulbs in study carrels need to be replaced, restrooms need to be stocked and maintained, copiers need to be serviced regularly, furniture needs to be reupholstered when it wears out. Such attention-to-detail will ensure that the thorough (and costly) Olin renovations will be of long-term benefit.
Congratulations to the construction firms and the University Libraries for a great update to our campus. When Olin is rededicated in May, cybercafe in place and all books in order, all those responsible for the long-term project deserve a pat on the back and a big “thank you” from students. Keep up the good work!