Over the summer, the campus library underwent renovations centered on creating more study spaces. The project has now concluded in time for the new academic year. To learn more about the process and motivations behind this effort, The Stute spoke with key stakeholders, including Dr. Linda Beninghove, Library Director; Justine DiNardo-Lim, Senior Director of Planning and Design from the Division of Facilities and Campus Operations; and Arthur Serra, Vice President of Finance (VPF) of the Student Government Association (SGA).
The “why” behind this initiative was explained by Dr. Beninghove, who shared that the library gathered feedback from students expressing interest in additional seating, more electrical outlets, and general furniture upgrades. Much of the furniture, along with the overall look and feel of the library, had remained unchanged since the building’s opening in 1969. As part of the upgrades, new furniture was installed on the first floor, including chairs, study carrels, computer tables, whiteboards, and large tables. The furnishings and fabrics were chosen with both a modern appeal and long-term durability in mind.
Work on the project began in February, when the SGA first reached out to library administrators. Collaboration later expanded to include the Office of the Provost and the Division of Facilities and Campus Operations, particularly DiNardo-Lim’s team. The objective was to enhance the student experience in the library and address feedback collected through library surveys. Routine meetings between all stakeholders were held to discuss student preferences, engage with furniture vendors, and make interior design decisions. Student input, facilitated by the SGA, was incorporated throughout the process.
Student responses to the renovations have been mixed. Some students appreciate the upgrades, especially the improved technology infrastructure and greater access to outlets. Through requests for student organization comments on the renovation, student Ethan Krupka stated, “Just at a first glance I can tell that there have been changes made in the furniture on the first floor, but I don’t know anything more than that, although the new furniture is nice.” Others feel differently regarding the design choices. Students Riley Huelsmann and Andrew Vallent expressed that “the furniture didn’t really match the style of the library. We feel the SGA should have chosen pieces that reflect the library’s older, classic look instead of going with a modern style. This would have helped the design feel more consistent and better suited to the building’s overall appearance.”
The most significant point of contention, however, has been the use of the Student Activity Fee (SAF) to finance the project. The SAF, which funds student organizations, was increased for the first time in years—from $230 to $275. Even after accounting for student organization budgets, a large surplus remained. Serra explains that the SGA no longer has the ability to roll over the remainder of the funds to the next year, meaning that the unused amount could not be used in the future. Working with a budget of around $250,000, the SGA was looking to finance a high-impact project, and the idea of remodeling the library furniture came to fruition. Serra notably clarified that it is not common for the SGA to finance such capital improvements and that student organizations remained the focal point of the SAF, with student organizations receiving almost $100,000 more in funding compared to the previous spring semester. While this was a student-led initiative by the SGA, there was also a difference in opinion from some members of the student body who felt that the SAF surplus could have been used toward funding other priorities.
All in all, the members involved in the initiative hope students will take advantage of the renewed facility. DiNardo-Lim also reflected on the project’s broader value: “The reimagined library design not only supports collaborative learning but also reflects a strong commitment to responsible development. By incorporating smart materials, energy-efficient systems, and flexible layouts, the space is designed to accommodate a variety of learning styles while reducing environmental impact.”
